Updated: Samsung launches small yet suave Galaxy S5 Mini

Update: Contrary to the previous, highly warped information gained, Samsung has today launched the Galaxy S5 Mini, stunning leakers across the realm.

The phone looks exactly like it’s big brother, albeit slightly smaller. The specifications stated previously in the article also remain true. Reasoning for the variant’s launch has been explained, thanks to JK Shin, CEO and head of Samsung IT & Mobile.

“We always strive to develop devices that appeal to a range of consumer tastes and styles. […] The Galaxy S5 mini allows consumers to enjoy the iconic design and essential and useful features of the Galaxy S5 through a maximized minimalism approach.”

The minimalistic S5 will be offered in a bevy of four colours, namely “Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold.” Russian consumers will be first to sample the device before plans are made to ship it to additional markets. There is no word, as yet, of pricing.

The Galaxy S5 comes in such a vast variety that one would do well to name them all. But SamMobile has now unearthed a release date for yet another variant of Samsung’s phone — the Galaxy S5 Mini — due in mid-July.

The 4.5-inch baby brother of Samsung’s flagship best-seller has been rumoured for some time, and has been viewed in the digital flesh prior to this news, thanks to SamMobile’s countless leaks. However, there was no certainty of when users could expect the device — until now.

For those who may not have envisioned a smaller S5, aesthetically, the Mini retains the dimpled backside and Galaxy design profile, while likely fitting into the hand more snuggly. The 720p screen is also coated in Corning Gorilla Glass and wears its IP67 (dust and waterproof) badge with pride, according to Sammobile’s “anonymous tipster.”

Internally, the Snapdragon SoC is replaced with Samsung’s own and still unannounced Exynos 3470 SoC, featuring four cores running at 1.4GHz. Users also get 1.5GB RAM and 8GB storage and there’s an 8MP rear snapper and  a 1.2MP selfie camera.

Carried over from the S5 proper sees the Mini gain a fingerprint reader, heart rate monitor and a host of modes including Ultra Power Saving, Private and Kids mode. To top it all off, the Mini will include an IR blaster, NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, WiFi 802.11n and GLONASS.

The S5 Mini is no less as premium as its 5.5″ sibling, and will likely compete with the rumoured iPhone 6, 4.7″ variant. In fact, many will be drawn to the Mini variant thanks to its compact size. There’s no word on price as yet, but considering that it is more premium than its previous version, the price gap between the S5 and S5 Mini should be far less.

Images: via SamMobile