Samsung has added another interesting option to its lineup with the all-new Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos, and on paper it looks like a device that wants to be your daily driver. Announced in 2014, August. Released 2014, August, it arrives at a time when the competition is as tight as ever.
Design & Display
On the front you get a 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm 2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) panel, pushing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density), and in real-world use it looks bright, crisp and easy on the eyes. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel with its design, but it does look the part. You can pick it up in a few finishes, including Charcoal Black.
Performance & Software
The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos focuses on the essentials rather than chasing raw benchmark numbers. It runs Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI out of the box, so the software experience feels current.
Camera
On the camera side, the Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos is led by a 8 MP main sensor. Expect solid detail in good light, with the usual softness creeping in once the sun goes down.
Battery
There is a Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable battery inside. With moderate use you can expect to end the day with charge to spare.
Our Opinion
After spending time with the spec sheet and what Samsung is promising, here is where we land. This is a phone that does not try to be the flashiest option on the shelf, and honestly that works in its favour. It gets the basics right, offering 5G connectivity, a dependable main camera, a crisp display, which is exactly what most buyers are really after. If your priority is a phone that just works, day in and day out, then this one deserves a spot on your shortlist. Is it perfect? No phone is, and you will always find a sharper camera or a faster chip somewhere else for a little more money. But taken as a whole, the Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos is a sensible, well-judged choice that should keep most users happy for a good while. If you have used this device or are planning to pick one up, do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
