Following a tradition it has established long ago, Samsung is reported to be paving the way for a Galaxy S5 Mini. But unlike previous mini incarnations, we are quite thrilled to hear that Samsung might be giving this smaller smartphone the same IP rating as the Galaxy S5 hero flagship.
Previously, the dust and water resistant properties are usually reserved for the “Active” variants of the of a brand, something that Samsung has seemingly started with the Galaxy S4 Active. But unlike the Galaxy S 4, the Galaxy S5 itself is already quite resistant to nature’s device killers, which might make an Active variant a bit redundant. That said, it is certainly unusual, and therefore a pleasant surprise, that the manufacturer would endow the mini version the same IP67 score that makes the Galaxy S5 quite attractive.
If this turns out to be the real deal, then the Galaxy S5 might actually be facing strong competition from its smaller sibling. The specs being thrown around for the Galaxy S5 Mini aren’t all that bad, to be honest. Sure, you might have a lower set of hardware, like a 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, 4.5-inch 1280×720 resolution screen, 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.5 megapixel front shooter, and a 2,100 mAh battery. But usually this device would have a proportionally lower price tag. Add the waterproof feature to that list and you have a decent and more affordable alternative for someone who doesn’t a give a care to heart rate or fingerprint sensors.
It is not yet known how Samsung will go about waterproofing the Galaxy S5 mini. On the larger flagship, a flap protects the port at the bottom to ensure a tight cover, so Samsung might apply the same trick to the miniature model. No word yet on the official announcement, but Samsung does have a “The Next Galaxy” event coming up and it might take the opportunity to introduce the Galaxy S5 Mini to the public.
VIA: SlashGear
