In 2016, Samsung released one of the smallest devices on the smartphone market: the 4-inch Samsung Galaxy J1 mini. In addition, the J1 mini is the cheapest smartphone from the manufacturer, priced at around 80 USD at the time of writing.
This model has another name - Galaxy J1 Nxt mini, but it appears mainly in other countries. In this review, we will try to figure out what this device is.
In 2016, other devices followed, reviews of which you can find here:,,,.
Characteristics Samsung Galaxy J1 mini SM-J105H
The technical part of the smartphone is very modest by the standards of 2016.
Design
The appearance of the device is very simple, no frills. With a high probability it can be argued that the design was based on earlier budget models. There are 3 color variations available: black, white, gold. The product is made of matte plastic, the frame is made of metal, which is very pleasing and distinguishes the J 2016 series from last year. We had a gold color and the plastic had a pearlescent tint. Collapsible design, the battery can also be removed. The case is 121.6 mm high, 63.1 mm wide and 10.8 mm thick. Such a "well-fed" device, but thanks to this it lies more confidently in the hand, given the small width and height.
CPU
The device is equipped with a 4-core Spreadtrum SC8830 processor (1.2 GHz). The graphics are processed by the Mali-400 MP2 video chip. The solution is budgetary, but, in general, it is enough for work. There are no noticeable problems with the speed of work in the interface, as well as delays in the work of applications.
The smartphone can run demanding 3D games, but it is not suitable as an affordable gaming solution, due to the small screen. Demanding games like Asphalt 8 and Modern Combat 5, surprisingly, run smoothly, but at the smallest graphics settings. Even on a small screen in games, pixels are visible, straight lines have turned into a ladder.
Memory
The built-in memory is 8 GB, of which a little less than 4 GB is available to the user. This volume is enough to install common applications. Interestingly, a microSD card with a capacity of up to 128 GB can be installed in the memory card slot: as a rule, this is not yet found in state employees. This feature makes the Samsung Galaxy J1 mini an excellent candidate for MP3 player and voice recorder replacement. After all, this volume is more than enough to store a solid collection of music tracks.
But with the RAM, not everything is so fun. Its volume is only 768 MB, while the generally accepted standard in modern budget devices is 1 GB of RAM. 
Battery
The battery in this smartphone is modest: only 1500 mAh. But given the specifics of such devices, they are usually not used for games, watching movies and surfing the net. Therefore, the energy consumption is more gentle. The classic scenario for using such a smartphone is making calls, SMS, occasionally social networks, listening to music from time to time, calculator and alarm clock as needed. In this mode, he will calmly hold out for one day, perhaps up to two days. It all depends on the intensity of use.
Also, the situation is partially saved by the "Maximum energy saving mode". When activated, it automatically dims the screen backlight, optimizes running applications, and limits their access to the network in sleep mode.
Camera
The smartphone has 2 cameras, but here they are most likely for show. The main one completely lacks such basic features as autofocus and flash. As for its level in daylight, it shoots passably, but without autofocus it is very difficult to get a more or less clear picture of text. There are settings in the camera, and they are most likely for show. Having selected the "Sport" mode, the following picture was obtained on the main camera:
Click on image for full size
And below is a photo without the "Sports" mode. There is not much difference. 
Well, a shot with the main camera close up, with sufficient lighting:
The maximum video recording resolution is HD (1280 x 720), it is recorded at a frequency of 30 frames / s.
The 0.3MP front camera is even worse, but it will do for video calls.
Will take a photo on the front camera: 
Display
The diagonal of the display is only 4 inches. Recently, this is a great rarity, and buyers may and would like to purchase a modern compact device for calls and work, but the choice is small. With a modest diagonal, the resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, but this device does not need more. The pixel density is 240 ppi, which is very low. Individual pixels can be seen. if you look closely.
The display itself is the most budgetary one and is made using TFT technology. The viewing angles are small, so if you look not at a right angle, but at least slightly tilt to the side, the colors will darken a lot.
The reserve of brightness is enough for comfortable use indoors, as well as in places where direct sunlight does not fall.
Network communications
The smartphone is two-SIM, both slots are designed for Micro-SIM cards. One SIM can work in 2G networks, the second in 3G. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are present, the device can be used as a pocket portable access point. Navigation is provided by GPS and GLONASS support.
The manufacturer saved on the proximity sensor, but there is a software solution that locks the screen when you call (the screen stays on when you call). To unlock the screen during a call, you need to tap on it twice. You can accidentally, with your ear or cheek, unlock and open the notification shade, turn on Bluetooth or other functions. This is in theory and according to reviews on the network, in practice it was not possible to unlock the screen with the ear.
Sound
The hole for the main audio speaker is on the back panel near the camera. The maximum volume is sufficient to hear a call in a not particularly noisy place. There are no complaints about the quality and volume of the spoken dynamics.
operating system
The OS is Android 5.1 Lollipop. The system is not overloaded with unnecessary elements, the shell is quite simple, so it does not slow down. There are no plans to upgrade to Android 6, but Android 5.1 is enough for this device, and even earlier OS versions would be enough.
Pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy J1 mini
Pros:
- compact size due to a small display;
- support for flash drives up to 128 GB;
Minuses:
- poor screen quality;
- the camera lacks flash and autofocus;
Our review Samsung Galaxy J1 mini SM-J105H
The smartphone may interest those who do not need a camera, high performance and at the same time the need for phone conversations without using a headset. Considering the cost, the Samsung Galaxy J1 mini absolutely cannot compete with other low-end devices with the same specs. Yes, it is cheaper than all other smartphones from this manufacturer, but more expensive than its competitors. So Samsung, in this device, has hope for the brand and so far for the lack of a large number of fresh compact smartphones on the market.
This device is well suited for:
- using instant messengers, if the user has small fingers and he will accurately hit the letters;
- for people who fundamentally like compact smartphones and this is the main criterion when choosing;
- for a child who has this first smartphone;
- for the music lover who is not picky about sound quality. You can install a 128 GB card on the device, which can accommodate many tracks.
It's safe to say that everything that is in this smartphone is budgetary, but it works well without any brakes.
Our video review of this smartphone:
Also you will like:
What is a good and inexpensive smartphone? Overview of three ultra-budget models
Review of the quad-core smartphone Samsung Galaxy Core Prime G360
Specifications
- Android 5.1.1
- Body colors - gold, black, white
- Display 4 inches, 480x800 pixels, TFT, no automatic brightness control
- Spreadtrum processor, 4 cores up to 1.2 GHz
- VGA front camera, 5 megapixel main camera, no autofocus
- RAM 0.75 GB, built-in memory 8 GB (4.4 GB available), microSD memory cards up to 128 GB
- Battery Li-Ion 1500 mAh, talk time up to 8 hours (3G), data transfer - 7 hours (3G), video playback up to 7 hours, music playback up to 29 hours
- microSIM, two cards, one module
- 2G / 3G
- USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 b / g / n 2.4 GHz, GPS / GLONASS
- Dimensions - 121.6x63.1x10.8 mm, weight - 123 grams
Contents of delivery
- Smartphone
- Charger with USB cable
- Warranty
Positioning
Samsung has almost completely abandoned the budget segment. Releasing the J lineup, they partially offset the lack of such devices. But in terms of price / quality ratio, these models are far from ideal, rather they are intended for those consumers who do not understand the market and at the same time want to buy a device from a major manufacturer. The fee for the brand in this case is excessive, since similar solutions from other companies cost at least 1.5-2 times less, and operator models look even more attractive. If a regular J1 uses a SuperAMOLED screen, which can become at least some distinctive feature, but is leveled by an even higher price, then there is nothing like this in the J1 Mini. This is a very, if not a very, very, budget solution for its filling and a very expensive solution based on the price. However, let's look at it carefully.
Design, dimensions, controls
The model is available in three colors - white, black and gold. Oddly enough, buyers often choose gold, apparently because of its perception by the target audience.
The dimensions of the phone are 121.6x63.1x10.8 mm, the weight is 123 grams. It is small, but a little fat, which looks unusual against the background of other models, especially since there is a small battery by modern standards. The model fits well in the hand, the build quality is excellent. These are perhaps some of the advantages of this device.
On the right side there is an on / off button, on the left side there is a volume rocker. On the top there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack, on the bottom there is a microUSB connector.
The back cover can be removed, inside is a removable battery, two slots for microSIM cards, as well as memory cards.
Display
The display is 4 inches, 480x800 pixels, TFT, there is no automatic brightness control. The screen is not very bright, it is difficult to see in the sun due to its size. This is a very budget solution, which, moreover, loses both to analogues in its price group, and to cheaper solutions. We can say that such screens are already perceived as outdated.
Battery
The Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery provides, according to the manufacturer, up to 7 hours of Internet use (3G or Wi-Fi), up to 8 hours of talk time, and up to 29 hours of music playback. In real conditions, the device works for a day under a very heavy load, ordinary consumers will receive about two full days. This is a good result, made possible by both the screen and the slower processor.
The device has a maximum energy saving mode, everything is turned off except for the main functions, the operating time increases. Considering that the screen is an ordinary TFT, this does not give any huge increase in operating time compared to a similar function in the company's flagships.
Processor, memory, performance
The device has 768 MB of RAM, which is very little, most budget solutions have 1 GB of memory. The Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset, four cores with a frequency of up to 1.2 GHz, is a super budgetary and very cheap solution. Result? None of the synthetic tests that have three-dimensional tests can be passed to the end on this device - they simply crash. Performance is low, noticeably below most budget devices.
In practice, this means that the interface is slow, jerky and not very pleasant to the eye. This is found in very inexpensive models of the last year; in modern state employees, the interface works much faster.
Memory cards can be installed up to 128 GB, but who will do that in such an inexpensive device? The main thing is that the built-in memory is 8 GB, of which a little more than 4 GB is available for your needs.
Communication capabilities
The usual and familiar set, there is synchronization with a PC (USB 2.0, KIES), Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, BT 4.0, there is no NFC, but there is support for GPS / Glonass. The positioning speed is low, not because of the quality of the antenna, but rather because of the general brakes of the apparatus.
Camera
Front VGA Camera! What can I say? Nothing. The main camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, but it does not have autofocus, which makes most of the photos blurry, it is good for capturing landscapes. You can find examples of photos and videos below.
Sample photos
Samsung Galaxy J1 mini, a simple and convenient android smartphone in a compact lightweight body. Want to buy an inexpensive android smartphone at an affordable price? Samsung Galaxy Ji 1 mini is a novelty in a thin case with a screen diagonal of 4 inches, which can be comfortably operated with one hand. Of the main galaxy J1 mini specifications can be distinguished: the Android operating system, a 4-core processor with a frequency of 1200 MHz, a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, a 1500 mAh battery and a 5 megapixel main camera. The novelty received 8 GB of internal memory, of which the smartphone user will have access to about 4.4 GB with the possibility of expanding using microSD memory cards up to 128 GB. Galaxy G 1 mini works with SIM cards of the Micro-SIM format and supports work in the 3G network. of the main advantages of the smartphone can be identified: compact size, ease of use with one hand and an inexpensive price for the Samsung Galaxy J1 mini. Of the minuses, this is little RAM, only about 750 megabytes. The battery supports the smartphone up to 8 hours of talk time and up to 7 hours of Internet use on 3G networks. For economical use of battery power, you can use the maximum power saving mode, which will extend the operation of the Gelaxi G 1 mini if \u200b\u200bthe battery suddenly runs out of power, and you need to stay in touch. Smartphone users can download and install Android applications for free from hundreds of thousands of available ones. You can distribute the Internet from your phone to other devices via a Wi-Fi access point, up to several devices simultaneously connected to the Internet are supported.
More detailed specifications and
Today we have to figure out what kind of reviews the Samsung J1 Mini gets from its customers, and in general, to understand what kind of phone we are talking about. Indeed, as practice shows, before making a purchase, you should pay attention to the opinions of the owners and the main characteristics of the device. This is the only way to fully realize how high-quality the gadget is in front of the user. Given the fact that the modern world is full of various phones, the choice is difficult. All mobile phones have pros and cons. They are emphasized just by the reviews. So what about the Samsung J1 Mini?
Short description
First, you should pay attention to what this device is. "Samsung J1 Mini" reviews are varied, but overall they are positive. After all, the proposed gadget is nothing more than a phone with a new version of the Android-based operating system.
It is a compact and modern device for keeping in touch with the whole world. "Samsung J1 Mini" performs all the standard functions of a regular smartphone. But the advantage of the device, as many point out, is its size. The proposed phone is compact and small in size, but this does not prevent it from performing all the generally accepted functions. What features and characteristics does the device have and what type of feedback does it receive? Sorting out all this is not so difficult.
Dimensions
It is worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini receives mostly positive reviews for its size. There are negative opinions, but there is no significant negative.
The thing is that the dimensions of the phone are small, especially by modern standards. This gadget is ideal for women and children. Unlike smartphones of similar characteristics, you can use it without any problems, even if the buyer has small palms. It is very convenient. At the same time, "Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini" does not receive the best reviews from customers with big hands. It is noted that this smartphone is not suitable for men. It will not be very convenient to hold it, so the model is called female.
Device dimensions:
- 63.1 mm - width;
- 121.6 mm - height;
- 10.8 mm - thickness.
Finding a touchscreen phone with similar parameters is now very problematic. Some people are not satisfied with the thickness of the gadget. But this indicator is not so critical. In any case, it is convenient to carry Samsung J1 Mini in pockets.
Screen
The next component is the screen. Another important nuance that people pay attention to when choosing a smartphone. Here Mini "earns mixed reviews. Why? The diagonal of the screen is only 4 inches, and the resolution is 800 by 480 pixels. This is not the best indicators for a modern smartphone. At the same time, do not forget about the size of the device. Taking them into account, we can say that that the phone is quite good in display dimensions.
The screen of "Samsung J1 Mini" is capacitive and equipped with multitouch technology. Recognizes 262.14 thousand colors. The image on the screen is good, clear and of high quality. There is an auto-flip function on the display.
Many point out that the screen has some disadvantages. For example, the phone "Samsung J1 Mini" does not receive the best reviews for the fact that the viewing angles are not very good. And in bright sunlight it is very problematic to work with the device. It is also noted that the sensor does not have a proximity sensor. This is very inconvenient during conversations. But not critical.
Memory
What other characteristics do users pay attention to? For example, for memory. There is an operational one, which is responsible for the power of the gadget, and there is a regular one, designed for these users.
The Samsung J1 Mini smartphone receives not the best reviews for the specified components. Many owners of such devices indicate that this gadget is far from a gaming phone. In particular, due to the very small amount of RAM. Its only 768 MB. This model is not intended for powerful games and programs.
But with ordinary memory, everything is much easier. The built-in space in the phone is only 8 GB. Of these, about 4.4 GB will be available to the user. The rest is the space that the operating system takes up. Agree, this is not too much for these users. The Samsung J1 Mini phone receives positive reviews from the owners for the fact that it can expand the memory up to 128 GB. Not all modern gadgets provide such an opportunity. Therefore, if necessary, everyone is able to buy an additional memory card of a rather large size and use it.
Processor and system
The processor and operating system are also important components. There are no special complaints about them. Moreover, many are satisfied with these indicators. The thing is that the Samsung J1 Mini, the characteristics and reviews of which are presented in the article, has a 4-core processor. The power of each is 1.2 GHz. Not too much, but not too little. This is enough to work with the phone quickly and without brakes.
The operating system is what pleases many model owners. After all, "Samsung J1 Mini" is equipped with Android version 5.1. A relatively new build that most Android fans are interested in. Works quickly, no brakes. The only nuance that is emphasized is the relatively small amount of RAM. Without it, it is impossible to 100% use the capabilities of Android 5.1.
Battery
The next nuance is the battery. An important component of every smartphone. For her, "Samsung J1 Mini" earns reviews mostly positive. Although some emphasize that working with the device will not work for a long time. In general, the battery lasts about 8 hours in talk mode. Standby time - up to 3-4 days. But if you actively use the phone, then the battery may run out the next day. Therefore, reviews vary in the information provided.
"Samsung J1 Mini" is a phone that is designed for fairly active users. But it should be borne in mind that the battery is able to sit down very quickly. In any case, not faster than most similar phones. Among the advantages, it is also emphasized that the battery is removable. You can replace it if necessary. And this is not so difficult to do. There are many Samsung batteries in stores.
Camera
Of course, the Samsung J1 Mini has a camera. She is only rear. There is no frontal. This solution seems to some modern users not the best move. However, the rear camera shoots at 5MP quality. This is a pretty good indicator. In experienced hands, the camera allows you to take high-quality pictures. It also has disadvantages, but they are not so significant.
The disadvantages of the Samsung J1 Mini model include the lack of an autofocus function, as well as a flash. Therefore, shooting in poorly lit places becomes very problematic. Each user should take these disadvantages into account. Otherwise, the camera is unlikely to suit. After all, some people are initially looking for a phone that will take high-quality pictures in the dark. Samsung J1 Mini is not suitable for this purpose.
additional characteristics
It is worth paying attention to the fact that the smartphone is equipped with additional standard functions. What can be attributed to them?
Additional features include:
- GPS navigation;
- the possibility of voice control;
- use of 2 Sim cards;
- 3G network;
- "Bluetooth";
- Wi-Fi.
All this allows you to use your phone with maximum convenience. It is not very comfortable to work on the Internet because of the small ones, but this is not such a big problem. All of these services function quickly, efficiently, and without failures.
Price
Samsung J1 Mini gets positive reviews for its value. Despite some negative aspects, the owners are still generally satisfied. And all this is due to the cost.
It is noted that the specified device is a budget smartphone. It will cost a modern buyer about 5-6 thousand rubles. Not too high a price for a modern gadget with a new operating system based on "Android". Just what many need so much.
As soon as users find out how much the Samsung J1 Mini costs, the reviews change from negative, as already mentioned, to positive. After all, this phone is really good for its price, which means you can take a closer look at it.
Outcome
What conclusions can be drawn from all of the above? Phone "Samsung J1 Mini" reviews are generally positive. This is a compact smartphone with very good parameters and budget cost. Perfect for working with the Internet, a camera, and just to keep in touch. Not gaming, although some programs run on the device without problems. Rather, this phone is a business and educational gadget. This should be remembered.
Should you buy the Samsung J1 Mini? If you are not embarrassed by the shortcomings in the form of screen flaws, absence and far from the best camera - yes. But if you need to purchase a powerful gaming device, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini needs to be excluded from the options. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to all the previously listed characteristics and reviews regarding each component. Due to the lack of a proximity sensor, many call this model "a phone not for talking".
What if you need a simple phone? And so that not with buttons, but a smartphone and so that people with it would not be ashamed to go out? It is logical to start with the operators' proposals, the “big three” usually offer budget options. You can also choose a suitable smartphone among the entry-level models. Samsung has this recently introduced Galaxy J1 mini. Let's find out why the budget Korean novelty is good.
Equipment
The smartphone lies in a small white box, besides the device itself, there is also a charger. Everything, nothing else, no headphones, no cable.
The smallest galaxy
The budget Samsung is devoid of the attributes of expensive models, no glass or metal, only plastic. But the plastic is of good quality, there is no feeling that you are holding a primitive phone in your hand. When you buy a budget communication device, this is an important point.
.jpg)
The body is black at the front and back, and the central part is made of dark gray glossy plastic. The sides were slightly flattened, so the Galaxy J1 mini resembles other Samsung models. The case comes in three colors: in addition to black, they offer white or gold.
A frame slightly protruding above the surface runs along the perimeter. The phone rests on it when you place it with the screen down to avoid scratching the display cover. Usually Samsung makes the bezels sparkling and shiny, but here it is matte and does not attract attention.
.jpg)
I think everyone has held a Samsung smartphone in their hands at least once in their life, so the layout of the buttons will seem painfully familiar. Volume control on the left, the power button on the right, and a block of three keys under the screen. The wide central physical button works with a clear click, error-free pressing. The left key launches a menu of running applications, and the right key takes you back one step. The buttons have no backlighting, which is not very pleasant, but you can get used to it over time.
.jpg)
At the back there is only a speaker hole and a camera lens, and what more could you want, the cheapest Samsung smartphone is laconic.
.jpg)
Aim more accurately
The case cannot be called thin, the thickness here is more than a centimeter. But the phone itself is compact, so it is easy and convenient to operate it with one hand. Although it is weighty for a kid - 120 g. A small smartphone fits easily into pockets, it does not stick out or stick out of clothes.
But after large diagonals, typing on a 4-inch screen is no longer very convenient, fingers often miss the characters on the keyboard. I solved the problem using predictive input in the spirit of Swype. Plus, you can type more accurately by sacrificing speed for grammar.
Only 4 inches
Screen size - 4 inches, resolution 480 x 800 pixels. For 2016, these are modest figures, but the first Samsung i9000 Galaxy S had just such a screen back in 2010. After this nostalgic pause, let's evaluate the quality of the screen, since they are most often saved on in budget devices.
.jpg)
Here is a TFT-TN panel, so the viewing angles are far from maximum. If you turn the phone in your hand to the left or to the right, then the picture on the screen fades or brightens, but there is no distortion vertically. On sunny days, the brightness has to be turned to the maximum, otherwise you will not see anything on the screen.
There is no light sensor in the smartphone, the brightness must be adjusted manually. This limitation is often found in the most affordable smartphones of major manufacturers, although inexpensive Chinese brands do not skimp on this.
Slow gas
The filling is quite modest: a 4-core Spreadtrum SC7731 processor, Mali-400 graphics, 768 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory, of which 4.7 GB is free. AnTuTu gives out a little more than 20 thousand "parrots". Yes, that's not a lot, but at least the menu does not work at the speed of a turtle.
.png)
.png)
Although there are delays: you switch between applications and see a blank screen for a moment, not the program you need. I used the phone without pain and suffering, as sometimes happens with budget devices. Galaxy J1 mini, according to Samsung, sees a microSD card up to 128 GB, but hardly anyone will put such a volume here, the card costs like the phone itself.
The Nature UX framework, also known as TouchWiz, although this is already an outdated name. The model uses Android 5.1, which appeared about a year ago. You can't count on 6.0 Marshmallow. Change the font size in the settings, you can also select the character style. Of course, we set the background image, arrange icons on desktops, add widgets.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Just a camera
The 5 megapixel camera is very simple, there is no autofocus, no flash. Because of this, we lost the "flashlight" function. Manual Pro mode looks like a taunt: what to tweak? But you can quickly launch the camera by double-clicking on the physical button under the screen, just like in the older Galaxy. Examples of photos below, due to the limited possibilities, it is difficult to shoot texts or small objects here. In general, a typical "for show" camera.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The front camera is 0.3 megapixel, you can recognize facial features in the pictures, nothing else is required from it. Video quality is limited to 1280 x 720 pixels.
Dual SIM, but no LTE
Galaxy J1 mini has a couple of microSIM slots, 3G works, reception is normal. Alas, there is no LTE, it is better not to use a smartphone as a modem for a laptop, because with 4G the Internet works much faster. There is also a GPS for navigation, Bluetooth keeps a stable connection with the Bose SoundLink On-Ear headset.
.png)
.png)
To charge every other day
Battery capacity 1,500 mAh, replaceable battery. Charging is enough for 1.5-2 days of work with checking mail, occasional use of the browser and applications for social networks. The battery life is good, but the stuffing is simple here, you won't expect other numbers. The smartphone has an energy-saving profile when we limit the number of running applications.
.png)
Outcome
Samsung Galaxy J1 mini is the cheapest smartphone from the Korean company. It costs 5 490 rubles, like two cases for. He is capable of simple games, he cannot be called nerdy or scary in appearance. A simple smartphone from a well-known brand, and the brand name often plays a decisive role in the purchase.
Of the budget alternatives, I will mention that it costs 5 390 rubles. Another option is the Alcatel One Touch Pop 3 for 5,990 rubles.
Advantages:
Dual SIM
good work time
nice design and high-quality assembly
Disadvantages:
bad camera
no light sensor
no LTE
Assessment:
For the provided on the phone we thank the online store Video-shoper.ru
