Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini review: The Android-powered Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, the compact version of the former flagship Samsung Galaxy S4, may soon be getting the Android 4.4.4 KitKat. This was after some carriers have already made available the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update to the device.

The Android 4.4.4 KitKat is now being tested on Samsung devices like the Galaxy S5 and even the S4 Mini’s original counter part, the Samsung Galaxy S4. In a roadmap provided by Samsung, the Note 3, S4 LTE, and Galaxy S4 will receive the update by October.

Although there is no definite clues on when the S4 Mini will get the Android 4.4.4 KitKat, it’s very likely that the handset will be qualified to get the update.

DESIGN. With a dimension of 4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 inches and a weight of 107 grams, the S4 Mini has the spitting image of the Galaxy S4, but with a smaller and lighter body. It has the same glossy, plastic body, thin bezel and metal band separating the screen from the battery cover that its older brother has. What it boasts about is its portability. The S4 Mini fits snuggly in one hand in spite of its slippery back.

DISPLAY. The handset’s has no Full HD display. However, with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a pixel display of 256 ppi, its 4.3-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen is impressively bright, colorful, and crisp enough for viewing files or playing games.

In terms of performance, the screen is pretty responsive and accurate. Although it is not as advanced as its older brother, it is still handy for everyday use.

PERFORMANCE. Some critics, however, are saying that the handset sometimes lags when playing games. This is probably because of the drastic downgrade of the S4’s quad-core processor to a dual-core.

Trusted Reviews says that the S4 Mini’s 1900 mAh battery can last for an entire day after “making calls, browsing, playing games, watching videos on YouTube and streaming music from Spotify.”

CAMERA. With a decent 8 MP primary and 1.9 MP secondary camera, the S4 Mini makes for a reliable shooter.