Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini review: Specs of the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is still very much admired and like some Samsung devices, the S2 Plus and S3 mainly, it’s gaining a cult following.

But since the launch of the new Samsung flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S5 last February, rumors have been swirling on an upcoming compact version dubbed the S5 Mini. Though the release date for the product is still “rumored” and “speculated,” it’s without a doubt that the South Korean tech giant will be launching such device soon.

The Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has only added more value to the unit and allowed its current owners to enjoy some new features for the handset. But selling the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will seemingly get more difficult as months go by.

The Nexus 5 has altered the game, as it is being sold at a highly competitive price and other handsets like the Moto G and even the newest range of Windows Phone 8 handsets become extremely affordable, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini’s market appeal begins to wane.

According to Engadget writer Brad Molen, one of their biggest gripes with the device is the lackluster 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with qHD (960 x 540) resolution. The display specs translates to a pixel density of 256 ppi, which is a drop in quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Storage-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini starts at a limited 8GB storage, but does have MicroSD support to expand it if necessary. In terms of camera, it has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. Video capture is at 1080p and it’s 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor is coupled with 1.5GB of RAM.

One advantage for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is that the camera has a full suite of adjustable settings, such as white balance, ISO, exposure, HDR and a large number of filter and modes. As Engadget notes, the camera’s highest resolution are 4:3, though a 16:9 option is available using 6MP. Most of the shots taken with the S4 Mini with the tech site’s test were detailed.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has the look and feel of an S4, except with a smaller size. But the main issue with it, aside from the display is the price. The unit is roughly around $500 or more (a quick look at Staples shows one priced at $549.99) and the recently launched Nexus 5 with its $350.00 tag could easily beat this smartphone in terms of price.