Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini refresh adds NFC
Samsung have revealed an updated version of their Galaxy S3 Mini handset, re-worked to now include NFC contactless technology.
The new Galaxy S3 Mini will be compatible with contactless payment points in shops up and down the land, as well as with London buses’ new NFC payment systems. Samsung’s S Beam instant share technology will now work too, as found in the Galaxy S II and Note II, allowing data to be shared by simply tapping two NFC-enabled handsets together.
Other than that, it’s more of the same for the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini. There’s still a 1GHz dual-core processor, a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen at 480×800 resolution, an 8MP snapper and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as the OS of choice. 8GB and 16GB versions will be available, each with the option of microSD expansion, alongside software features like Smart Stay eye-tracking screen dimming.
That’s all squeezed into a device 121.55 x 63 x 9.9mm and weighing just 120g, including its 1,500mAh battery.
“NFC technology and the digital wallet started to gain significant traction in 2012, particularly in the run up to the Olympics,” said Simon Stanford, a VP at Samsung UK and Ireland.
“It’s an exciting time in the mobile market watching the next phase of its evolution take shape, so we’re happy to announce that we are bringing these new experiences to our customers through our growing number of NFC-enabled devices.”
Available by the end of January, all major networks are expected to carry the handset.
