Samsung

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
Spreadtrum SC8830
Mali-400 MP2
768 MB / 8 GB
4 inch (480 x 800 px)
5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px

Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy J1 Mini smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4 inch TFT display, Spreadtrum SC8830 SoC, and 768 MB of RAM. The Galaxy J1 Mini series was launched with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 4 inch phone comes with a TFT display (480 x 800 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 1

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini specifications

BrandSamsung
NameGalaxy J1 Mini
ModelSM-J105DS
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.23 oz
Dimensions4.79 x 2.48 x 0.43 inch
Colorsblack, gold, white
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini is about 4.23 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
SoCSpreadtrum SC8830
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUMali-400 MP2

The Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini comes with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeTFT
Screen size4 inch
Resolution480 x 800 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 4 inch phone comes with TFT display. A thin-film transistor (TFT) features a thin-film transistor for each individual pixel. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 3

Memory, storage

RAM768 MB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

768 MB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Galaxy J1 Mini has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px
FlashLED
Selfie cameraVGA

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Galaxy J1 Mini comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini / 5

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Galaxy J1 Mini smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 1500 mAh

The Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Galaxy J1 Mini smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • TFT display
  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • lack of autofocus
  • no 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / Samsung / Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini