First pictures of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Mini leak; August release?

With all the commotion between the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Active, S6 Edge+, and Note 5, it’s no wonder that very little has been said -or seen- of the more “diminutive” form factored product in Samsung’s sizable stable of smartphones. Indeed, it has been assumed there would be a Galaxy S6 Mini in light of the ghosts of trends past, but we nothing solid had materialized. Until now, that is.

The images contained in this piece originated from a user who sent them to Phone Arena and while taken in quite poor lighting, look more-or-less legitimate. (Note that we have chosen to include the variants posted on SamMobile as they offer a clearer view of the product). It’s possible the device has markings on it which would give away the identity of the photographer hence the obscurity, or perhaps they are indeed just a hoax.

Assuming this is indeed the Galaxy S6 Mini, the device looks to have the same aluminum-frame and glass sandwich construction as its big brother. This alone is quite impressive given that in the past, the Mini line has always gone for mediocre specs and thus it would not have been outlandish to imagine an S6 Mini that was more like a Galaxy Alpha. We would expect the S6 Mini to be offered in the same color options as the standard model, though perhaps Samsung might get creative and issue a Green variant like the S6 Edge has exclusively.

In light of the glass and metal, it raises the question as to just how seriously Samsung is going to take -and make- the product. While smaller size variants of flagship products are most always reductions in more ways than one, Sony’s Xperia Z3 Compact was not only every much as impressive as its’ big brother, but truly served to put all other OEMs on alert for their approach to the form factor.

If the Galaxy S6 Mini can couple this design with specs that are even on-par with last year’s Galaxy S5 it would be a major win for the device. If it was every much an S6 just smaller, Sony itself might be feeling the heat. While there is virtually nothing to support either of these ideas, at the very least the device is said to have a 4.6 or 4.7-inch screen.

Curiously the lack of a Galaxy S6 Edge Mini is noted, though given the upcoming release of a S6 Edge+, perhaps Samsung doesn’t want to spread the unique point too thin. The S6 Edge+, along with the Galaxy Note 5, and Gear A (“Project Orbis”) are said to be launching in mid-August due to Samsung’s desire to avoid Apple-overlap. Indeed the source site of this story suggests the S6 Mini might be included in the event as well.

Only time will tell for sure, but while waiting, we want to hear from you! Are you interested in the S6 Mini? What kind of specs would it have to pack to meet your needs? Leave us a comment below!

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