Samsung SA has announced the locally availability of the Galaxy S3 Mini.

The handset is the compact version of the extremely popular Galaxy S3. The recommended retail pricing of the handset starts at R4 599 for the 8GB model and R4 999 for the 16GB model. The S3 Mini features a 4-inch Super Amoled display (compared to the S3’s 4.8-inch display) and Samsung says it is “an optimal choice for consumers who are looking for a more affordable super smartphone, without losing the benefit of the key features”.

The handset runs Android 4.1 Jellybean and has the same basic design as the Galaxy S3 and features S Voice, Smart Stay, Smart Alert, Direct Call and S Beam. Head of mobile communications at Samsung SA, says: “There is no doubt that a phone that features the very best in technology innovation, yet comes in different form factor is what the market expects from the leading consumer electronics brand and we are confident that we will see a solid uptake of this product in the local market.”