Mini marvel

The on-going rivalry between Samsung, Apple and Blackberry has resulted in a glorious choice of products for consumers.

Devices are constantly being redesigned, upgraded and improved upon as the ‘smartphone war’ rages and savvy tech-mad users have a variety of telecom plans to ponder over too.

One of the most popular products resulting from the ‘healthy competition’ is the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Last year was undoubtedly the year of the SIII as it achieved huge sales and won five-star reviews and a string of awards from a wide range of publications.

However, with its 4.8-inch screen and high-end smartphone price tag, it wasn’t going to be for everyone, so the company introduced the SIII Mini, available for around BD170, in the hope it can work the same magic on the mid-range smartphone market.

Its makers say it brings the high performance, intuitive ease-of-use and nature-inspired design to an elegant, compact smartphone with a 4.0-inch screen.

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking the Galaxy SIII Mini is simply a smaller version of its big brother. It features a similar polycarbonate body, with rounded edges and slightly curved back panel so it sits comfortably in your hand.

It is powered by Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the latest version of the world’s most popular smartphone operating system. Jelly Bean has fast, fluid and smooth graphics along with a new  Google Search experience featuring Google Now.

Other features include Pop-up play, which allows you to send text messages while watching a video. S Voice, Samsung’s advanced natural language recognition software, lets you use your voice to unlock the phone with simple customised commands, or to play your favourite songs or organise your schedule.

The device, which boasts 8/16GB memory, is available upfront from Viva when you take a one-year contract at BD19 a month.

Viva Bahrain has teamed up with GulfWeekly to offer one lucky reader the chance to win an SIII Mini.

The company, which boasts 18 outlets across the island, has a range of price plans covering its products. Customers can pay bills online, by direct debit, using self-service machines, at retail outlets, using Sadad machines or by making a payment over the phone. And those who pay online before the 15th of the month receive a five per cent discount or a 2.5 per cent discount if they pay before their due date using the quick pay online service.

To enter, simply name three different ways to pay a Viva bill. Send your answer to editor@gulfweekly.com and the first correct entry drawn on Sunday at noon will win the prize. Normal GulfWeekly competition rules apply and the Editor’s decision is final.