AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini launches March 20th for $99 on-contract

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini might not be able to match the internal prowess of the bigger original it’s based on, but for on contract (.30 per month on Next 24, .88 per month on Next 18 or .48 per month on Next 12) it might become a very decent option among AT&T’s lineup. The device launches March 20th, the carrier has announced.

Here’s what you’re getting for that bit of coin:

• Display: 4.5-inch 720p


• Rear Camera: 8MP


• Front Camera: 2MP


• Voice Calling: HD Voice capable


• Dimensions: 5.16 x 2.55 x 0.36-inches


• Weight: 4.23 ounces


• Operating System: Android 4.4.4 KitKat


• Processor: 1.4GHz Quad-core


• Memory: 16GB internal storage, supporting up to 128GB with external microSD card


• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of talk time and up to 10 days standby time

Not as great of a value as something like the 2nd gen Moto E due soon, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini has more than enough to hold its own if you absolutely must have a Samsung device. The device will be available both in-store and online, so stop into an AT&T store to check it out before buying if you’re curious about its look and feel before committing to it.

[via AT&T]

HTC won’t be looking to make a “One Mini 3″

We’ve typically come to expect miniature variations of flagship handsets shortly after they launch, but one report suggests HTC won’t be looking to further that trend for the HTC One M9. Focus Taiwan credits the president of HTC North Asia for making that apparent.

HTC says the market is no longer ripe for that category of products, with folks demanding phones with bigger displays. To that end, HTC already has a few devices to offer up, including the flagship HTC One M9 and M9+, the slightly more affordable HTC One E9++, and the budget Desire devices they’ve seeded into the market as of late. It also doesn’t help that the “mini” devices were nearly as big as the normal-sized variants.

The decision to ditch the Mini line might have come at just the right time as few are likely to trust HTC’s willingness to support the devices with ample updates. They recently confirmed that neither the HTC One Mini or HTC One Mini 2 would be seeing Android 5.0 Lollipop.

It’s understandable for the original HTC One Mini as it launched about two years ago, but we’d say the one-year lifespan of the HTC One Mini 2 was far too short. Regardless, the line is dead so moot point is moot — if you’ve been waiting for a smaller version to launch we’d say it’s safe to start exploring other options.

HTC One Mini, One Mini 2 won’t get Android 5.0 Lollipop

The HTC One Mini and One Mini 2 appear to be lesser than their big brother counterparts in more ways than one. Not only are they smaller, they don’t offer the same class of specs. Add another shortcoming to the list — they won’t be enjoying any Lollipop goodness.

HTC has confirmed on Twitter that the devices will not be going past Android 4.4 KitKat. We can understand why the original HTC One Mini will not considering the phone is likely retired on HTC’s list of priorities, but the sequel is but a mere year old.

So what next? Well, you can start by voicing your displeasure to HTC on Twitter, Facebook or whichever other platforms you fancy. It might not be enough to change HTC’s mind, but if there’s a small chance they’ll budge on their stance facing widespread backlash you’ll want to make sure you try.

Failing that, rooting your device and going the custom ROM route (CyanogenMod 12 nightlies are right here) is always a great option. These ROMs will often have better support and more features than even HTC would bother to put in, and you’ll be on Lollipop — that’s the goal here, after all. Be sure to think about it if you aren’t confident HTC will change their minds.

[Thanks Joel!]