Mini Galaxy handset may be on the horizon

Samsung Electronics is preparing to unveil a cheaper and smaller version of its Galaxy S3 smartphone, according to reports from overseas media.

CNET, a tech Web site, said on Monday that Samsung has officially invited overseas journalists to an event in Germany slated for tomorrow, which translates in English as, “So big can be small, and so small can be big.”

An “S” logo appears in the background of the invitation, providing a hint that the smaller device will be part of the Galaxy S lineup. Samsung’s German office is set to host the event at one of its mobile stores in Frankfurt, and the new device will probably be launched in Europe first, CNET said.

The report cites a screenshot from a Scandinavian retailer that lists the so-called Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini available in blue or white as evidence. The new smartphone will probably have a screen measuring at least 4 inches - putting it in the same range as the iPhone 5 but making it 0.8 inches smaller than the Galaxy S3 - and will be powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

It will also have a dual-core processor, UnwiredView.com, another Web site, reported earlier this month. Although one domestic parts maker confirmed to local media that it has received a massive order for the diminutive new edition of the Galaxy S3, Samsung refused to confirm the report or provide any details on the new product.

As the Galaxy S smartphone lineup goes from strength to strength, Samsung seems to be trying to diversify its smartphone portfolio to grab a wider demographic of consumers. The company sold over 20 million units of its Galaxy S3 last month just 100 days after its global launch.

The Galaxy Note 2, a 5.5-inch device placed midway between the Galaxy S series and Galaxy tablet PCs, will be on sale in the United States, its first overseas market, from Oct. 24.

By Seo Ji-eun [spring@joongang.co.kr]