More information emerged that the Galaxy S4 Mini, a scaled-down version of the recently unveiled Galaxy S4, is coming out very soon and it will be released in four variants, depending on targeted markets.

The four S4 Mini models were listed by a GSMArena report as GT i-1990, GT i-9192, GT i-9195 and GT i-9198.

Notable of the four is the model GT i-1990, which according to SamMobile will powered by an Exynos 5120 quad-core CPU plus HSPA+ connectivity. These specs came as a surprise since the S4 Mini is widely regarded as a Samsung mid-range handset with configurations set to lure price-sensitive buyers.

The same reports indicated too that each S4 Mini variant is designed for specific markets and purposes. For instance, the GT i-9192 is dual-SIM capable and is set for deployment on regions where the feature is extremely popular. Destinations likely point to India, the Middle East Asia, Southeast and Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Samsung will also reportedly release a model that will find its way to locations where LTE networks are already established such as Australia, UK, France and Germany. That variant is the S4 Mini with model number GT i-9195.

Another model, labelled GT i-9198, will be exclusively distributed in China, where Samsung recently toppled Nokia as the top brand for feature phones and budget smartphones.

Except for the GT i-1990, all variants will draw power from a dual-core CPU. But all four will have the following identical specs: a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display with 256ppi, 1.6GHz dual-core processor and Android 4.2.2 JellyBean working in tandem with Samsung's new TouchWiz interface and Nature UX 2.0.

As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy S4 Mini could hit store shelves a few weeks from now though Samsung has yet to provide specific pricing.

But the Android smartphone is obviously the device that Samsung would pit against the rumoured budget iPhone, which analysts said will be sold unlocked starting at $US329.

The S4 Mini will likely sell between $US250 and $US300 to effectively compete with the cheaper iPhone version.