Come July, Samsung and HTC will release the Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini respectively. Both gadgets are the exact replica of the GS4 and the One, obviously designed to tussle with Apple's budget iPhone.

As expected, the general specs of both the GS4 Mini and the One Mini reflect that of their bigger brothers though in scaled-down rendering. The object is to deliver almost the same high-end smartphone experience with some downgrades.

HTC One Mini

Yet the step-back still leaves both handsets with enough gunpowder. Consider the smaller HTC One that is a 720p handset with a 4.3-inch screen, powered by a dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM for ample support.

The built-in storage capacity is set at 16GB to accommodate the captured files from its 4MP UltraPixel shooter. Running the One Mini show is Jelly Bean 4.2, skinned by Sense 5. HTC has assured that all the cool features seen with the HTC One will be on board with the more compact edition.

Galaxy S4 Mini

The same goes with the GS4 Mini. All the smart functions currently in display with the regular Galaxy S4 will be served as well, Samsung said. Looking at the hardwares - mainly the dual-core 1.7GHz Krait chip, a 1.5GB of RAM and the 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED - the promise indeed makes sense.

It also has a rear snapper with 8MP sensor, able to capture 1080p quality video clips, and 8GB of internal memory plus the option to expand for buyers with propensity to hoard digital files.

iPhone Mini

The main foe of these two fresh Android devices is Apple's low-cost iPhone, which earlier rumours referred to as the iPhone Mini.

Specs for this iPhone version remains locked in mystery but speculations point to A6 processing chip, a 3.5-inch display screen minus Retina and a basic build of 8GB as fixed storage capacity.

Compared to the little Android brutes, the budget iPhone seems like out of place, flexing only entry-level capabilities. However, analysts view the device as one of Apple's surprise weapons, as alluded to by big boss Tim Cook.

The capabilities may be mid-range but this iPhone is poised to be a winner, mainly relying on Apple's solid branding. But the deal-breaker is the pricing, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty.

It is possible that the retail price of the unlocked iPhone Mini will go as low as $US399, Ms Huberty predicted, which when compared to the GS4 Mini's rumoured tag price of over $US600 (per BGR News report) is a downright bargain.

To date, HTC has yet to indicate pricing for the smaller One but basing on its premium specs, the unlocked version should sell within the same neighbourhood as that of the GS4 Mini's price point.