Samsung adds NFC capability to Galaxy S3 Mini

Samsung has confirmed the near field communication (NFC) version of its Galaxy S3 Mini handset will be released in the UK by the end of January.

The new functionality will allow S3 Mini owners to take advantage of new NFC payment options as they become standard on the high street and on public transport.

Samsung vice president Simon Stanford, said the company has established its credentials in mobile payments and expected the Galaxy S3 Mini would increase user adoption.

"NFC technology and the digital wallet started to gain significant traction in 2012, particularly in the run up to the Olympics," said Stanford.

"It's an exciting time in the mobile market watching the next phase of its evolution take shape."

The full-sized Galaxy S3 was used during the London 2012 Olympic Games as a flagship device to test pay services like Visa PayWave.

The new NFC-enabled S3 Mini will also allow users to take advantage of Samsung's S Beam services.

S Beam allows users to share files up to a 10MB limit by placing two NFC-capable Galaxy devices back to back.

Earlier this month, separate reports from Visa and the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) highlighted the marked increase in the number of mobile payments being made in the UK.

The two said the arrival of numerous new technologies in the UK, like PayWave, will likely see mobile payment levels further boom in 2013.

The Galaxy S3 Mini was unveiled at the end of 2012 and aims to replicated the Galaxy S3 smartphone on a smaller screen. For a full look at the device check out our review.