Samsung's much-touted smaller version of its best-selling Galaxy S3 smartphone, the Galaxy S3 Mini, finally hit the UK shelves on Thursday, Nov. 8 with Three becoming the first network operator to start selling the device.

Samsung had announced the 4-inch Galaxy S3 Mini earlier in October but did not disclose its pricing. On Nov. 1, the Korean company officially confirmed the Galaxy S3 Mini's UK release date and revealed that the smartphone would also have "free content, including The Sims 3 and Bejewelled 2."

"Our latest addition to the Galaxy portfolio, the Galaxy S III Mini brings the high performance, intuitive ease-of-use and nature-inspired design of the Galaxy S III in a new elegant yet compact form. Following the massive success and popularity of the Galaxy S III and all its features, we are confident customers will enjoy the Galaxy SIII Mini when it hits the shelves on the 8th November," stated Simon Stanford, Vice President, Telecommunications & Networks, Samsung UK and Ireland.

According to The INQUIRER, Three has "begun selling the Samsung Galaxy S3Mini. It's not showing up on the network's website yet, but Three has told us it will be available for free from £28 a month, complete with 500 minutes, 5,000 texts and unlimited monthly data." The report also mentioned that the network operator will also offer the Galaxy S3 Mini on pay-as-you-go and will cost £269.99 "when bought with the usual £10 top-up."

Prior to the smartphone's launch, several UK retailers had divulged the pricing of the Galaxy S3 Mini. Clove had revealed that it would be selling the SIM-free 8GB version of the handset in blue and white colors for £249 (not including VAT). Phones4U let on that consumers could pre-order the device on-contract with O2, Orange, or Vodafone for plans that ranged between £25 to £36 per month

Three's version of the Galaxy S3 mini will be available in stores from Nov. 9, and from its Web site post Nov. 16. Carphone Warehouse is offering the blue Galaxy S3 Mini for free on Orange from £20.50 per month. Amazon UK has also listed the smartphone for £299.99 and is offering both the blue and white versions.

Whether the Galaxy S3 Mini can repeat the success of its sibling Galaxy S3, which just achieved the 30 million sales milestone, remains to be seen.