Exploring Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE Specs Prices and Performance

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE was crafted with a focus on delivering a sleek and stylish design while ensuring durability. Measuring 129.8 x 68.8 x 9.5 mm and weighing in at 130.5 grams, this smartphone was relatively slim and lightweight for its time. The device featured a high-quality build, predominantly made from plastic with a Gorilla Glass-covered display to provide additional screen protection. It came with a Micro-SIM slot, a common feature for smartphones of this era.

Display Quality

The device boasted a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 316 ppi. This screen technology was renowned for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering an impressive viewing experience. The inclusion of a 16:9 aspect ratio made media consumption enjoyable, especially for watching videos. The Corning Gorilla Glass protection ensured resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE was equipped with a Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset, coupled with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. This hardware configuration delivered satisfactory performance for the time, allowing for smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. The phone was originally launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but was upgradeable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, combined with Samsung's TouchWiz UI 4 for added functionality and customization options.

Storage and Memory

The phone offered 16GB of internal storage, which was typical for devices released during that period. Additionally, it came with a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand their storage as needed, which was particularly useful for storing media files. The 1GB RAM was adequate to handle most apps and tasks efficiently, although it would quickly become considered limited by the standards set by later smartphone models.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE featured an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. This setup allowed the device to capture high-quality images with decent clarity and color reproduction. The camera also supported 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, allowing users to record high-definition videos. For selfies and video calls, the phone was equipped with a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Battery Life

The smartphone housed a removable Li-Ion 1850 mAh battery, which provided up to 320 hours of standby time on 2G networks, and up to 290 hours on 3G. Talk time spanned up to 12 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and up to 5 hours and 50 minutes on 3G. While these numbers were competitive at the time of release, users frequently found themselves needing to charge the device by the end of the day, especially with heavy usage.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE supported GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing decent mobile internet speeds. It was compatible with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, featured dual-band support, and possessed Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA capabilities. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and aptX support allowed for efficient wireless data sharing and audio streaming. Though NFC was optional, many found its inclusion invaluable for emerging contactless payment technologies at the time.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy audio content both privately and publicly. While it did not offer FM radio functionality, it supported various audio and video formats, catering to a wide range of multimedia needs.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device was equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing the user experience through various functionalities like orientation detection and gaming. The microUSB 2.0 port supported MHL TV-out and OTG, providing options for expanded connectivity with other devices.

Market Reception and Legacy

Released in December 2011, the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE was well-received for its display quality and connectivity options. It played a pivotal role in establishing Samsung as a formidable player in the smartphone industry. Though discontinued, it laid the groundwork for future innovations, setting performance and design standards that would influence generations of smartphones. At its peak, the device was priced at around 180 euros, making it an accessible choice for many consumers seeking a high-performance phone without a flagship price.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE was a significant release in 2011, offering a commendable balance of features, performance, and build quality. While technology has rapidly advanced since its release, the Galaxy S II HD LTE remains a noteworthy chapter in the evolution of smartphones, marking Samsung's growing prominence in mobile technology.