Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE i727R Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung Galaxy S II LTE i727R

The Samsung Galaxy S II LTE i727R, released in November 2011, marked a significant evolution in Samsung's smartphone lineup. Developed as part of the Galaxy series, this device brought forth the power of LTE connectivity to provide users with faster internet speeds and improved network performance. The phone combined performance, usability, and innovation at a time when smartphone technology was rapidly advancing. Though discontinued, its impact in the transition to LTE technology was considerable.

Network Technology

The Galaxy S II LTE i727R supports a variety of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. With the capability to operate on multiple bands - GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G networks, HSDPA 850/1900/2100 for 3G, and LTE bands 4 and 17 tailor-fitted for AT&T's network - the phone ensured wide-ranging connectivity. The device offered users enhanced speed options with HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps and full LTE capabilities, making it suitable for faster data needs at the time.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy S II LTE i727R features dimensions of 130.9 x 69.9 x 9.4 mm and weighs 132 grams. While relatively lightweight, its build was robust, encased in a sleek black body. It utilized a Mini-SIM format, which was commonplace during its time of release. The device’s design was well regarded for its comfortable grip and modern aesthetics.

Display

Equipped with a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, the Galaxy S II LTE i727R provided users with vibrant and rich visuals. The screen had a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 207 ppi. Although not high-definition by modern standards, the display was noted for its color accuracy and contrast, making multimedia consumption enjoyable.

Performance and Platform

Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Galaxy S II LTE i727R was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset. It housed a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. This configuration provided satisfactory performance for its time, supporting smooth multitasking and capable graphics rendering for applications and games available in the early Android ecosystem.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 1GB of RAM, which was adequate for most applications during its release period. For storage, it featured 16GB of internal memory, with the option to expand via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This ability to increase storage was an important feature for users who needed additional space for applications, music, and photos.

Main Camera

Photography on the Galaxy S II LTE i727R was handled by an 8 MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. The camera allowed for video recording at 1080p@30fps, a commendable capability for smartphones at that moment. Though lacking advanced features present in today’s smartphones, it was more than competent for casual photography and videography needs.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera was a 2 MP sensor, serving basic needs for video calls and selfies. While it did not offer the high resolutions of contemporary cameras, it was adequate for the burgeoning video calling trend during that era.

Audio and Other Features

The Galaxy S II LTE i727R included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring convenient audio playback. Among its communication features were Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS with A-GPS support, and NFC technology. However, the device lacked a built-in radio. MicroUSB 2.0 provided the usual connectivity options for charging and data transfer. A suite of sensors including accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass offered enhanced user interactions.

Battery Life

Powering the Galaxy S II LTE i727R was a removable Li-Ion 1850 mAh battery. The device promised up to 250 hours of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks, with talk time spanning up to 5 hours 40 minutes on 2G and up to 5 hours on 3G. Music listeners could expect up to 30 hours of audio playback. Battery life was a notable area where users had learned to manage their expectations given the growing performance demands of early smartphones.

Price and Market Impact

At launch, the Galaxy S II LTE i727R was priced around 160 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range option for consumers looking to experience LTE technology without incurring high costs. This strategy made the phone accessible, contributing to wider adoption of the new network technology. Considering the broader trend of 4G LTE expansion, this device played a vital role in enabling more users to tap into faster network speeds.

Contribution to Smartphone Evolution

The Samsung Galaxy S II LTE i727R remains part of the historical transition towards more capable mobile network technologies. In retrospect, it exemplifies the blend of technological ambition and practical design that defined Samsung’s strategic approach during the early 2010s. This device is not only a reflection of the rapid pace of smartphone evolution but also a testament to the incremental advancements that paved the way for the hyper-connected world of today.