Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727, launched in October 2011, was one of the most advanced smartphones of its time. It was a significant player in the evolution of early smartphones, featuring a combination of powerful hardware and software that was designed to cater to both general and specific user demands. This device was part of Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series, known for their innovative technology and competitive features.

Network and Connectivity Features

The Skyrocket i727 was a pioneer in network technology, offering GSM, HSPA, and LTE capabilities. The support for 4G bands (4, 17) meant that users could experience faster internet speeds compared to its predecessors. This device was capable of delivering HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps and LTE speeds, which were cutting-edge features at that time. The connectivity did not just stop at mobile networks, as it also provided options for Wi-Fi connectivity through its dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot functionalities.

Launch and Availability

Officially announced in October 2011, the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 was released a month later in November. Despite its promising features and capabilities, the device is now discontinued. Its original market price was about 180 EUR, and back then, this was quite competitive for a device packed with such features.

Design and Build Quality

The phone had dimensions of 129.8 x 68.8 x 9.5 mm and weighed 130.5 g, making it a sleek and portable device. It was available in two colors: black and white. The device used a Mini-SIM card, which was standard at the time. Its form factor and material quality were designed to withstand everyday use, reflecting a design that balanced aesthetics with practicality.

Display Characteristics

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 featured a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The 5:3 aspect ratio and approximately 207 ppi density provided fairly sharp and vibrant visuals. This type of display technology ensured better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to traditional LCD displays, making it suitable for media consumption and everyday usage.

Software Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), the device was upgradable to Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), which offered significant user interface improvements and enhanced functionality. The Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset powered the phone, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU paired with an Adreno 220 GPU. This combination ensured smooth performance for most applications, including media playback and some gaming.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM, the Skyrocket i727 allowed users to store a fair amount of data and run multiple applications simultaneously. Additionally, it supported microSDHC cards for expandable storage, providing more flexibility for users who needed extra space for their files and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera was an 8 MP shooter with autofocus and LED flash, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. This made it a strong contender for users interested in photography and video recording on mobile devices. The front-facing camera was a modest 2 MP, sufficient for video calls and basic selfies, aligning with the standards of the time for secondary cameras.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone included a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm audio jack, facilitating a wide range of audio experiences. Users could enjoy music, calls, and other audio content clearly and conveniently, a critical aspect for media consumption on the go.

Communication and Ports

Besides its robust mobile network capabilities, the Skyrocket i727 featured Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and aptX, GPS with A-GPS, and NFC. These features enabled various forms of connectivity and data transfer, enhancing the device's versatility in different scenarios. It also included a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer purposes.

Additional Features

The device came with a suite of sensors including accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, offering enhanced interactivity and functionality. These sensors allowed for features such as automatic screen rotation, augmented reality applications, and more, contributing to a richer user experience.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 was powered by a removable 1850 mAh Li-Ion battery. This provided a stand-by time of up to 256 hours and talk time of up to 7 hours, depending on network conditions and usage patterns. The removable aspect of the battery meant that users could carry spare batteries or replace them if needed, adding to the device's longevity.