Samsung Galaxy S II Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II, released in April 2011, marked a monumental step for Samsung in the smartphone market, being one of the flagship models that established them as a leading player globally. It combined sleek design, a powerful processor, and cutting-edge features that appealed to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.

Design and Build

Boasting dimensions of 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm and a weight of only 116 g, the Galaxy S II stood out for its slim and lightweight design. The front of the device was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, known for its resistance to scratches and minor impacts. The back and the frame were constructed of a durable plastic material, ensuring a sturdy yet elegant feel. Despite its minimalistic plastic build, the design's ergonomics allowed for a comfortable grip, making it easy to use with one hand.

Display

The device featured a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This technology was renowned for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratio. The screen's color accuracy and vividness made it ideal for media consumption, whether viewing photos, videos, or browsing the internet. The Super AMOLED Plus display was also known for reducing power consumption and providing better outdoor visibility compared to its predecessors.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S II was powered by the Exynos 4210 Dual chipset, which included a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a Mali-400MP4 GPU. This combination provided the device with robust performance capabilities for its time, allowing for smooth multitasking, fast web browsing, and the ability to handle demanding applications and games. The 1GB RAM supported efficient data processing and swift operation of the operating system and installed apps.

Operating System and Interface

The Galaxy S II initially launched with Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread and could be upgraded to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Samsung complemented the Android OS with its own TouchWiz UI 4, providing users with a unique user interface that featured customizable home screens, widgets, and an intuitive menu system. TouchWiz UI also introduced various innovations like gesture-based interactions and multitasking enhancements, making the user experience more interactive and user-friendly.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Galaxy S II was equipped with an 8 MP sensor, f/2.6 aperture, and autofocus capability, capable of capturing high-quality photos. The LED flash was effective in low-light conditions, ensuring consistency in photo quality. Additionally, the camera supported 1080p video recording at 30fps, appealing to users interested in video production and sharing. A 2 MP front-facing camera facilitated video calls and selfies, pivotal for the social media boom.

Storage and Memory

For storage, the device offered two variants: 16GB and 32GB of internal storage. If users required more space, the phone included a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing expansion of storage capacity for apps, photos, videos, and music. The ample storage options ensured that users could maintain a vast library of multimedia content at their fingertips without encountering storage issues.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery, the Galaxy S II delivered decent battery life. It provided users with up to 710 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 610 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extended up to 18 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and around 8 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. This battery performance enabled users to stay connected throughout the day without the constant need for recharging.

Connectivity and Network Technologies

The Galaxy S II came with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA for seamless media sharing. It also featured Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and aptX support, providing high-quality audio transmission to wireless headphones or speakers. The device was equipped with GPS and A-GPS for location services and offered optional NFC capabilities to facilitate contactless payments and data exchange.

Sound and Multimedia

The device featured a 3.5mm audio jack, supporting various types of earphones and giving users flexibility in audio accessories. The loudspeaker provided clear audio for calls and media playback, with voice clarity reaching 70dB, suitable for a range of environments. The audio quality, with noise at -91.4dB and crosstalk at -89.7dB, indicated impressive performance for its class, contributing to its multimedia appeal.

Additional Features and Sensor Technology

The Galaxy S II was equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device’s accuracy and functionality for various applications. The inclusion of these sensors enabled capabilities like screen rotation, gaming interactions, and efficient power management by adjusting settings based on usage conditions.

Market Impact and Legacy

On its release, the Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II was lauded for setting a new benchmark in smartphone performance and design. It played a crucial role in cementing Samsung's position as a top competitor in the smartphone industry. Its success encouraged innovation in hardware and software, influencing future flagship models and contributing to the rapid evolution of smartphone technology.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II stands as a testament to Samsung’s early endeavors in defining and shaping the modern smartphone landscape. Its impact on the industry and its role in propelling Samsung to the forefront of mobile technology cannot be understated. Even today, it remains a notable part of Samsung's proud legacy in delivering cutting-edge mobile solutions.