Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II Specs Pricing and Insights

Overview of Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II

The Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II was a flagship smartphone released in the third quarter of 2011. As part of Samsung's successful Galaxy S series, it aimed to address the evolving needs of smartphone users. Despite being discontinued today, it remains a memorable device in the timeline of smartphone development, characterized by its reliable hardware and efficient software capabilities.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung I9100G supports GSM and HSPA technologies, enabling it to operate on multiple frequency bands such as GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for 2G, as well as HSDPA frequencies of 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 for 3G. The phone's network speed allows for HSPA data rates of up to 21.1 Mbps for downloading and 5.76 Mbps for uploading, ensuring quick internet access and data transmission for users.

Launch and Status

This model was announced in 2011's Q3. At its release, it was positioned as a premium smartphone meant to compete with other high-end devices of the time. However, it has since been discontinued as technology has advanced rapidly past what it can offer.

Design and Build

The body of the Samsung I9100G is both compact and lightweight, measuring 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm and weighing only 116 grams. This makes it easy to handle and portable for everyday use. The phone supports a Mini-SIM card, which was the standard during the time of its release.

Display

The phone features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The resolution stands at 480 x 800 pixels at an aspect ratio of 5:3, which equates to a pixel density of around 217 pixels per inch. Although it does not compare to today’s high-definition screens, it was impressive for its time. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which helps resist scratches and minor impacts.

Platform and Performance

The Samsung I9100G runs on the Android operating system, initially introduced with version 2.3.4 Gingerbread. It was subsequently upgradable through versions 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, ensuring it remained relevant and functional as the Android ecosystem evolved. The handset is powered by the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, coupled with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU. Together, these components provided a capable performance, with smooth operation across various tasks and applications.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 16GB of internal storage, the Samsung I9100G offers adequate space for apps, photos, and music, with an additional 1GB of RAM to facilitate multitasking. It also features a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand storage as needed, thus enhancing its utility for heavy users.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Samsung I9100G is a single 8 MP lens with an aperture of f/2.6, equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. This camera is capable of shooting video at 1080p at 30 frames per second, offering quality suitable for average photo and video needs of its time. For selfies and video calls, a 2 MP front-facing camera is included, although basic by today’s standards, provided decent performance then.

Sound and Audio

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, allowing users to connect headphones and external speakers for a complete audio experience. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack is especially noteworthy as it has become less common in newer devices, emphasizing the device's versatility in audio handling.

Connectivity Options

The Samsung I9100G offers multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and aptX is supported for wireless audio transmission. Positioning services such as GPS and A-GPS are available, ensuring accurate location tracking. Additionally, the phone includes an optional NFC, stereo FM radio with RDS, and microUSB 2.0 with support for MHL TV-out and OTG.

Sensors and Additional Features

Various sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and a digital compass enhance the device's interaction and functionality. These features allow for intuitive operations such as screen rotation and location-based services, extending the device's overall usability.

Battery Life

The Samsung I9100G is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. The battery life was impressive for its time, with a standby time of up to 660 hours on 2G and 560 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extended up to 18 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and 9 hours on 3G, making it sufficient for daily use without frequent charging.

Colors and Pricing

Initially, the Samsung I9100G was available in three colors: Black, White, and Pink, catering to different aesthetic preferences. At its launch, its price hovered around 220 Euros, positioning it as an affordable option given the features it provided.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II stands as a testament to the advancements in smartphone technology during its era. While it has been surpassed by more recent models, its combination of features, performance, and design made it a popular choice among users, reflecting Samsung's commitment to innovation and user-centric design during the early 2010s.