Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus

The Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus is an intriguing device that was announced in January 2013 and released in February of the same year. Even though it has been discontinued, it remains a topic of interest due to its features and contributions to smartphone evolution. With a sleek design and capable hardware specifications, it marked a vital part of Samsung's Galaxy series lineup, offering reliable performance and accessibility.

Design and Build

The Galaxy S II Plus features a sleek and durable design, with dimensions of 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 121 g, making it easy to handle and fit in pockets. It utilizes a Mini-SIM and is available in two color options: Chic White and Dark Blue. The device is known for its minimalist design that appeals to users looking for a classic smartphone aesthetic.

Display Characteristics

One of the standout features of the Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus is its display. It sports a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance user experience. The screen has a 5:3 ratio and approximately 217 pixels per inch density, which ensures clear and crisp visuals, making it suitable for various multimedia applications.

Performance and Platform

The device runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, upgradable to 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and features Samsung's custom TouchWiz UI 5. It is powered by a Broadcom BC28155 chipset with a dual-core 1.2 GHz CPU and Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The combination of hardware and software ensures smooth operation without significant lag.

Memory and Storage

The Galaxy S II Plus comes with 1 GB of RAM, which is fairly sufficient for its time, allowing for decent multitasking capabilities. It offers 8 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDXC card, granting users flexibility in storing additional data, media, and applications.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 8 MP main camera with f/2.6 aperture, autofocus, and LED flash. It captures 1080p video at 30 fps, delivering satisfactory video quality for personal use. The device also includes a 2 MP front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and selfies, albeit with modest resolution compared to contemporary standards.

Audio and Connectivity

The Galaxy S II Plus is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, catering to audio enthusiasts who value having traditional audio options. For connectivity, it provides Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0 with aptX for improved audio streaming, GPS with GLONASS for enhanced location tracking, NFC in specific models (I9105P), and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Network and Communication

This device operates on GSM and HSPA technologies, supporting a wide range of 2G and 3G bands, thus offering reliable communication services globally. It achieves download speeds of up to 21.1 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps. Although it lacks support for 4G LTE, it remains functional for various mobile network needs of its era.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S II Plus houses a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. It boasts up to 549 hours on 3G standby and approximately 9 hours of 3G talk time, offering decent battery performance for a full day of moderate use. The removable aspect of the battery allows for replacements and extended usage, a feature valued by many users at the time.

Sensors and Features

The device is equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, covering most usability features required by smartphone users. Stereo FM radio with RDS is also available, providing entertainment options beyond music streaming services.

Market Positioning and Price

At the time of its release, the Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus was priced around 210 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range smartphone option that offered reliable functionality without the premium cost. It served a significant role in catering to users seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus remains a testament to Samsung's ability to deliver capable smartphones with appealing designs and functionality, contributing to the brand's reputation. Its combination of features, performance, and price made it an attractive option for many users during its availability. As a discontinued device, it now holds a place in smartphone history, remembered for its role in the development of mid-range smartphones.