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Samsung Galaxy S II review

8.8/10 AVG.
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Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II
...


8.8/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy S II currently has an Informr score of 8.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 48 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

As their flagship phone for 2011, the Galaxy S2 from Samsung is one sexy smartphone. With the subtle sophistication that we've come to expect from this Korean company, Samsung's latest offering gives users a frustration-free multitasking experience in a sleek, compact package.

This smartphone is fast and handles many apps simultaneously, with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor paired to 1 GB of RAM. This means users can update their Facebook status, shoot HD videos, and receive text messages and calls without needing to close any programs.

Weighing in at a airy 116 grams, this thin smartphone has dimensions and design similar to the iPhone 4. This makes it large enough to be fully functional without feeling like you're lugging a laptop in your purse or pocket.The textured back and slightly curved sides makes holding the Galaxy S2 comfortable and secure in the users palm.

Along with all the features now considered standard among smartphones like GPS, in-browser Flash player, and social hubs, the Galaxy S2 has a generous 4.3-inch screen that makes viewing the intuitive navigation menu quick and simple.

When it comes to making a phone call with the Galaxy S2 (yes, some people do still use their smartphones as phones) users enjoy enhanced call quality with the integrated noise reduction control. Video calling is simple with Android Platform 2.3.3 onboard, and if you've ended your call before the conversation is complete, Samsung makes redialing or sending a message to your last contact easy with instant onscreen prompts.

The Galaxy S2 Android phone is available now, providing an alternative for consumers who don't want one of the popular fruit-branded smartphones (namely those from Apple or Blackberry).

Need to know: Samsung Galaxy S2

1. The super-speedy response time will keep users with challenged attention spans satisfied with the ability to run numerous apps simultaneously and flawlessly. (The Good)

2. With a 4.3 inch 800 x 400 Super AMOLED plus display shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass, the display on the Galaxy S2 is fantastic, with crisp images and colors. (The Good)

3. Like most modern smartphones, this unit likes to eat batteries, especially when browsing the web or playing games, so keep the charger handy. (The Bad)

4. With no way to silence the camera shutter, you can forget about taking sneaky candid shots with the Galaxy S2. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
4.27"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.27"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1650 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

If there is a smartphone out there which manages to provide the sheer speed of the iPhone then it has to be the Samsung Galaxy S2. There are no two ways about it - it is currently the fastest phone in the market and quite reasonable priced, given the amount tech crammed into it. It even manages to e...

- Sahil Mohan Gupta, Gadgets 360
TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is certainly a good buy in this price range. It offers a long list of in-built high class features/applications that exist in all latest Android phones. The big 4.3 inch Super AMOLED plus screen is amazing and it offers great display. The powerful RAM and processor gives hassle...

- TT Gadget editor, TelecomTiger
GSMArena
GSMArena

With Snapdragon S3 under the hood, the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II is not as assertive in its performance as the rest of the GSM sporting, Galaxy S II lineup. It does however, more than make up for the notable omission by offering you zippy network speed, a mammoth battery, and a bigger Super AMOLE...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
GSMArena
GSMArena

When the original Samsung Galaxy S II entered the scene five months ago, it blew its entire Android competition out of the water. The race wasn’t even close – the droid was not in a mood to take any prisoners.Interestingly enough, we are still to encounter a faster Android smartphone, made by a comp...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Cnet
Cnet

You might think the $369.99 Samsung Galaxy S II 4G is merely a repackaged relic offloaded to Boost Mobile by its Sprint overlords. And you’d be right, at least in part, but that’s not the whole story. Sure, the Galaxy S II is by no means a spring chicken, but this gray-haired device still boasts the...

- Brian Bennett, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy S II user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy S II with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy S II has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.27"

The Samsung Galaxy S II's screen size is 4.27 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Samsung Dual-Core Cortex A9 MPCore 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread (Update Available: 4.1.2 Jelly Bean) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/32 GB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1650mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1650 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 29.5 days standby time, 1100 minutes, 264 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy S II Specs

Overview
Release Date April 14, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 2.3 Gingerbread (Update Available: 4.1.2 Jelly Bean)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Samsung Dual-Core Cortex A9 MPCore 1 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.16 W/kg
Body: 0.96 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Panorama, Self-portrait, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.27 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1650 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 480 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 264 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1100 minutes
Standby Time Up to 29.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White, Pink
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.5 x 6.6 x 0.8 cm (4.9 x 2.6 x 0.3 in)
Weight 116 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Screensavers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: XT9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WMA, WAV, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Viewable document types: DOC, PPT, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung I9100

Available model with 16Gb built-in memory
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy S II Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy S II
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