Samsung Galaxy S II
Key specs
Critic consensus
“There's no doubt about it: Nearly a year after we reviewed the initial, unlocked version, the Samsung Galaxy S II remains one of the top Android phones available. In a market that sees a new hot smartphone come and go every few weeks, that's an impressive feat. The Samsung Galaxy S II has already taken the major carriers by storm, so it's nice to see it make its way over to U.S. Cellular. And the Galaxy S II remains just as potent as ever—it's every bit as fast and beautiful as before. But U.S. Cellular will soon be launching a 4G LTE network, and the Galaxy S II isn't a 4G phone.”
“The Samsung Galaxy S II is smokin'. It's stunningly powerful, generally well-designed, and everything a high-end Android phone should be. The screen could be a little higher-res, and you should be able to delete the bloatware. But this phone grooves.There's one thing standing in your way, though, and that's the towering price of this unlocked masterpiece. The Galaxy S II is only available from specialty importers for around $800, and it's simply too hard to justify a price that high.”
“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 AMOLED Plus screen.”
“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 company other than Samsung, despite the significant number high-end dual-core offerings released by the competition since then.The Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T is priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract. This is in line with all the current high-end offerings on the U.S. market. Let’s see now, what are the other possible options for the price range.Two days from today, the iPhone 5 will finally be officially released. In case you are not stuck with the Android ecosystem, it is an option worth considering. The amount of $99 can get you a 3D experience in the face of LG Thrill 4G. The droid is the U.S. version of the Optimus 3D. Its spec sheet is packed with features, but its OS is still Android 2.2 Froyo.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
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)
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy S II released?
The Samsung Galaxy S II was released on April 14, 2011.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy S II?
The Samsung Galaxy S II has a 1,650 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S II have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S II has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy S II?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy S II manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy S II manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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