[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1LghGLP0I/AAAAAAAAANg/5nl2_uMGhFE/s720/DSC_0036.JPG[/img]
Ever since it's announcement at CES 2010 I've been waiting to get my hands on one. Well now I have!
Now I'm no professional reviewer and this is my first so don't expect a hell of a lot. I'm going over what most people will want to know. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.
[b]What's in the box?[/b]
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1LUv9iqFI/AAAAAAAAANY/Y8QTzn_HHFg/s720/DSC_0034.JPG[/img]
Well, pretty standard packaging but it does the job. In the box it contains:
-Samsung Galaxy S II GT-I9100 (Duh)
-1650mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
-UK Mains Charger
-Quick start guide
-Samsung In-Ear Headset
-Different sized ear pieces
-USB Cable
-Android figure not included :v:
[b]Brief overlook of the phone[/b]
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1LmN-MMkI/AAAAAAAAANk/fxylIUXEqZw/s720/DSC_0037.JPG[/img]
At first glance it's pretty minimalist. One main button at the bottom (Home key), a big 4.3" SAMOLED+ screen and a front facing 2MP camera. It's taken a less curvier shape from the Galaxy S. It's gone for a more iPhoney 4-ish style (QUICK, Lawsuit!)
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1NL_BOt6I/AAAAAAAAAOc/8sx0ODgcUXw/s720/DSC_0048.JPG[/img]
The back though has changed massively from the Samsung Galaxy S. It's no longer shiny, glossy, slippy plastic. It's a matte, textured finished and feels nice in your hand. The bottom curves out slightly to accompany the speaker. The battery cover does feel solid when it's in place but when you take it off it feels like it's going to break. Seriously, it's about 1.5x the thickness of a normal sheet of A4 paper. I never want to take it off again :ohdear:
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1NWRLEH0I/AAAAAAAAAOk/YgDnDKM_FKQ/s720/DSC_0050.JPG[/img]
The main fuss over the phone is the thickness of it, or what ever little there is. It's 8.49mm thick and it weighs the same as a normal phone battery, a little exaggeration there but it is very light. I don't feel it in my pocket. It's 116g after all.
[b]The specs[/b]
Here's the quick list then detailed more below:
General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 850/900/1900/2100 MHz, HSDPA 21 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps
Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone
Dimensions: 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm, 116 g
Display: 4.3" 16M-color WVGA (480 x 800 pixels) Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen, Gorilla Glass,
CPU: Dual-core ARM Cortex A9 1.2 GHz processor, Orion chipset
GPU: Mali-400MP
RAM: 1GB
OS: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Memory: 16/32GB storage, microSD card slot
Camera: 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with face detection, touch focus and image
stabilization; Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps, LED flash, front facing camera, video-calls
Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, standard microUSB port,
GPS receiver with A-GPS, 3.5mm audio jack, FM radio, TV-out, USB-on-the-go
Misc: TouchWiz 4.0 UI, DivX/XviD codec support, built-in accelerometer, multi-touch input, proximity sensor, gyroscope sensor, Swype text input
The Galaxy S II features Samsung's very own Enyxos Chipset. The CPU is a dual core running at 1.2GHz, it was originally clocked at 1GHz they bumped it up a bit. It's paired with 1 Gb of RAM. Yes, that's a dual core [i]and[/i] 1 Gb of RAM in a phone. The GPU is pretty meaty too, it's a Quad core Mali-400MP, and with a HDMI lead it can output full 1080p videos, games anything. As you can see that only thing to beat it in performance is a Tegra 2 overclocked to 1.5GHz from a stock 1GHz. We shall wait and see on what this thing is like at overclocking.
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1M6QHAc-I/AAAAAAAAAOY/ctOyOVtSIsk/s720/DSC_0047.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MzSvlbAI/AAAAAAAAAOU/OeOu5fiWi8s/s720/DSC_0046.JPG[/img]
It's running Google's latest version of Android, Gingerbread 2.3.3 which is pretty speedy on a low spec phone, on the SGS2 it's on a whole new level of quick! It's running TouchWiz 4.0 by default, this is Samsung's own UI they've put over the top. My personal opinion, it's.... okay. A lot better than previous releases, but I'll probably be using something else later.
[img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MAVbJroI/AAAAAAAAANw/m_UeUFrvCMs/s720/DSC_0039.JPG[/img]
This is the default homescreen, you can have up to 7.
[img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MQwYjnQI/AAAAAAAAAN8/zL2t85dx8C8/s720/DSC_0041.JPG[/img]
The application grid is still similar to that of the SGS and its varients and also the Galaxy Tab.
The only model out at the moment is the 16 Gb one which is plenty, I've gone and put a 16 Gb Micro SD in it as well, it will support up to 32 Gb Micro SD cards with no info on the 64 GB one yet (should support it it's just down to Android). You can expect the 32 Gb model to be out later on.
[b]Dat screen[/b]
Oh yes the screen. The screen on the original SGS blew people away and helped it to secure media phone of the year 2010. Well this screen on the SGS2 is even better. It uses Samsung's Super AMOLED plus screen. The colours and contrast are nothing short of amazing. It still may only be 800x480 but it still looks fantastic. You can see this straight away when you first turn it on and see the lock screen.
[img]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1L5Bf3zTI/AAAAAAAAANo/-45FrJPemQw/s720/DSC_0038.JPG[/img]
And one I took on the SGS2's camera:
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MXTZg-BI/AAAAAAAAAOA/WaWi3o8-iC4/s720/DSC_0042.JPG[/img]
This is a side by side comparison with a (from left to right) Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Galaxy S II and a ZTE Blade. Done in low light and normal light of homescreen.
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1LA9FCuMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/zttFiJ0qlJg/s720/DSC_0032.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1LLdOKN8I/AAAAAAAAANU/0zqBX4cQXFE/s720/DSC_0033.JPG[/img]
Now to show you how the colours compare and viewing angles. All using same photo and screens turned to full brightness.
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MfLcsarI/AAAAAAAAAOs/HLW9xwzri54/s512/DSC_0043.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MmSH_QJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/36zPvKTKXkE/s512/DSC_0044.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1MteC7H8I/AAAAAAAAAO0/Vczqd_4Jh28/s912/DSC_0045.JPG[/img]
[b]Camera[/b]
Yeah it's good.
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_flpbmK6eSXw/Tb1NSqAuGYI/AAAAAAAAAOg/Ok50CIJmUV0/s512/DSC_0049.JPG[/img]
What, I can't just say it's good? Fine then. Here's the full photo of what I used for the comparisons.
[media]http://i.imgur.com/PAhV9.jpg[/media]
It looks a hell of a lot better on the phone and not a full res like the photo above. I must admit, reviewing the camera is not one of my fortés so I will have to shamelessly link you to a proper review of it which covers all of the features.[url=http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9100_galaxy_s_ii-review-588p5.php]GSMArena team's camera review of the SGSII[/url]
Whilst on on the topic it handles full 1080p recording at 30 fps very well.
[b]My early conclusion[/b]
It's a fantastic bit of kit, Samsung really have stepped up the game here. It's going to be the iPhone 5's best rival (it will have very similar specs). It's pricey, set me back £530, so it's a good idea to get it on contract. I recommend the One plan from Three mobile as you get unlimited data.
Any questions, queries whatever just ask, I'll try and answer them to the best of my (or Google's) knowledge. Or of course if you feel I've missed something major out that I've forgotten about (I most likely have) point it out and I'll add it in.
Looks good, congratulations on your new born baby.
Looks hot, have the SGS 1 myself, pretty satisfied with it still. Would there be any reason upgrading?
[QUOTE=Marlamin;29546408]Looks hot, have the SGS 1 myself, pretty satisfied with it still. Would there be any reason upgrading?[/QUOTE]
Hmm, probably not yet. When Icecream, the next version of Android, comes out then perhaps so.
[QUOTE=PyroCF;29546432]Hmm, probably not yet. When Icecream, the next version of Android, comes out then perhaps so.[/QUOTE]
Do a Quadrant benchmark at stock!
Bah quadrant is a load of crap, but if you insist :v:
It gets 3149. The phone is capped at 60 FPS though, so in theory it could get a lot higher.
Can't wait till it comes out in the US. Im gonna cum so hard all over the screen and make it my bitch.
[QUOTE=PyroCF;29546455]Bah quadrant is a load of crap, but if you insist :v:
It gets 3149. The phone is capped at 60 FPS though, so in theory it could get a lot higher.[/QUOTE]
Dayum
[QUOTE=David Tennant;29546569]Dayum[/QUOTE]
Quadrant benchmarks mean nothing. Especially when people like you guys use the standard version where it doesn't show how many points each segment of the test got.
I live in America and this is the phone I am looking to upgrade to this summer, however I have no idea if the price is going to allow me to buy it. I will have the money and depending on how much ATT docks the price with contract I may get it.
But if it is still expensive as hell, I am going to cry... I don't want to settle for an inferior phone.
I've been waiting for this phone longer than you have! I wanted it the moment there was speculation on a new Galaxy S a few weeks before the convention.
However, It'll be another few weeks before I can get it, mostly because I'm on AT&T and I live in America.
It' great to see that I won't be disappointed.
Oh gods, please let this thing hit Verizon. I'd pay full price for one.
I'm getting my SII by the end of the month. I can't wait, my Galaxy Spica is always crashing and being slow.
[QUOTE=Arachnidus;29547923]Oh gods, please let this thing hit Verizon. I'd pay full price for one.[/QUOTE]
I'd be very surprised if it didn't. Verizon is the most popular service at the moment, and Samsung would be stupid to not put their best phone on it. Same goes for AT&T and Sprint. Although I don't know if T Mobile will.
What's the battery life like?
From what I've read in various reviews around the web it's a bit better than the Galaxy S's
What the fuck's this thread doing
[media]http://i.imgur.com/P46PR.png[/media]
Anyone know when this phone is being released in Australia? I haven't been able to find a solid release date and I am interested in the phone.
Found this in best buy for £150, you've convinced me to buy it. Thanks mate!
[QUOTE=Dr Egg;29548136]What's the battery life like?[/QUOTE]
I shall tell you after 2 days usage!
[QUOTE=Dr Egg;29548136]What's the battery life like?[/QUOTE]
Pretty great according to Engadget. About 20 hours of on and off use. It also has an OLED type screen so the power that it draws is negligible. That adds a ton of life.
Here's the Engadget review link: [url]http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-review/[/url]
[QUOTE=nikomo;29548249]What the fuck's this thread doing
[media]http://i.imgur.com/P46PR.png[/media][/QUOTE]
This happened to me to, what the hell?
[QUOTE=ManningQB18;29548067]I'd be very surprised if it didn't. Verizon is the most popular service at the moment, and Samsung would be stupid to not put their best phone on it. Same goes for AT&T and Sprint. Although I don't know if T Mobile will.[/QUOTE]
Considering the variants of the SGS on TMo right now, I'm optimistic about it. Thing is, I got a Thunderbolt on launch day and my family is not big on the whole spending money thing, so I've gotta figure out a witty, entertaining and tactful way to get an early upgrade.
Garry enabled CMS and now shit's fucked up generally.
So how's the battery life? I may be upgrading from the DX to this.
[QUOTE=Fleamonji;29549701]So how's the battery life? I may be upgrading from the DX to this.[/QUOTE]
Other reviews have been saying it pretty good compared to the average smart phone. I've found it's pretty good as well, I can't say for sure yet as I'm going to calibrate it later. It does however take bloody ages to charge. I've found this with my Samsung Galaxy Tab [b]but[/b] this'll be down to the capacity of the battery. I'm used to my Blade's 1200 mAh battery charing very quickly.
It looks like a nice size compared to that Blade.
I might be able to afford it in a couple of years.
Hot fucking damn. I wish I could afford this phone. It looks freaking amazing.
I think I'll have to get a Galaxy S down the road when they are cheaper.
Great review, I'm very jelly.
[editline]1st May 2011[/editline]
Also 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM on a phone. I feel old.
And here I am with my Fascinate, and we just got 2.2. :sigh:
(I'm still in love with it, though.)
If what I hear about it is true, then this is just about the perfect media phone, isn't it?
I have some questions though. Does it have a Wolfson headphone amp like last time? And will it require modding (Voodoo) to have it reach it's potential?
Also, what's the Linpack on this thing look like?
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