Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy S II (I9100): Samsung Redefines Android Power in 2011

Samsung made a bold move into the Android flagship race with the Galaxy S I9000. It impressed with its slim design, Super AMOLED display, and blazing fast Hummingbird processor. But in 2011, the smartphone world has changed yet again, dual-core processors are arriving, displays are getting sharper, and the competition is fiercer than ever.

Enter the Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100). Announced at Mobile World Congress and now rolling out worldwide, this device isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul that sets a new bar for Android smartphones.

Design and Build Quality

At just 8.49 mm thick, the Galaxy S II is the slimmest smartphone on the market right now. It weighs only 116 grams, making it lighter than even its predecessor. Despite its large 4.3-inch display, it feels surprisingly comfortable to hold thanks to its slim frame and slightly textured back panel, which provides better grip than the glossy finish of the Galaxy S.

Samsung has clearly taken feedback from last year’s model and refined the design. The Galaxy S II feels sleek, modern, and business-ready, while still appealing to multimedia enthusiasts.

Display: Super AMOLED Plus

If the Galaxy S’s Super AMOLED screen wowed us in 2010, the Galaxy S II takes it to another level with Super AMOLED Plus. This 4.3-inch display retains the 480 × 800 resolution but improves brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.

Unlike the pentile matrix on the original Galaxy S, Super AMOLED Plus uses a real RGB subpixel arrangement, resulting in sharper text and cleaner edges. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching HD movies, or gaming, the screen is vibrant and immersive.

Samsung Galaxy S II (I9100) Specifications

• Display: 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus, 480 × 800 pixels
• Processor: Dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos 4210 (ARM Cortex-A9)
• Graphics: Mali-400 MP GPU
• RAM: 1 GB
• Storage: 16 GB or 32 GB internal, expandable via microSD (up to 32 GB)
• Rear Camera: 8 MP with autofocus, LED flash, 1080p Full HD video recording
• Front Camera: 2 MP for video calls
• Battery: 1650 mAh removable
• Connectivity: HSDPA+ (21 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, GPS, DLNA, HDMI via MHL adapter
• Operating System: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with Samsung TouchWiz 4.0

The jump to dual-core processing makes the Galaxy S II one of the fastest smartphones in the world right now.

Performance and User Experience

Powered by the 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos processor and 1 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S II is blisteringly fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and demanding 3D games run without a hiccup. The Mali-400 GPU ensures that graphics-intensive tasks like 1080p video playback and gaming are handled effortlessly.

Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Samsung’s new TouchWiz 4.0 interface, the Galaxy S II feels polished and feature-rich. TouchWiz adds customizable widgets, motion-based gestures (like tilting to zoom), and a redesigned app drawer. It may not please Android purists, but for everyday users, it’s a friendly and powerful skin.

Camera and Multimedia

The 8 MP rear camera is a major step up from last year’s 5 MP shooter. It captures detailed, vibrant photos and adds an LED flash for low-light shots, something the original Galaxy S lacked.

More impressively, the Galaxy S II is among the first smartphones capable of recording 1080p Full HD video at 30 fps. Playback on the Super AMOLED Plus display looks stunning, and output via HDMI (using the MHL adapter) means you can watch your videos on the big screen.

The 2 MP front camera is perfect for video calls, especially with apps like Skype expanding their Android support.

For media lovers, the Galaxy S II supports a wide range of video and audio formats right out of the box, including DivX, XviD, MP4, MP3, AAC, and FLAC.

Connectivity and Features

The Galaxy S II comes loaded with modern connectivity options:

• HSPA+ speeds up to 21 Mbps for faster browsing and downloads.
• Wi-Fi Direct for device-to-device sharing without a hotspot.
• DLNA support for streaming content to compatible TVs.
• MHL port for HDMI output via an adapter.

Samsung has also included Kies Air, a feature that lets you manage your phone wirelessly through a web browser — a forward-thinking addition in 2011.

Battery Life

With all this power, you’d expect the battery to struggle, but the 1650 mAh unit performs well. Moderate users can easily get through a full day, while heavy users may need a nightly recharge. Considering the dual-core processor and massive display, this is a respectable showing.

Samsung Galaxy S II vs the Competition

The smartphone battlefield in 2011 is fierce:

• Apple iPhone 4: Still a strong competitor with its Retina Display, but the Galaxy S II’s larger screen, dual-core power, and flexibility give it an edge.
• HTC Sensation: Another dual-core Android phone, with higher resolution (qHD), but the Galaxy S II is slimmer, lighter, and offers a better display.
• Motorola Atrix 4G: Powerful with its laptop dock accessory, but bulkier and less refined than the Galaxy S II.

The Galaxy S II doesn’t just compete; it leads.

Pricing and Availability (2011)

The Samsung Galaxy S II launched globally throughout 2011. Pricing depends on the market:

• Europe/UK: Around £500–£550 SIM-free, or free on contracts from £35/month on O2, Vodafone, Orange, and T-Mobile.
• US: Variants will appear on major carriers under different names — AT&T Galaxy S II, T-Mobile Galaxy S II, and Sprint’s Epic 4G Touch. Prices are expected around $199 on contract, $550–$600 unlocked.
• Asia: Already available in South Korea, rolling out to Singapore, India, and other markets with pricing in line with premium flagships.

Pros and Cons

The Samsung Galaxy S II (I9100) is more than just an upgrade to the Galaxy S, it’s a complete redefinition of what an Android smartphone can be in 2011.

With its slim profile, Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core power, and feature-packed design, it’s arguably the most advanced smartphone available right now. It beats most competitors in speed, screen quality, and design, while also cementing Samsung’s position as the leader of the Android pack.

If you’re looking for the best Android phone in 2011, the Galaxy S II should be at the very top of your list.

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