Samsung Galaxy S II Plus Review

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Samsung Galaxy S II Plus Review

Samsung has officially introduced a new smartphone Galaxy S II/ S2 plus which features few upgraded version of last year’s flagship model Samsung Galaxy S II/ S2 but retains its size and shape. If observed clearly with screens off, both the cells are look alike and impossible to differentiate. Samsung Galaxy S II/ S2 plus has been added to the cheaper handsets range for young and low budget users offering good value for money.

Going by the features and specifications, Galaxy S II/ S2 Plus differs from its older sibling and lets go through the specifications in detail:

Software
The Galaxy S II/ S2 Plus includes the latest Android 4.1.2, code name "Jelly Bean" version and does have the same UI as in the new Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The usual TouchWiz 5.0 goodies such as Pop Up Play, Smart Alerts, Smart Stay and Smart Call are present. These features are just as convenient.

Cellular network – GSM and 3G

Samsung galaxy S II/ S2 plus uses 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 3G (HSPA+ 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) networks.With these networks, the user can make calls and browse almost everywhere in the world.

Display

Despite the name “plus” Samsung galaxy s II/ S2 plus is inferior to Galaxy S II/ S2 and has the same display size i.e 4.3-inch Super AMOLED plus, and same resolution WVGA(800*480), but Samsung has surprisingly opted to except the Gorilla Glass protection which is present in older smartphone. One of the most important enrichment of a smartphone is outdoor use. Accordingly, it must have sufficient brightness in addition to superb image quality. The Galaxy S2/ S II Plus cannot completely assure us with its average brightness of 240 cd/m² and not 400 to 500 cd/m² which many smartphones achieve. Direct sunlight should be avoided Since the screen's exterior is reflective like all smartphones.

Design

Galaxy S II/ S2 Plus exhibits a rectangular design instead of the curvy lines and rounded corners that Samsung's recent Androids are associated with and it has adopted from its predecessor – the highly-acclaimed-yet-aging Galaxy S II/ S2. The smartphone is both as slim and light as the mid-rangers it will be competing against. Besides, the device's Hyperglaze-inspired finish looks quite fascinate, regardless of whether you pick its blue or white variant which provides premium metal look with fingerprint free and non slip battery cover.

The volume adjustment is on the left side of the device while the lock key is on the right side so that both can be easily reached by left and right-handed folks alike. The Samsung GALAXY S II/ S2 Plus lifts with 8.49mm ultra-slim form factor, a lavish design and an easy grip. The plus II also features HyperSkin which provides premium metal look with fingerprint free and non slip battery cover.

Connectivity

Besides the in built Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth version 3.0 standard, Galaxy S2/ S II Plus offer NFC (near-field communication). Samsung adds a "Plus" at the end of the model name (i9105P) and offers these devices for virtually the same purchase price. You can share files using Wi-Fi Direct and stream content to televisions and home theatres through the integrated DLNA feature. Other connectivities are Gprs, Edge, Bluetooth, Usb port.

Camera

Primary camera: The rear-facing camera in the Galaxy S II/ S2 Plus has a decent resolution of 8.0 megapixels (3264x2448 pixels) and go beyond  the company's own competition, such as the Galaxy S3 Mini (5.0 megapixels). The result is sharper pictures featuring stabilized colors that can compete with the compared opponent. A video which records in a Full HD resolution and an LED flash, is also included. The auto focus could be a bit faster, but this is minor to the overall good impression.

Front camera: Judgement about the front-facing camera is more negative, as expected with 2.0 megapixels (1600x1200 pixels) and accordingly low details. However, it should be good for self shots and video chats.

Multimedia

Samsung galaxy S II/ S2 has audio player which supports AAC, MP3, OGG, 3GP, 3GA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, WMA, WAV, MID, XMF, MXMF, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, IMY versions and video player which supports H.263, H.264, MPEG4, DviX, VC1, WMV7, WMV8, MP4, VP8 and features 1080p Full HD recording, making every moment captured a masterpiece. The plus II has FM radio with RDS feature. Popup Video allows a video to play on the screen anywhere in a pop-up window while running other tasks simultaneously which eliminates the need to close and restart videos while checking new emails or surfing the Web.

Battery

The 1650 MaH battery is again a carry over from galaxy S II/ S2. In the Galaxy S II/ S2, we found that talk time is good for 6 hours. Perhaps the newer processor should result in longer battery life. Yes it is! It has a maximum run time of 14 hours when idle and 9 hours when surfing and it would drop to 4 hours when using maximum brightness and long gaming sessions.

Other Features

Dimensions of Samsung Galaxy S II/ S2 are 125.3x66.1x8.9 and weight is 121g which is slim and lightweight compared to other opponents.

S Beam helps to share or transfer pictures, videos, music, documents, contacts making easy and quick.

Direct Call helps us to call our friends directly simply by lifting our phones to ears while messaging to them. No more searching of contacts.

With creative Smart Stay feature, it recognizes if you are looking at the phone to read something or to browse.

Smart alert lets you know what has happened when you are away from the device by giving a vibration alert of messages and missed calls when you return.

Email Support, Instant messenger, Pre loaded apps are other features Galaxy S II/ S2 offers.

Bottom Line

With a price of 22,900, Galaxy S II/ S2 would definitely compete with a similar smartphone opponents in market.