Samsung Galaxy S II Review

Does the Galaxy S II feel fast in real use?

Yes. Multiple sources in the brief highlight the Galaxy S II's speed driven by a 1.2GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos CPU and 1GB of RAM; benchmark write-ups called performance a 'screamer' and noticeably faster than Tegra 2–based phones. Everyday tasks, UI navigation under TouchWiz 4.0 and app launches were repeatedly described as lightning-fast.

That performance profile positions the GS2 as one of 2011's flagship speed leaders, suitable for power users who prioritize responsiveness and multitasking on Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread.

How good is the screen?

The 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display earned strong praise for vivid colors and clarity; reviewers described it as 'fantastic' and an 'eye-pleasure' compared with previous screens. The increase in diagonal size from the original Galaxy S (to 4.3") and the Super AMOLED Plus panel were key selling points.

For media playback and everyday viewing the panel is a clear highlight of the phone, delivering one of the best smartphone displays available at the time according to the coverage in the brief.

Is the Galaxy S II built like a flagship?

Samsung refined the Galaxy S design: although the chassis is still formed from several plastic pieces, reviewers noted the textures and finish make it feel far more premium than the original Galaxy S. Measured physical specs cited in the brief are 119 g weight and 8.49 mm thickness, with Gorilla Glass protecting the front and a textured, grippy rear cover.

Button layout and external controls remain familiar (single Home button plus two capacitive keys, volume rocker on the left, power on the right). The overall impression in the sources is a thinner, lighter handset that reads as a higher-quality product despite the continued use of plastic.

Are the camera and storage options competitive?

Samsung equipped the GS2 with an 8 MP rear camera and LED flash (and a front-facing 2 MP camera noted in the brief). CNET reported the camera among the best they'd seen, making the phone a strong choice for mobile photography in its generation.

On storage the phone shipped in 16GB and 32GB configurations and includes a microSDHC slot supporting up to 32GB of additional capacity, giving users flexibility beyond the internal storage choices.

Does the battery last and are there usability caveats?

Battery life is the most recurring complaint: CNET specifically called battery life 'disappointing' and listed it as the key negative. That contrasts with at least one early observer referenced in the brief (an ArsTechnica forum post) who reported battery life that 'compares favorably' to single-core phones — indicating mixed real-world reports across sources.

Additional usability notes: Samsung's TouchWiz 4.0 includes helpful shortcuts and features, but video-out requires a separate adapter per CNET, which adds an extra accessory step for users who want to mirror video.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ 1.2GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos CPU with 1GB RAM — reviewed as 'lightning-fast' and significantly faster than Tegra 2–based phones.
• ✅ 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display — widely praised for vivid color and clarity.
• ✅ 8 MP rear camera with LED flash (plus a front 2 MP camera) — CNET called the camera among the best they've seen.
• ✅ Thin and light chassis — 8.49 mm thick and 119 g, with Gorilla Glass front and textured rear for grip.
• ✅ MicroSDHC support up to 32GB plus 16GB/32GB internal storage options.
• ✅ TouchWiz 4.0 delivers useful shortcuts and refinements over prior Samsung overlays.

• ❌ Battery life: CNET reported 'disappointing' battery life; reports across sources are mixed.
• ❌ Video-out requires a separate adapter — no native cable included per CNET.
• ❌ Construction still relies on multiple plastic pieces despite improved finish — not full metal or glass unibody.

How It Compares to the Competition

• Samsung Galaxy S (original) — Smaller, single-core predecessor; the GS II improves speed, screen size and fit-and-finish over the original Galaxy S.
• Tegra 2–based phones (peer class) — Class of Tegra 2 phones were cited as slower in benchmarks; the GS II's Exynos dual-core generally outperformed Tegra 2 devices in contemporary reviews.
• HTC Sensation — A contemporary dual-core Android flagship competing on thinness and performance; the GS II was frequently highlighted for competing class-leading speed and display quality.

Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It

Buy it if: Buy the Galaxy S II if you want one of 2011's fastest Android phones with a best-in-class Super AMOLED Plus display, a very thin/light chassis (8.49 mm, 119 g) and a strong 8 MP camera. It's aimed at users who prioritize UI responsiveness, media viewing and camera quality and who are comfortable managing battery life.

Skip it if: Skip the GS II if you need long, dependable battery runtimes out of the box or if you require native video-out without buying an adapter. Also consider other materials-focused flagships if you prefer metal or glass unibody construction over a multi-piece plastic shell.