Manage updates with the Download AppSamsung Galaxy S II (unlocked)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: GALAXYSIIULK
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Despite a few complaints, the Samsung Galaxy S II hits all the high notes, making the unlocked handset Samsung's most advanced and successful smartphone to date.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Samsung Galaxy S II (unlocked) price range: $319.00 - $529.99
- Reviewed by: Jessica Dolcourt
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 05/06/2011
The good: The Samsung Galaxy S II has a speedy dual-core processor, a large, gorgeous display, 4G capability, and excellent cameras. It's also up-to-date with Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
The bad: The Samsung Galaxy S II lacks a hardware camera button, and you need to remove to battery to access the microSD card slot. Call quality could be better.
The bottom line: Despite a few complaints, the Samsung Galaxy S II hits all the high notes, making the unlocked handset Samsung's most advanced and successful smartphone to date.
User reviews
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The Best!!!
by sonelone on May 9, 2011
Pros: Performance, Screen, Design, Camera, Battery, Just everything in general
Cons: Plasticy body(I would have preferred soft-touch plastic or metal, even though it would have added a tiny bit of weight)
Summary: This phone is absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a smartphone, first-time and experienced users alike. There is absolutely no lag on this phone whatsoever ...
Summary: This phone is absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a smartphone, first-time and experienced users alike. There is absolutely no lag on this phone whatsoever and flash plays perfectly, contrary to what Apple says. Ditching my iPhone 4 for this device was the best decision ever! The screen is absolutely brilliant. Don't let the low pixel density fool you! Colors pop, are not over-saturated like the OG Galaxy S, and everything is incredibly crisp. The battery life is also amazing and I get two days with medium use, as much as with the iPhone 4. I don't understand why CNET is taking points off for things like the lack of a dedicated hardware camera key and the microSD and an alleged call quality issue. There is no call quality issue whatsoever and the lack of a camera button is more of a personal thing. Some people don't like too many buttons on their phones. The microSD thing is also a very small issue. Also they only gave this phone 8.0 on performance and design. It is the thinnest phone on the market everywhere except Japan and 8/10 on performance is absolutely ridiculous. This is the fastest phone in the world and probably will be for another year or until Tegra 3 phones come out.
19 out of 23 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The greatest phone I've ever seen on this planet
by dogadog on May 9, 2011
Pros: Call Performance, Audio Performance, Multimedia, Web Performance, Battery Life, Easy to use UI,
beautiful AMOLED Plus Screen, Premium Looking Hardware Design, Easy access four hubs short cut,
Camera Quality, and more!!!!Cons: Nothing to complain with this device. I don't know how much I have to expect from my Galaxy S 2. This is the greatest device I've ever had and none of smart phone devices cannot be close to Samsung Galaxy S 2. I cannot go back to iPhone due to Galaxy S 2.
Summary:
CNET should have give 5 stars for Samsung Galaxy S 2. I read about Cons from CNET Call quality better. I am not sure how ...
Updated on May 9, 2011Summary:
CNET should have give 5 stars for Samsung Galaxy S 2. I read about Cons from CNET Call quality better. I am not sure how they came up with this???? Call Quality and performance are superb!!! I don't know CNET people checked properly.
Updated on May 9, 201111 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best phone on this planet
by drsnowmon on May 12, 2011
Pros: 1.2 GHz dual core processor
2.3 Android OS
Super AMOLED screen
Web browsing is super fast
Bigger screen yet thinnest phone in the World
UI and touch screen is incredibly smoothCons: Service provider screwing US buyers
Summary: The editor took points off for call quality, external camera button, and SD card placement? is she serious? This lady was probably paid by Apple, I will never take this ...
Summary: The editor took points off for call quality, external camera button, and SD card placement? is she serious? This lady was probably paid by Apple, I will never take this reviewer seriously in the future.
9 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fabulous Phone, Outstanding Performance
by skblakee on May 14, 2011
Pros: Marvelous super amoled plus screen that outshines all other phones and makes others do a double take when they glimpse it. It is gorgeous.
1080p video recording and playback. So far I have played a couple of 1080p movies on it , super fast and responsiveCons: Pricey....
Summary: The iPhone is now second best.
Summary: The iPhone is now second best.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best phone I have owned by far
by jessicamitchel on May 28, 2011
Pros: -Super AMOLED screen plus
-NIC
-Bluetooth and real multitasking
-touchwiz 4.0
-1080 p recordin
-flash browsing smooth and no lagCons: -Battery life is ok but not amazing still pretty decent
Summary: Not sure how CNET gave this phone a lower rating then the iphone 4 seems like they are the only site that did? Makes absolutely no sense.
This replace my ...Summary: Not sure how CNET gave this phone a lower rating then the iphone 4 seems like they are the only site that did? Makes absolutely no sense.
actually they designed the super amoled screen and dual core processor with maximum battery life in mind, for me the phone easily lasts throughout the day.
This replace my iphone, I now have more flexibility customization and better use of my phone.
Updated on Jun 9, 20116 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A truly amazing device!
by mezzoola on August 9, 2011
Pros: Fabulous Screen
No lag
Call quality
Voice commands
turn-by-turn voice GPS NavCons: Speaker phone a bit weak and on the back
Summary: Can't say enough good things about this phone. I have had it for 2 weeks (Bell in Canada) and have been using/configuring it non-stop.
My daughter has an ...Summary: Can't say enough good things about this phone. I have had it for 2 weeks (Bell in Canada) and have been using/configuring it non-stop.
My daughter has an ipod touch so am well versed with the apple issues. To make it clear, I think iPhones and iPod touches are great devices; where they fall short is their connectivity to iTunes. Sorry Apple, I'm not about to store my CC on your server or buy top up cards when my money can stay in my bank. Also, having to sync with iTunes and keep that bloated/glitchy piece of software on your computer is a non-starter. Android = copy/paste via USB....no syncing invloved. You can also use the Samsung Kies app to transfer files to and from your computer via wifi. It's a great app, very functional but also slower than copy/paste (not nearly as slow as iTunes though!) You can also download app from market for wifi transfer but haven't tried one yet.
LOVE this phone...no lag!! In point form...
1. Screen - 10+
2. Call quality - 10
3. Build - 8 - I think it feels fine in the hand but does have flimsy plastic back. It does have gorilla glass! I did not purchase a screen protector. I purchased a case-mate case with kick-stand...it is awesome! highly recommend....found it at T-Booth outlets also available from case-mate.com)
4. Camera - 7 - It's an excellent camera for a phone...am comparing it to my Canon still digital
5. Video - 8 - 1080p HD...GREAT for a phone....again, comparing to stand-a-lone video.
6. Speaker - 7 (It is a little weak, in terms of volume but quality is ok)
7. Tethering - 8 - can tether via wifi but not USB. Driver is missing for Win7 64 bit...I believe it is not installed for any computer. This is not an issue as the best way to connect is via wifi...works flawlessly.....and connect your USB at the same time to keep the phone charged.
8. Contacts - 10 - Love how you can merge contacts eliminating any duplicate contact issues. All contacts can be merged from virtually any online service including facebook, skype, twitter etc.
9. Email - 10 - Email is GREAT. I use IMAP email and it works flawlessly. This device does support MS exchange although I do not have an exchange account.
10. messaging - 9 - It's all great but would like 1 or 2 more message views. I do like the message bubbles but would like 1 or 2 other options.
11. Apps - 10 - I have found everthing I've ever needed! I recommend replacing the video player with QQplayer. An excellent app for all radio isTuneIn radio. Don't even bother with the facebook app...too bloated. I also tried Friendcaster; it's better but not really worth the install. Just use facebook mobile in the stock internet browser....it's way better! Add Facebook to your social hub and all events etc. will be automatically added to your calendar! Try World Newspapers or download AG news specific to your country. Only disappointment is Skype. S2 IS supposed to be supported now but it still doesn't work on mine.....that is Skype's issue though.....I'm sure it'll be updated sooner than later...can't have Skype video not work on a superphone! Audio skyping does work fine and people say the audio is excellent on their end too. I'm too busy to play games on my phone so can't answer to apps that are time wasters. I'm a musician so have found useful apps such as tuners, keyboards etc. Also found excellent marine navigation maps app for my husband.
12. Functionality - 10 - No need for an app killer because TouchWiz 4.0 comes with a task manager where you can kill all apps and also kill programs running in RAM. There is also an "Active Applications" widget where you can instantly go and kill apps. Even with many apps running I don't experience any lag. You can also change fonts!
13. GPS services - 8 - GPS navigation by Google works great for turn by turn voice navigation! I only give it an 8 due to the limitation of Google maps....other mapping companies are more accurate but I'm too cheap to pay. I give the software itself a 10, great graphics and the synth voice is decent.
14. Streaming - 10 - You can stream TV for $5/month....CTV, CBC, YTV etc. ....sounds like a good travel option to me! Haven't tried it but I'm sure it will work well. I have tons of data and youtube works like a dream!
15. TV connectivity - 10 (probably) - HDMI out. I already have a number of movies on my phone....when travelling or at a friend's house just connect the mini-usb to HDMI to the TV and voicla! You can watch whatever is on your phone on a TV! I have found them online for $20. Haven't tried it but I'm sure it will work as everything else has.
16. Music - 10 - Player is highly configurable and the ability to copy/paste files is "priceless" compared to you-know-who. Download "Dood's music thing" for the Android equivalent of Grooveshark! It is awesome!!
17. Browsing - 10 - Pinch and zoom works great...fast browsing. When viewing a site not optimized for mobile, just double tap the area you want to read and it will re-size automatically to fit the screen....double tap again to return it to its original size. Flash....what else is there to say?
18. Voice Commands - 10+ - Voice commands are AMAZING! I believe that some are added by Samsung TouchWiz 4.0.....way to go! The voice commands are the biggest advance that I have found most useful over my old phone.
19. Blue Tooth - 10 - works great! Have finally been able to use a Bluetooth headset I bough a couple of years ago. I never used it on my old phone because it didn't have voice commands. Love it!
20. Battery - 8 - I get a full day with a decent amount of use. Same with my old LG...I was satified. I've heard tales of woe about the battery but mine is fine. The old palm pre was HORRIBLE and I believe the new HTC Sensation is having far more battery life issues than the S2. That's one of the reasons I chose the S2 over the Sensation; I waited for user reviews because having to charge your phone every 3-5 hours isn't good enough .....BUT don't expect to get battery life you did on a phone without an OS!
Final words....I don't miss a harware camera button. In fact, I find the software button easier to use and the camera's response time is excellent. Just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this phone......I'm sure I've missed something but the newest Andoid experience is unequalled. I have been an Andorid user for 2 years but my last phone had many limitations because of the hardware.
FINALLY AN IPHONE KILLER....!!!!!!!!!5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I am in love with this one...
by scheh02 on July 28, 2011
Pros: Screen
Speed
Sound quality(music)
Multi multi multi options for tweaking.Cons: Battery quickly runs empty of course, like all smartphones. But easy to improve by installing battery saving apps.(really it works!)
Call quality is not that good but better when calling with bluetooth device or the standard in-earplugs.Summary: Had a HTC Desire before this one and considered purchasing an iPhone(what was i thinking)..
Already used to Android and carefully following developments in the smartphones OS-buisness i read ...Summary: Had a HTC Desire before this one and considered purchasing an iPhone(what was i thinking)..
Already used to Android and carefully following developments in the smartphones OS-buisness i read about Androids 2.3 Gingerbread and thought "hay" thats me. Samsung, next to Motorola, were the first to bring out phones with Gingerbread. I did not really have to think long when my phone company offered this beauty to me as a follow up for signing up another few years with them.
I realy love the fact that it's very very fast and has an amazing screen quality. Some say the iPhone's screen is better but.....mine's bigger and i have been comparing with my boss his iPhone 4...it's really not that much better. If you are really wanting to get the best out of the screen you can even improve some setttings by installing apps developed by guy's ho have been tweaking the OS and in the end getting the most out of your Samsung. I have installed an app that alowes better video performance than the standard onboard Samsung(Android) app.
My boss had to admit that he has got the feeling that having an iPhone is like visiting a beautiful country but only the dictator regime determines what you are going to see and what not.
Lot's of cons with iPhone in the mail and calendar-department whereas Android has multi-possibilities when it comes to office functionallity. I could go on for hours but i think i've said enough.
No Apple for me period. With my extra 32 Gb memory card i really love this Galaxy S2.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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S2 is where Android reaches the Perfectionist Era
by abhiwltya on June 26, 2011
Pros: 1.Jaw - Dropping Screen and Hardware is too bloody Fast.(which means No lags at all)
2.Seroiusly Very thin and Light
3.Camera delivers more than expected for both videos and photos.(Pics looks awesome on the phones screen so no need for a pc)
4.The best pCons: Yet to find....seriously !!!
Summary:
And i cant understand why cnet wont believe that this phone is actually a better smartphone than atrix 4g or the sick iphone4..plz rate ...
Updated on Jul 12, 2011Summary:
And i cant understand why cnet wont believe that this phone is actually a better smartphone than atrix 4g or the sick iphone4..plz rate it accordingly..i mean 9 points for performance to atrix and 8 to galaxys2.you guys are really biased man!!!
Updated on Jul 12, 20114 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great phone!
Pros: 1. Dual-core processor
2. Large screen size
3. Android 2.3
4. 8MP camera (not using it much since I have my DSLR)
5. User interfaceCons: 1. Battery life lasts 1 day at most
2. Antenna heats up after using wifi and packet data for a long time
3. Voice command wont work if packet data is switched off
4. Nothing on the user manual as to how to use it in-depth
5. Card slot hard to accessSummary: The S2 is a great phone to begin with. It was able to rival and excel over the iPhone4 in many ways. However, there are a few quirks that needed ...
Summary: The S2 is a great phone to begin with. It was able to rival and excel over the iPhone4 in many ways. However, there are a few quirks that needed to be ironed out on the phone itself. Voice command won't work as expected as compared to other phones. Battery life isn't as good as others (my E75 lasts me around 2 days on one charge). But in general use, the phone is a marvel. Fast, slim, lightweight and a screen size that might have earned it a title of a mini-tablet.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Phone.
by dickmo69 on September 13, 2011
Pros: Really Cnet? You're listing the lack of a dedicated hardware camera button as a con? Did you deduct points for that on the iPhone review?
Cons: Plastic body keeps the weight down, would have preferred a nicer composite for durability and strength.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: GALAXYSIIULK
- Description: The Samsung GALAXY S II uses Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the world's fastest-growing mobile operating system. The next generation smartphone includes access to Samsung's four content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to music, games, e-reading and social networking services.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Touch
- Phone Design PDA
- Integrated Components GPS receiver,
2nd camera,
Digital camera,
Digital player,
FM radio,
Voice recorder - Width 2.6 in
- Depth 0.33 in
- Height 4.93 in
- Weight 4.09 oz
- SAR Value 0.34 W/kg
Cellular
- Technology WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
- Band WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
- Mobile Broadband Generation 3G
- Service Provider Unlocked
- Operating System Google Android 2.3
- User Interface Samsung TouchWiz
- Input Device(s) Touch sensitive screen (multi-touch)
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services MMS,
SMS - Instant Messaging Services Google Talk
- Supported Email Protocols SMTP,
POP3,
IMAP4 - Supported Social Networks and Blogs MySpace,
Facebook - Messaging & Data Features Adobe Flash support
- Mobile Services Samsung Apps,
YouTube,
Gmail,
Google Search,
Video Call,
Google Play Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE,
HSPA+,
HSUPA,
HSDPA - Wireless Interface Bluetooth 3.0,
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n - Bluetooth Profiles Object Push Profile (OPP),
Hands Free Profile (HFP),
Headset Profile (HSP),
Phonebook Access Profile (PBAP),
Human Interface Device Profile (HID),
Generic Access Profile (GAP),
Message Access Profile (MAP),
Service Discovery Application Profile (SDAP),
Secure Simple Pairing (SSP),
SIM Access Profile (SAP),
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP),
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) - Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Voice control,
Call timer,
Conference call,
Flight mode,
Speakerphone,
Voice dialing,
Vibrating alert - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Polyphonic Ring Tone Voice Qty 64
- Ring Tone Formats MP3
- Sensors Proximity sensor,
Accelerometer,
Ambient light sensor,
Gyro sensor,
Digital compass - Additional Features World clock,
Text-to-Speech (text recognition),
Samsung AllShare,
Video editor,
Wi-Fi direct,
DLNA Certified,
Picture editor,
Multitasking,
Widgets support,
Radio Data Service (RDS),
Intelligent typing (SWYPE) Organizer
- Personal Information Management Synchronization with PC,
Calendar,
Calculator,
Stopwatch,
Alarm clock with snooze,
Countdown timer,
Reminder,
Alarm clock Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards AC-3,
eAAC+,
AAC +,
OGG,
WAV,
MP3,
WMA,
MIDI,
XMF,
FLAC,
AAC,
AMR - Supported Digital Video Standards VC-1,
MPEG-4,
XviD,
H.263,
DivX,
ASF,
WMV,
3GP,
FLV,
H.264,
MKV Processor
- Type Samsung
- Clock Speed 1.2 GHz
Memory
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSDHC - up to 32 GB
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 8 megapixels
- Still Image Resolutions 3264 x 2448
- Still Image Formats JPEG
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Self Timer Delay Yes
- Special Effects Grayscale,
Negative,
Black & White,
Sepia - White Balance Automatic,
Presets - Camera Light Source LED light
- Video Recorder Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
- Features Video recording,
Multi-shots,
Geo-tagging,
Smile shutter Navigation System
- GPS Navigation A-GPS receiver
- Navigation Software & Services Google Maps
Display
- Type OLED display - Color
- Technology Super AMOLED Plus
- Diagonal Size 4.3 in
- Display Resolution 800 x 480 pixels
- Color Depth 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Features Wallpaper
Connections
- Connector Type Micro-USB,
Headset jack - Mini-phone 3.5 mm Battery
- Capacity 1650 mAh
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature -4 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 122 °F
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
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