Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100)

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100)

May 2, 2011 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S II, launched in May 2011, was a groundbreaking Android smartphone known for its slim design and powerful dual-core processor. It featured a vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video recording. This device was a significant success for Samsung, selling over 40 million units globally.
Display4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus (480x800 pixels)
ChipsetSamsung Exynos 4210 Dual
Main Camera8 MP with 1080p video recording
BatteryRemovable 1650 mAh Li-Ion

💰 Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100) Price in United States

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⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display
  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Fast dual-core processor for its time
  • Good 8MP camera with 1080p video
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Removable battery

Cons

  • Plastic construction
  • WVGA screen resolution is low by modern standards
  • No notification light
  • HDMI out required an adapter (not bundled)
  • Speakerphone a bit soft
  • Limited software updates (stopped at Android 4.1.2)
★ Our Verdict

While revolutionary for its time with a great display and performance, its age means its specifications are now significantly outdated compared to modern smartphones.

The Samsung Galaxy S II was a flagship device in its era, offering a superb Super AMOLED Plus display and strong performance for 2011. However, as a smartphone from over a decade ago, it is no longer suitable for daily use in today's ecosystem. Modern apps and operating systems require significantly more processing power and RAM than the Galaxy S II offers, and its Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system is severely outdated, posing security risks and compatibility issues. It lacks modern connectivity like 4G/5G, and its camera, while good for its time, cannot compete with contemporary phone cameras. This phone is now primarily a collector's item or a nostalgic piece of mobile history, not a practical device for current communication or computing needs.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S II Handset
  • Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Wired Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty applied at the time of purchase, typically one year.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy S II released?

The Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100) was officially released on May 2, 2011.

What operating system did the Galaxy S II run?

It launched with Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread and was officially upgradable to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S II have expandable storage?

Yes, the Galaxy S II features a microSDHC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 32GB.

What was notable about the Galaxy S II's display?

It featured a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, which was praised for its vibrant colors and excellent contrast for its time.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S II still a usable phone today?

While it was a powerful phone in its prime, the Samsung Galaxy S II is now significantly outdated. It lacks support for modern apps, security updates, and current network technologies, making it unsuitable for daily use.

What processor did the international version of the Galaxy S II use?

The international version (GT-I9100) primarily used Samsung's own Exynos 4210 Dual (45 nm) chipset with a 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor.