Hey guys, feels good to be back on i9100 forums, bought an i727, and i must say, i hate that that POS phone, 1.5Ghz feels like 1.0 Ghz single core. Im going back to my old Galaxy S2 after i sell the i727. Really want to get the white one, BUT, checked Gsmarena and it says that the white Galaxy S2 has a different chipset and a different GPU, now, my question is, will i be able to flash ROMs without any problems or incapability issues? And will i see much difference between the two phones? Slower faster, better worse? Im also a gaming fan, and when i used to download games, i remember there a different .apk's for different types of GPU, finding APK's for Mali 400 was never a problem, but what about the PowerVR SGX540? Thanks a lot guys.
Checked out some benchmarks, which i know dont really mean too much, optimus 3d and bionic use same gpu and chipset, but they are worse than exynos sgs2. How significant is this?
Deniska11 said:
Hey guys, feels good to be back on i9100 forums, bought an i727, and i must say, i hate that that POS phone, 1.5Ghz feels like 1.0 Ghz single core. Im going back to my old Galaxy S2 after i sell the i727. Really want to get the white one, BUT, checked Gsmarena and it says that the white Galaxy S2 has a different chipset and a different GPU, now, my question is, will i be able to flash ROMs without any problems or incapability issues? And will i see much difference between the two phones? Slower faster, better worse? Im also a gaming fan, and when i used to download games, i remember there a different .apk's for different types of GPU, finding APK's for Mali 400 was never a problem, but what about the PowerVR SGX540? Thanks a lot guys.
Checked out some benchmarks, which i know dont really mean too much, optimus 3d and bionic use same gpu and chipset, but they are worse than exynos sgs2. How significant is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory, there's no difference between a black GT-I9100 and a white one. What's probably happened is that the site has two different devices (the GSII, and a variant) listed as the same device. Go look up the specs of the international GT-I9100 and pick the one that matches that.
Regarding the question about compatibility, if the device really does have a different chipset and GPU, then no, you'll need ROMs and kernels that are tailored to that device's hardware - so you'd need to figure out which variant of the GSII it is.
On a personal note, I think the black Galaxy S II looks better than the white one
Thanks a lot for the reply bud. Yea i figured the ROMs wouldnt be suitable for different hardware, so thanks for confirming. I went on Bell's website (my provider) to check the specs, but obviously they dont go into such deep details. I guess i will have to ask someone who already has this phone to look up the specs in the manual or something.
I had a black one for four months, just wanna try white, to me the white one looks better
Thanks again
Deniska11 said:
Thanks a lot for the reply bud. Yea i figured the ROMs wouldnt be suitable for different hardware, so thanks for confirming. I went on Bell's website (my provider) to check the specs, but obviously they dont go into such deep details. I guess i will have to ask someone who already has this phone to look up the specs in the manual or something.
I had a black one for four months, just wanna try white, to me the white one looks better
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you link me to the page, I might be able to help
screamworks said:
Could you link me to the page, I might be able to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Samsung_Galaxy_S_II_4G_White
Saw a Nexus commercial, highly considering, but only because of ICS, but then i figured SGS2 will also get ICS, so i guess ill wait
Black verison FTW hell yeah ..!!!!
Deniska11 said:
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Samsung_Galaxy_S_II_4G_White
Saw a Nexus commercial, highly considering, but only because of ICS, but then i figured SGS2 will also get ICS, so i guess ill wait
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that one there looks fine, minus the fact it has LTE capabilities, which are lacking in the original GSII. I can't shed much light here, unfortunately.
That said, I think you should go with the Galaxy Nexus - the Galaxy S II is a fantastic piece of hardware, but in nearly every aspect the Galaxy Nexus either matches it, or beats it, and, more importantly, not only does the Galaxy Nexus get direct updates from Google immediately (compared to 4+ months from Samsung), but from experience, all the best development happens for Nexus devices. If it's within your means, go the Galaxy Nexus.
Nexus is 600$ here in Toronto, and thats a bit out of my price range, i mean i can definitely buy it, i just dont see/know if its worth the 150$ extra dollars. Im a heavy camera user, and having an 8mp camera is a huge plus for sgs2. Going back to 5mp....naw. My 5 year old nokia n95 8gig has the same camera. Also dont like how it doesnt have a scratch-less glass. But you definitely made me think Is the nexus really that good? And can you please expand on the updates part? Immediate updates?
PS. Cant see where you found that its LTE compatable, maybe took a wrong turn by accident?
Deniska11 said:
Nexus is 600$ here in Toronto, and thats a bit out of my price range, i mean i can definitely buy it, i just dont see/know if its worth the 150$ extra dollars. Im a heavy camera user, and having an 8mp camera is a huge plus for sgs2. Going back to 5mp....naw. My 5 year old nokia n95 8gig has the same camera. Also dont like how it doesnt have a scratch-less glass. But you definitely made me think Is the nexus really that good? And can you please expand on the updates part? Immediate updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the long run, it's worth it. Believe me on that.
On the camera, yeah, it's a bit of a step down, but 5MP is by no means a bad camera, and the shutter speed of the Galaxy Nexus is lightyears ahead of the Galaxy S II. Plus, lense technology in smartphones has come a long way since the days of the N95 - so while the sensor might be the same resolution, the picture quality is just amazing.
The glass on the Galaxy Nexus, while not 'Gorilla Glass', which keep in mind is just a marketing term for chemically strengthened glass, is still very scratch resistant. As long as you take care of your device as you would any expensive device, it'll be fine. As a precaution, I'd still apply a screen protector though - but I do that with even my Galaxy S II, no matter how scratch resistant it is. Plus, the curved glass is so much more ergonomic and pleasant to use (and looks downright sexy).
About the updates...
When Google finishes developing updates for Android, i.e. once they've finished the coding and testing, they release it for Nexus devices only, so the Nexus One, the Nexus S, and the Galaxy Nexus - any other phone has to have the code ported to it by it's manufacturer, a process which takes months. So, the Nexus devices always get updates first, months before any other device.
All this, plus the fact that there's no carrier bloatware, and a 720p HD screen, etc. makes it one killer device!
Got too carried aay with the new years. I checked out a loooot of videos on the Nexus, i really like the software, but the speed doesnt impress me, that lag between transition from portrait to landscape...i kid you not, my N95 did it faster and in this one review they were complaining a lot about the camera. Huuge, no no for me. Its quite pricey, and the reason being is, ICS. If other phones start getting ICS, this phone will drop in price like craaazyyy. I found a good S2 for 400, and now the margin increased to 200$ between S2 and the nexus, and to tell you the truth i dont think the nexus is 200$ better.
Deniska11 said:
Got too carried aay with the new years. I checked out a loooot of videos on the Nexus, i really like the software, but the speed doesnt impress me, that lag between transition from portrait to landscape...i kid you not, my N95 did it faster and in this one review they were complaining a lot about the camera. Huuge, no no for me. Its quite pricey, and the reason being is, ICS. If other phones start getting ICS, this phone will drop in price like craaazyyy. I found a good S2 for 400, and now the margin increased to 200$ between S2 and the nexus, and to tell you the truth i dont think the nexus is 200$ better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well hey, it comes down to what suits you
Best of luck with it all!
screamworks.
screamworks said:
Well hey, it comes down to what suits you
Best of luck with it all!
screamworks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you approve my logic?
ICS is pretty much made for SGS2, maybe a month or so and it will be ready to use.
Deniska11 said:
Do you approve my logic?
ICS is pretty much made for SGS2, maybe a month or so and it will be ready to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that NITZ is fixed in XXKP8, and the CyanogenMod 9 team have solved a lot of the camera issues, etc., I think you're about right with a month for a decent daily driver - but Samsung won't have an official ICS ROM until around April.
Personally, I'd go the Galaxy Nexus, but the Galaxy S II is still a monster phone, so go with whatever you prefer.
Get a pink SGS2. Stylish
In all seriousness tho, if you're choosing (or not) a phone based on the colour of the handset, you really should be asking yourself what the hell you're doing on XDA in the first place
screamworks said:
Now that NITZ is fixed in XXKP8, and the CyanogenMod 9 team have solved a lot of the camera issues, etc., I think you're about right with a month for a decent daily driver - but Samsung won't have an official ICS ROM until around April.
Personally, I'd go the Galaxy Nexus, but the Galaxy S II is still a monster phone, so go with whatever you prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont mind waiting for an official, but if the one on xda is worthy, ill get that. Speaking of the fix, im quite amazed xda already got roms, i mean...how long ago was the phone released? Thanks a lot for your input anyways man.
MistahBungle said:
Get a pink SGS2. Stylish
In all seriousness tho, if you're choosing (or not) a phone based on the colour of the handset, you really should be asking yourself what the hell you're doing on XDA in the first place
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, the things xda keeps enforcing are: dont spam and read previous posts. Not only are you posting a garbage/useless reply, but you also dont know where i am coming from because you failed to read.....anything from this thread. My question was wether i need a diiferent rom, if the s2 had different internals.
I guess you'd better report me to the mods then.
Edit to add - You were told in the first reply to your OP that you were mistaken re: differences in specs between different coloured handsets. If you'd bothered to do your research properly (even Wikipedia would have given you the differences in hardware between the SGS2 "variants"), you would have known this already :-|
Deniska11 said:
Lol, the things xda keeps enforcing are: dont spam and read previous posts. Not only are you posting a garbage/useless reply, but you also dont know where i am coming from because you failed to read.....anything from this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on my family there are 3 sgs2, 2 blacks and my sgs2 white, al of them gt-i9100 with same specifications and the same performance, it only changes with the different version like the lte.
Deniska11 said:
I dont mind waiting for an official, but if the one on xda is worthy, ill get that. Speaking of the fix, im quite amazed xda already got roms, i mean...how long ago was the phone released? Thanks a lot for your input anyways man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, considering that with Gingerbread, I run CyanogenMod 7 instead of Samsung's ROM, I think I'll end up going with the CyanogenMod 9 ROM over Samsung's anyway
The Galaxy S II, at least in Australia, launched in May last year. If you're referring to the Galaxy Nexus, it'd be about a month or so, give or take two weeks. But the source code was out about a week or two before the Galaxy Nexus shipped, and has been out for around two months or so, again give or take a bit
I might be getting one sometime in the next few weeks. I was just wondering, is anyone using an InvisibleShield, or BSE or any other skin on their white Galaxy S II?
I'm curious as to how it looks, if it makes the white look less... white.
Gonna buy mine sometime soon too. I dont think it makes a difference, my friend has a white iphone with a ghost screen protector, it lookes exactly the same. MAYBE just a tiny little bit less...white
Related
There has been similar threads, but I'll just go ahead and make a new one.
As my HD2 has came to an untimely demise, I'm currently stuck with my old Nokia E65, and I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth waiting for the Galaxy S II.
I could buy an Optimus 2X or an Xperia Arc today, do you reckon the Galaxy S II is so much better that it's worth being stuck with an aging symbian phone for (at least) a month? What would you guys do?
one-word. super-amoled-plus.
Why do you need sth better for a month? Just wait and get SGS2.
Use your Nokia as most people does - as a simple phone and don't expect too much. I'm sure you can stand without web browsing or quality games for a while. You still can phone anybody, text, make notes and check time ;D
BTW. take it easy, I'm in worse situation. As my E65 died I'm stuck with Nokia 6300 for a month waiting for SGS2. <facepalm>
It's only 1 month - 4 lousy Mondays, a few beers, maybe a read book or good PC game played. Don't think about waiting.
I now what you mean, i sold my iPhone in January, an has being on my backup "N95" forever i fill, first i was waiting for LG OX2,and then i heard about SGS 2, so I will wait until May with a smile.
I now what you mean, i sold my iPhone in January, an has being on my backup "N95" forever i fill, first i was waiting for LG OX2,and then i heard about SGS 2, so I will wait until May with a smile.
Sorry there is a lag.
Somehow your misfortunes makes me feel better. Thanks!
I will wait. It has better be worth it!
I'm waiting... I've been using the same terrible LG Vu for over 2 years now... I really hope this phone comes to USA soon.
I got slapped last time I said this, but RAM. I have been out of contract for 2 months, I can get the X2 or Arc as well. But Arc is single core with 512MB ram, and X2 as great as it seems only has the 512MB as well.
Of the two, the X2 is the winner hands down, and it already has a top notch set of devs working on it. (Look at Paul's work from MODACO)
If you can afford to upgrade in a year, then yes, the X2 is a great phone. I am so tempted by it, but I have spent almost 2 years trying to make the most of the I75000. It was almost enough to put me off Samsung for life.
We do not know what the community will be like for the Galaxy SII, but it has a dual core cpu, great screen, good battery and 1GB of RAM. So with a bit of work , it will be a good phone for a few years.
So time to stop rambling, yes, from someone else going nuts and being tempted left right and centre, wait if you can.
MarkusPO said:
one-word. super-amoled-plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.mobiset.ru/photos/2011/march/29/samsung_i9100/disp_sgs_6b.jpg
If that red-crushing isn't fixed, I'll take an IPS LCD or a SLCD over a sgs2 any day. It's always one step forward and two steps back with Samsung amoled's.
drleospaceman said:
http://www.mobiset.ru/photos/2011/march/29/samsung_i9100/disp_sgs_6b.jpg
If that red-crushing isn't fixed, I'll take an IPS LCD or a SLCD over a sgs2 any day. It's always one step forward and two steps back with Samsung amoled's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm okk....
Three words super amoled plus !!!!!
LoveisPeace2012 said:
Umm okk....
Three words super amoled plus !!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.mobiset.ru/articles/text/?id=5408
Take a look at it carefully before you praise it. It totally blurs shadow details on red colors.
you know what, i'll deal with a little bit of red over-saturation for the vibrancy you get with all the other colors of the spectrum. and if you're will to let that push you to slcd... well i just have no words for you.
drleospaceman said:
If that red-crushing isn't fixed, I'll take an IPS LCD or a SLCD over a sgs2 any day. It's always one step forward and two steps back with Samsung amoled's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 i love superamoled only for BLACK colour rest are simply 'dare i say' oversaturated .
Oversaturated is the way I like it
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
i'm actually starting to get really itchy, i'm tempted to buy a nexus s for the newest updates - i do want to use it as an app dev phone - but it seems very hit and miss in terms of performance, but then there's touchwiz, which even at 4.0 looks terrible. there's nothing that the s2 does that the ns doesn't really do, only - at this stage - just a bit faster because only honeycomb can handle dual core processors...
plus, it'll be £100 cheaper, which would mean i recouperate my costs faster.
i'm just not sure the s2 would be totally for me.
MarkusPO said:
i'm actually starting to get really itchy, i'm tempted to buy a nexus s for the newest updates - i do want to use it as an app dev phone - but it seems very hit and miss in terms of performance, but then there's touchwiz, which even at 4.0 looks terrible. there's nothing that the s2 does that the ns doesn't really do, only - at this stage - just a bit faster because only honeycomb can handle dual core processors...
plus, it'll be £100 cheaper, which would mean i recouperate my costs faster.
i'm just not sure the s2 would be totally for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't really do more ? Nexus S lacks of MicroSD & Flash LED, it should be a standard for a smartphone to have that now...
the nexus s has a flash led. the gs however, does not. no microsd? not an issue for me. 16gb of internal storage is more than enough for me - and really, for anyone.
MarkusPO said:
the nexus s has a flash led. the gs however, does not. no microsd? not an issue for me. 16gb of internal storage is more than enough for me - and really, for anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with you on that point. I have a huge music collection which I access daily. Depending on what I want to listen to, I select. 16 GB is not enough for me.
sure, me too. but i get bored with my music. so i just use internet radio / last.fm.
MoonRaven said:
I disagree with you on that point. I have a huge music collection which I access daily. Depending on what I want to listen to, I select. 16 GB is not enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, me three
what's more, I have most music in FLAC
Hi I am thinking of getting the gs2 to replace my lg g2x which is a kick ass phone but I am bored with it so I want something new. I was going to get the s1 but right before I changed phones the g2x came out and the specs were great. I dont regret it but I still want a Samsung. I just have a few questions first.
Overall how do you guys like your phone? A 5 year old can hack and root the g2x is this phone the same? If not how hard is it to root? What are the chances that this phone will get ICS? And how long do you think you will have to wait? And finally would it be better to wait for the galaxy nexus to come out? Is the galaxy nexus really going to be that much better than this phone? Also have any of you heard if the galaxy nexus is going to be available for TMO. I asked a rep today who said she did not know. But we all know asking the customer service over the phone is like asking my grandfather who hardly knows what a phone is. Any help you guys can be is greatly appreciated. Thanks alot
Charlie
Well it's a definite update from G2X. But if I were you I'd wait a little bit more and get the Nexus Prime. You are already 5 months late to get a GSII, now when you've waited this long why not few more days.
The SGS2 is a great phone and I don't think the galaxy nexus is going to be much better. BUT, I personally would go with the galaxy nexus since it bring the android experience ( I mean no touchwiz) and ICS. Anyway rooting SGS2 is a piece of cake, as is flashing ROMs and stuff so you could easily get CM7 running and get rid of the touchwiz interface.
So the galaxy nexus is coming to tmobile? If it is I am definitly going with it. Like I said a rep over the phone said thy did not know yet. But this close to launch I would tink they would know but thats just my opinion. Thats the other thing I wanted to ask about touchwiz. Is it ok or does it suck. The g2x is vannilla android and thats the way I perfer it. I actually dont really use cm7 not saying it sucks but I didnt even install cm 7 until the recent final relese of 7.1 came out. However I love Eagles blolod based off CM 7 that is by far the best most stable rom I have used to date. Anyway thanks for all your help guys.
How hard is the Galaxy S2 to root? Super easy.
How are the chances for it to get ICS? 100%
How long will it take? Hard to tell, as it depends on when google releases the sources. (Samsung release will have TouchWiz)
Is TouchWiz bad or good? It's not that bad, but I find both, MIUI and CyanogenMod, better. But that is just my opinion.
Is it better to wait for the Galaxy Nexus? Well I had the chance to give away my Galaxy S2 and get a Galaxy Nexus once it comes out, but I didn't. I must admit that the screen is damn impressive, but no micro-SD-slot is an absolute no-go for me.
Will the Galaxy Nexus be much better than the Galaxy S2? Define better. For watching movies? Yes. For playing games? I highly doubt that, as it got a weaker GPU and has a much higher resolution. Both factors have a negative impact on the performance. However, keep in mind that the Galaxy Nexus will set the standard for this "generation" of Android phones, so it doesn't really matter which one you get. Both are amazing.
I hope this helps you with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
wow I must have missed that no microsd card slot? I have not had a phone that didnt have one for over 10 years at this point. No SD card slot what? How much on board storage does it have Afew gigs? I mean I have a 16 gig in now and it is almost maxed out and easily could be I have to cut down on what I carry. I need 32 gigs I guess that they are pushing their google music cloud storage and google docs and such. Oh well thanks for the heads up.
As far as I know there are two versions. One with 16 and one with 32 gigabytes. For me 16 aren't enough and 32 too expensive. Besides that, I don't know if I might need even more in future. Therefore lacking the possibility to upgrade if it becomes necessary is a no-go for me. The screen is the only real argument that speaks for the Nexus. I can wait for ICS...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Yes it has no sd card slot. I believe it comes in 16/32gb, can't remember. Well if you really want an HD screen you could wait till the sgs 2 HD LTE comes out for south korea and have it shipped down here. If not, the sgs 2 is all good.
Personally I don't even like the nexus prime, well the pricing at least. They want us to pay $300+ for a HD screen? Wow... Plus if the GPU it uses is a sgx 540 then that's an even more of a downgrade like the 8mp-5mp camera.
Kailkti said:
...then that's an even more of a downgrade like the 8mp-5mp camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's bulls**t. The megapixels only tell you about the maximal size of the images, NOT about their actual quality. Why do people still think that more megapixels mean that the camera is better?
I wouldn't be surprised if the camera of the Galaxy Nexus will be much better than the camera of the Galaxy S2. However, we'll see...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
TheSniperFan said:
That's bulls**t. The megapixels only tell you about the maximal size of the images, NOT about their actual quality. Why do people still think that more megapixels mean that the camera is better?
I wouldn't be surprised if the camera of the Galaxy Nexus will be much better than the camera of the Galaxy S2. However, we'll see...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it was used that way by advertisers just like having high cpu frequencies is right now. Why'd you think the s2 got pumped to 1.2 just before launch. But still you are right.
But on the matter, I have a s2 and it is an amazing phone. I don't think you will regret it if you'd bought it. But personally I'd go for the gn but it is mostly based on looks. Although I have never seen one.
ICS will take some time but if you want it as soon as possible the nexus is the way to go. And no TW. It works and it has some cool features but 75% of it is useless to me.
the SGS2 I9100 (this forum) doesn't work on T-Mobile US. I believe you're looking for this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1329
Carnelain said:
Because it was used that way by advertisers just like having high cpu frequencies is right now. Why'd you think the s2 got pumped to 1.2 just before launch. But still you are right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're right. I even underclocked my Galaxy S2 to 800 mhz. It still gets amazing scores thanks to being a dual-core, having an amazing GPU and running MIUI. But now I can play much longer.
I guess I just thought that the people here on xda were smart enough to know, but forgot about the fact that this site has so many different users.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
TheSniperFan said:
Well you're right. I even underclocked my Galaxy S2 to 800 mhz. It still gets amazing scores thanks to being a dual-core, having an amazing GPU and running MIUI. But now I can play much longer.
I guess I just thought that the people here on xda were smart enough to know, but forgot about the fact that this site has so many different users.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I probably count as one of those many other peeps
Just here to use others creations. Might pick up programming though the more I learn here the more I find these little things nobody cares about.
Well, learning by doing is how I learned what I can today (besides of school). Right now I want to start with developing for Android, but I hate Java and monoDroid is too expensive for someone who only wants to develop apps for personal use.
Wow, got quite off-topic here...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
TheSniperFan said:
That's bulls**t. The megapixels only tell you about the maximal size of the images, NOT about their actual quality. Why do people still think that more megapixels mean that the camera is better?
I wouldn't be surprised if the camera of the Galaxy Nexus will be much better than the camera of the Galaxy S2. However, we'll see...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware that megapixels mean do not give the actual performance. However in the case of mobile phones and chips, it is highly unlikely samsung will produce or place a 5mp camera better than the 8mp camera found on the sgs 2. This is a mobile camera sensor, there is only so much you can do with it. Aside from lens, etc.
Kailkti said:
I am aware that megapixels mean do not give the actual performance. However in the case of mobile phones and chips, it is highly unlikely samsung will produce or place a 5mp camera better than the 8mp camera found on the sgs 2. This is a mobile camera sensor, there is only so much you can do with it. Aside from lens, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forget that there might be some "new technology" that improves the camera. Besides that, the integration of the camera into the OS is also very important and ICS should give the Galaxy Nexus a fair advantage in that point. At least until the Galaxy S2 gets ICS.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Well hello bigger forums I came from the Ace family and I have plans on buying SII. I've heard good rumours about the phone and I've seen lots of interesting roms for it too (plus it's on main forum XD)
My options are HTC One X, GNote or SII and SII is quite leading in my eyes ATM.
Last question is, what is the price of SII in the US WITHOUT the contract?
Thanks for the responses guys, hope to see you soon
S24Lyfe
it depends on whether you're looking for an unlocked phone (being able to use any network) or if you wish to purchase it outright from your current service provider.
Unlocked it's about $500-600, and prices will range depending on your carrier if you want to go for option number 2.
I personally own the S2 and I can honestly say I love this phone.
Took less than 5 minutes to root, plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of custom roms being developed for it, and the hardware itself is just great (it outperforms the iPhone 4s) - I highly recommend it.
Just my two cents.
Doo:DAce said:
Well hello bigger forums I came from the Ace family and I have plans on buying SII. I've heard good rumours about the phone and I've seen lots of interesting roms for it too (plus it's on main forum XD)
My options are HTC One X, GNote or SII and SII is quite leading in my eyes ATM.
Last question is, what is the price of SII in the US WITHOUT the contract?
Thanks for the responses guys, hope to see you soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S2 is still a beast when compared to other mobiles you have mentioned with the exception of HD screen. If you like bigger screens and feel compact to use it go for note, else s2 with its amoled is what you need
Thanks for the opinion guys. Im planning to buy it directly from a samsung store so yeah network unlocked. Can it run tegra games without chainfire3D? or simply does it have a tegra chip in it?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using XDA
Atm i suggest u wait cause sammy is abt to release new phones and so will otha companies too and at tht time if u really feel to buy buy sgs2 ,may b ull get it for cheap...its jus a matter of dayz....cheeerz
rocky23 said:
Atm i suggest u wait cause sammy is abt to release new phones and so will otha companies too and at tht time if u really feel to buy buy sgs2 ,may b ull get it for cheap...its jus a matter of dayz....cheeerz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be going next week so I need to make decisions now.
SGS2 is still a good phone. I had it for just over 10 months and loved it.
Got a HOX now and love that just as much. HOX has the HD screen which is lovely. SLCD2 vs AMOLED. Amoled has better blacks and such but I like the SLCD2 as well. Whites are better and not prone to screen burns.
Hardware wise both are beasts. Dual Core vs Quad Teg 3. DC is still fast enough not enough optimising quad at the moment. With TEG3 you get the range of Nvidia games without the need for Chainfire.
Design wise HOX wins, it's sexy and sleek but the SGS2 is lighter and thinner. Both feel good in the hand.
UI wise, Sense wins for me personally, but TouchWiz is not as bad it has it's own feature set.
If you want the cheaper device go for the SGS2 as price is decent. You'll be happy with any of your choices. The Galaxy range of devices are far easier to root with their unlocked bootloaders if you want to go with custom roms and such and development is very active with HOX it will get active when more devs have it. I'd still rate the Note over the SGS2 as it's a beast, if you can handle the size then definitely get the note.
I agree, the note is excellent.
Sent from my electronic pocket computer using voodoo magick
Funkajunk said:
I agree, the note is excellent.
Sent from my electronic pocket computer using voodoo magick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but it's really big which I don't find really attractive :/
I have been looking at upgrades to my SGS2, and I am a bit torn between the two phones - Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Galaxy S III (AT&T).
Looking at the stats, there is very little difference, and the Nexus is about half the price for an unlocked one straight from Google.
Battery life should be close, but the specs all show a much lower number then I would expect, so I am guessing that it is from the quad core version, and not the US version.
Has anyone done a comparison? I have been looking and always end up with the Quad core version rather then the Dual core one for the US.
The Nexus isn't an upgrade from the S2, it's a sidegrade at best (and possibly even a downgrade depending on what's important to you in a smart phone).
I've been having the same trouble . It just seems like the SGS3 is a better choice. Also the SGN isn't LTE and the SGS3 is.
According to your question it's undoubtedly the Samsung galaxy S3
but on the other hand if you are a pure android fan and want fast updates from google then it's definitely the Galaxy Nexus...
I would say that the SGS3 would be the better one unless you want pure Android.
i would say wait for the next nexus phone with lte capabilities..that's gonna be my next smartphone maybe, want pure android not pure bloatware from carriers and delayed updates
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Nexus for sure
Jelly Bean makes it feel like a whole new phone, I am probably going to order mine next Week.
crimsonconcepts said:
I have been looking at upgrades to my SGS2, and I am a bit torn between the two phones - Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Galaxy S III (AT&T).
Looking at the stats, there is very little difference, and the Nexus is about half the price for an unlocked one straight from Google.
Battery life should be close, but the specs all show a much lower number then I would expect, so I am guessing that it is from the quad core version, and not the US version.
Has anyone done a comparison? I have been looking and always end up with the Quad core version rather then the Dual core one for the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much as you would hate this... I'll say waite.
There is nothing wrong with the SGSII. Its freaking awesome, and for me, it's even better than the G Nexus.
As for the SGS3, Android as for now, is in no need of 4 cores, specially samsung ones that are a brand new technology that is still in developement. Even Tegra 3 are equaled in performance by S4 dual core chips, while consuming less power. (as seen on One X series)
I bet around fall we will see a new and decent Nexus device, that i say its worth the waite.
rich.x87 said:
As much as you would hate this... I'll say waite.
There is nothing wrong with the SGSII. Its freaking awesome, and for me, it's even better than the G Nexus.
As for the SGS3, Android as for now, is in no need of 4 cores, specially samsung ones that are a brand new technology that is still in developement. Even Tegra 3 are equaled in performance by S4 dual core chips, while consuming less power. (as seen on One X series)
I bet around fall we will see a new and decent Nexus device, that i say its worth the waite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The at&t s3 only has 2 cores
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
I'm waiting for the next batch of phones with a new SoC.
The only thing I want from the SGSIII is that screen.
I would say look at reviews of both and see which fits your needs and then make a decision. No one can make this decision for u
Sent from my SGH-i777 using XDA
IMO, the only reason to pick a Galaxy Nexus over any other phone is because you want quicker updates. It has nothing else over any other device, imo.
I too am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have 1 line available for an upgrade now and another on Aug. 1st. Problem is my SGS2s work perfectly and even though the S3 has some nice features (zero shutter lag for one). It does not feel like enough of an upgrade harware wise. The GNexus is pretty much on par with the S2 except a slightly larger screen size and NO removable sdcard. So I decided to just wait. But my daughters handed down SGS1 Cappy sdcard just failed a few days ago. She was runing it with CM7 still and liked it. So since I am STUCK with having to get a new phone my dilema is this. Get the SGS3 and hand down my SGS2? Get the Gnex from the play store which I like the updates available but give it to her, then I STILL have 1 phone available for upgrade and another soon so IF something better comes along I can jump on it. OR third choice get a SGS2 I777 for her and waste one upgrade. Decisions decisions...
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running UCLE5 SANGRE AZUL 2 Rom
RockRatt said:
I too am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have 1 line available for an upgrade now and another on Aug. 1st. Problem is my SGS2s work perfectly and even though the S3 has some nice features (zero shutter lag for one). It does not feel like enough of an upgrade harware wise. The GNexus is pretty much on par with the S2 except a slightly larger screen size and NO removable sdcard. So I decided to just wait. But my daughters handed down SGS1 Cappy sdcard just failed a few days ago. She was runing it with CM7 still and liked it. So since I am STUCK with having to get a new phone my dilema is this. Get the SGS3 and hand down my SGS2? Get the Gnex from the play store which I like the updates available but give it to her, then I STILL have 1 phone available for upgrade and another soon so IF something better comes along I can jump on it. OR third choice get a SGS2 I777 for her and waste one upgrade. Decisions decisions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That middle option sounds good to me. It'd be nice to have an upgrade available late in the year or early 2013 when new phones start coming out...
Wait for the Next Nexus that will hopefully come out in the fall/winter season.
mattdm said:
That middle option sounds good to me. It'd be nice to have an upgrade available late in the year or early 2013 when new phones start coming out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm edging towards with my upgrade. I was considering selling my SGSII and buying the GNex in order to have the upgrade available for the next batch of phones (Krait Quads) or just wait until then with my SGSII although I would be able to sell if for much less at that time.
SGSII is such a great phone but seeing the SGSIII, that screen is just making me so tempted to upgrade. I'm a sucker for bigger screens with better res. Someone smack the temptation out of me!
RockRatt said:
I too am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have 1 line available for an upgrade now and another on Aug. 1st. Problem is my SGS2s work perfectly and even though the S3 has some nice features (zero shutter lag for one). It does not feel like enough of an upgrade harware wise. The GNexus is pretty much on par with the S2 except a slightly larger screen size and NO removable sdcard. So I decided to just wait. But my daughters handed down SGS1 Cappy sdcard just failed a few days ago. She was runing it with CM7 still and liked it. So since I am STUCK with having to get a new phone my dilema is this. Get the SGS3 and hand down my SGS2? Get the Gnex from the play store which I like the updates available but give it to her, then I STILL have 1 phone available for upgrade and another soon so IF something better comes along I can jump on it. OR third choice get a SGS2 I777 for her and waste one upgrade. Decisions decisions...
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running UCLE5 SANGRE AZUL 2 Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... Give your daughter the SGS2 and get a SGS3 or One X. And you'll have the extra upgrade to get any of the phones coming later this year.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Now when you say s3, att crap or real, int s3? Because if att one, id say stick to s2 or maybe Note.
raduque said:
IMO, the only reason to pick a Galaxy Nexus over any other phone is because you want quicker updates. It has nothing else over any other device, imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I know that the idea of getting updates quicker is what is would seem, but in reality, that is not the case. The Nexus models may be a Google phone, but they still have to go through the carrier to get updates.
I think that although a new phone may be nice, many of you are right that the S2 is an amazing phone, and should be good for a while. As far as the comment about no need for Quad cores, I thought the same thing when I got my Eris, and thought it was lighting fast... until the new apps came out and then the phone ran like a slug, even rooted and modded.
The software will push the hardware limits at all times, so if new hardware comes out, software will start to use it, which means that eventually the old ones just don't work right. This is the bane of technology. I also have an iPad, and as of later this year I am out of luck and will not get any software updates before iOS 6 won't install on it. (But that is whole different conversation)
Looking at the specs between the two on phone arena is actually funny, since they are both SO close. I have worked in computers for long enough that I know that a .2 or .3 different in CPU speed, isn't going to make or break a difference. Memory, Cores, and Storage tend to make the biggest difference.
crimsonconcepts said:
Well I know that the idea of getting updates quicker is what is would seem, but in reality, that is not the case. The Nexus models may be a Google phone, but they still have to go through the carrier to get updates.
I think that although a new phone may be nice, many of you are right that the S2 is an amazing phone, and should be good for a while. As far as the comment about no need for Quad cores, I thought the same thing when I got my Eris, and thought it was lighting fast... until the new apps came out and then the phone ran like a slug, even rooted and modded.
The software will push the hardware limits at all times, so if new hardware comes out, software will start to use it, which means that eventually the old ones just don't work right. This is the bane of technology. I also have an iPad, and as of later this year I am out of luck and will not get any software updates before iOS 6 won't install on it. (But that is whole different conversation)
Looking at the specs between the two on phone arena is actually funny, since they are both SO close. I have worked in computers for long enough that I know that a .2 or .3 different in CPU speed, isn't going to make or break a difference. Memory, Cores, and Storage tend to make the biggest difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus updates except for Verizon and sprint do not go through any carrier
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
I had HTC Desire for nearly 3 years, and it is a great phone, but I think it is time to upgrade, because:
- it is annoyingly slow with my regular set of programs installed, even on fastest available roms
- it doesn't have kernel 3.0, and because of that JB roms have shortcomings
- a little bit too small screen for GPS navigation
- really crappy camera
- somewhat short battery life
Some time ago I had a chance to look at Galaxy S2 in person and it looked like a perfect phone (at least for 2 minutes I had it in my hands).
Somewhat bigger screen, more internal storage, kernel 3.0.
I use custom roms, so big development community is important for me. I have been spoiled by Desire as it (still) has a large one.
Galaxy S2 would cost me around 170-200 euro to get it.
Should I take that, or look for something else in this price range?
My requirements:
- larger screen (not necessarily much larger)
- android (duh)
- solid build quality
- large development community
- noticeably faster CPU than Desire (Dual+ core would come in handy)
- microUSB
- good/very good camera
- good battery life
- price up to 200 euro (used)
- would be nice if it had FM transmitter (not receiver) but it is not necessary
- it must by BLACK or therebout
No. Why would you buy a phone that's been out for two yrs ? Get an S3 or S4 if you want a Samsung phone.
Galaxy Nexus may fit your needs..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
MistahBungle said:
No. Why would you buy a phone that's been out for two yrs ? Get an S3 or S4 if you want a Samsung phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I don't care how long the phone has been out, but how well it suits my needs.
Plus, S3 and S4 are surely more expensive.
Personally, between S2, S3 and S4, I would recommend the S3. (Although it wouldn't fit the budget, unless there are some offers!)
Mainly because it is relatively newer and you can expect new Android upgrades from Samsung (at least KLP) for it. Samsung has already announced that 4.2.2 will be the last update for S2, according to samfirmware. And with so many (mainly, codeworkx) developers not showing much love for Samsung devices of late, I am sure it would take that much longer to get custom ROMs updates.
If you do decide on S2, it is a really good device!! Great build, great design etc. But I suggest you buy the OMAP variants (i9100G), as it has better support from development community. Owing mainly to TI playing nice compared to Samsung (Exynos).
Several developers are not happy with Samsung's support for Exynos devices and Samsung's lack of support for the dev community of late. For me, this is a major concern.
Why are you advising the guy to get the g variant?.There was almost a riot in your country a year ago when suppliers were giving out g variant models instead of the plain gti9100 model.
If you want then buy a Nexus 7
Nexus has a huge development community and is also in ur price range
Press thanks if helped
arnabbiswasalsodeep said:
If you want then buy a Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I buy a tablet when I need a phone?
Samsung Galaxy S2 is still a powerful device even beat some newest devices (of course not high-end ones) but it's still can go well with mid-range devices.
Get S2 or S4.....I (personally) don't like the S3.The big thing is,that S4 hasn't a big developent support,since it's a new phone.Galaxy S2 has still a big support...I still see new ROMs and updates every day or week.And it is fast,no matter what people say...get the setup as in my sig...my phone was never faster.
So S2 looks interesting, but this is what I have been told about regarding its screen:
I also considered s2 but there's one serious setback to it. Namely, the screen is amoled and without pentile matrix.
What's bad about it you ask? pixels that are frequently used lose color and items that you have on screen for most time are somewhat paler than the rest of the screen, and you can see their shadow for the whole time, ppl reported that with all amoled displays and non pentile of s2 is even more susceptible to that. That happens even to devices 3 months old, depending on how heavily they are used I guess. You can google it to see for yourself, just type galaxy s2 amoled burn in. There are also few good YouTube vids showing that. Items that you usually can see are burned in status bar, soft keys from your most used app, keyboard, alarm icon and "fully charged" sign across the screen as during night charging the phone lights up when battery is full and keeps the screen on until you turn it off or unplug it/on some ROMs at least, stock including/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you guys have any comments on that? Is it that bad and common as it sounds? On my 3 year old Desire I see nothing like it happening.
theunderling said:
Why are you advising the guy to get the g variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, if I wasn't clear: Right now I would prefer to use an S3. But if I had a fixed budget and decided on S2, I would by the G variant. -- This is what I meant.
Honestly, I thought those 'riots' were because Samsung decided to slip in the G variant very slyly. No intimation of any sort to the buyers.
I have read about the lower bechmarks on i9100G etc. Any other difference that goes against the i9100G? (Sorry that I am hijacking the thread, just wanted to know)
RAZR maxx
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
impactor said:
Do you guys have any comments on that? Is it that bad and common as it sounds? On my 3 year old Desire I see nothing like it happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using my S2 for more than two years now. I haven't noticed this burn in. (And, hopefully I don't. )
I tried looking for it right now, and...nope, nothing like it.
deadmetaphor said:
Oh, if I wasn't clear: Right now I would prefer to use an S3. But if I had a fixed budget and decided on S2, I would by the G variant. -- This is what I meant.
Honestly, I thought those 'riots' were because Samsung decided to slip in the G variant very slyly. No intimation of any sort to the buyers.
I have read about the lower bechmarks on i9100G etc. Any other difference that goes against the i9100G? (Sorry that I am hijacking the thread, just wanted to know)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The g has a lot less development than the plain gti9100,unless something changed on here in the last 2 months.And the models are based on regions(supposedly).
Theres a wiki page that lists the models and explains a bit about them,so he can look at that and see what options are best for France.
I think the lte variant is the best,but maybe its for other regions of the world.
theunderling said:
The g has a lot less development than the plain gti9100,unless something changed on here in the last 2 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing that the G has a stable CM release and the default perpetually being restricted to only nightlies, I had assumed otherwise.
Thanks!!
Meh, I am stuck.
I read around here that s2 display is horrible when compared to s3.
s3 has even cheaper feel, and is 100-170e more expensive
Sensation is useless to me.
Price of S4 is absurd...
By the way, are there some roms for S2 that allow changing software DPI? I have seen ParanoidAndroid on Desire can do that, but apart from this ROM, I haven't seen it anywhere else.
impactor said:
Meh, I am stuck.
I read around here that s2 display is horrible when compared to s3.
s3 has even cheaper feel, and is 100-170e more expensive
Sensation is useless to me.
Price of S4 is absurd...
By the way, are there some roms for S2 that allow changing software DPI? I have seen ParanoidAndroid on Desire can do that, but apart from this ROM, I haven't seen it anywhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i prefer the s2 display to my brother's s3 and my friends' s4 and xperia z personally
as to dpi, yes: slim, and rootbox do, and others may that i don't know of
p.s. i love my s2, so fast, and battery lasts soooo long , however if you're paying more than 200 usd it's not worth it