How is the Samsung Galaxy S2 better than other Android phones?

[chiefbroski]

Disclaimer: I know very little about android, and I have only had a BB so I'm biased.

I always hear that the Galaxy S2 is the best phone(maybe the Bionic now). This is just my opinion but I've tried the Samsung Galaxy S2 on numerous occasions and I don't notice any difference between any of the other Android devices. Does the hardware really make that much of a difference between the SG2, Atrix 4G, Incredible S, Nexus One, Nexus S, Evo 4G, Inspire 4G, Sensation 4G, Desire Z, G2X, Optimus 2X, Droid X2, Bionic, Xperia Arc....etc?

Ok ok...I know some have different UIs which some prefer over others. Is Touchwiz really better than Blur, Sense etc...?

Screen res: Almost the same.
OS: Almost all these can run Gingerbread. But is 2.3 a big jump from 2.2?
Camera: Most have 8mp, and probably similar sensors
Screen size: Most are around 4" right?
Apps: Should be no difference right?
Battery life: Varies, but probably all close (can't imagine the SGS2 to be the best)
Memory: Does it really matter on android?
4g: There are lots of 4G androids...


I just see anything really worth getting excited for in the Bionic or SGS2 other than it has great specs all around (which most android phones do anyway). To me, some of the other android phones look awesome! Especially if you could get something like a Nexus One for half price now! If someone has the time, maybe you could educate me as I've never used one for personal use. Thanks!

[trelawrence]

Hardware does make a difference with regards to overall usability. FFC and all.

Plus, uprades along carriers make them far more spread out. When you remove devices I opt not to use (sliders/physical keyboards) my choices are slimmed down even further.

That is the beauty of Android, though. For those coming off two year contracts (we're talking Moments and Heros) this device is HUGE. For those of us on 1-yr deals, it may or may not be that tempting. I like that whenever I do upgrade, there will be a device worth upgrading to.

Now that iOS is gonna be all over the place, even better Android devices will be made to counter. Consumer wins.

[alby4ever]

Actually, what sets the Galaxy S2 apart from the rest are two things:

Best in class screen (google super amoled plus)
One of the best in class cameras

From what I've read, the battery seems pretty amazing as well. I have an Atrix that can go on for a whole day with heavy use, but supposedly the GS2 can go for two days.

Plus the design is pretty thin and nice.

The only problem is the lack of LED notifications. For some reason, with the exception of the Sprint GS2, there are no LED lights like the ones on most other Android phones. That alone keeps me on the Atrix (which is an amazing phone already).

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[Rickroller]

With some of the newer Androids coming out..you also get the Webtop function..which means by plugging in your phone via HDMI cable.. you essentially got a mini computer on your big screen. This is evident with the Atrix and Photon (and perhaps a few others). I'm not sure if what the SGSII offers is technically webtop.. but its still impressive!

Samsung Galaxy S II MHL HDMI Cable Demo - YouTube

Watching that video you'll see just how fast the phone is.. and flies thru every task thrown at it with virtual ease. IMO the only thing that sets the SGSII apart is its hardware. The software is Android with Touchwhiz thrown on top.. and there is nothing specifically impressive in there that I'm aware of. But because of the hardware there isn't too much coming out that is going to top it for awhile.. and that's something i consider when buying a phone.

While trying to wade thru all the different android phones there are really only a few each year that really stand out. But because there are so many..there is definately one suited for everyone.

[Karmaloop]

Fastest processor in any phone out today. Great screen and camera.

[Duvi]

This device is beast!

The screen technology (Super AMOLED Plus) does make a difference and I prefer it over qHD found in HTC devices (EVO 3D) and Photon 4G.

Holding it in my hand, I didn't think it was going to be that thin (even hearing the numbers), but it was a lot thinner than I expected and felt good.

1080p HD recording, not 720p! Watching those videos on my PC or TV and you'll see the difference even more. And in regards to the sensors, they are not similar to most. Samsung has some of the best and IMO, only Apple and Nokia are in the same league or better. The front facing cam will probably be better than most FFCs.

Keis Air - being utilize your device from any computer with Keis Air installed is a big plus and just reading up on it, if I'm able to send/receive sms, i just may pick one up.

USB 3.0 - faster data transfers.

With 2.3.x (gingerbread), the OS seems to optimize battery a lot better/more than 2.x ever did.

Screen size - 4 inch vs. 4.52 makes a big difference! Heck, even with the 4.3, (EVO 3D), you see the difference. More space for games or documents. I don't play games on my devices, but something I didn't get from my Focus or iPhone 4 was the ability to see a lot of the the excel documents I read off my phone. My schedule is on an excel document and loving not needing to scroll as much to get things.

I think battery life on the SGII will be one of the best (Android-wise). The Sprint version has an 1800mAh battery. That's real good.

There are more reasons why, but I'm tired and need sleep... lol.

[Karmaloop]

It has USB 3.0 support?