The S2 after 24+ months

The S2 after 24+ months

Samsung Galaxy S II i9100 dual-core smartphone (10.9 cm (4.3 inch) Super AMOLED Plus display, Android 4.0 or higher, 8MP full HD camera, 2MP front camera) noble-black (Electronics)

Customer Review

Regards

Samsung GALAXY SII ... from day one - experience from 24 months Terms of 19.05.2011 - 19.05.2013.

Came from a Symbian smartphone (something still there ?!), the * switch * amounted solely on the new sync program. The rest went mostly intuitive and really did not cause any problems. Only the Google account creation is possibly new to some. If this hurdle is * * taken, you can start immediately with Android.
I now call key points which distinguish the S2 in my opinion:

- Large display, good resolution, colors are represented AMOLED typical strong (shock does not do it, if the old device also had Amoled), excellent black level !, also by Preset's adjustable

- Clear design is a matter of taste. But if I see that Samsung has to date succeeded no better, I get along well with the S2. What Samsung now wants to sell as "designed for humans", I call 08-15 Design. Good to see the S3 - underground. No question, the other manufacturers make better classes.

- Really good touch screen (recognizes the way individually all 10 fingers), which was only in 2011 on the same very good level of the iPhone, in conjunction with the potent hardware results in a very fast operating speed, without any lag -> here you can feel clear differences predecessor i9000

- Who intends the GPS in S2 to navigation and playing sports (my tracks ..) to use, fun will have
eg Navi start, enter destination using voice, including street / house number or business name ..funzt 9/10 times the first attempt -> just great, the route guidance starts usually after 3 seconds, thus totally useful and to accurately

- Internet browsing: in principle, like the desktop - limited by the screen size, quickly and easily limited only by the bandwidth -> the first smartphone, in which I have not installed an alternative browser after 5min
-HSPA + (Max 21MBit / s) - in well-developed areas (eg Wolfsburg ..) makes it really fun, the Ping is also top (often
- WiFi connection works in the home network quickly and reliably, Sync with gravel-AIR with no software installation on the PC / see various videos easily WLan URL from S2 on PC browser type

- Finally an android with many POWER !, for example, an image folder with 430 images of my old smartphone (8MP) opens immediately, Overview / Zoom 100% lagfrei, 2011, was a real step forward

- All sensors are working great, the new 2-finger zoom mH gyro sensor works lagfrei and therefore useful to Gewöhnzeit, you have no way shake the device in one direction etc. - Sensitive to gentle movements

- The images are the S2 good (still typically Handycam despite good resolution / sharpness), the much larger Plus: see recorded videos really great, eg HD youtube recordings succeed playful, surprisingly little at night (kontin.Autofocus!) Noise -> 2011 by far the best video quality with a smart phone compared to iPhone4, Galaxy S and LG-X2OS, see test video youtube ^^, strong LED light

- Far from the form factor clearly the 4.3 "cell phone that its display size best * hides *, not a monster cell phone thanks to 8.5mm and 116g, acts by no means too large or extremely one way (could not imagine before, ever a 4.3" smartphone to buy ...)

- The processing is just right, clearances at the highest level, quality materials, Gorilla Glass, nothing shines through, wiggles, flexes, creaks or similar, no metal (ps * experts *: processing & material are 2 different words 2 different meanings ... ^^)

- TouchWizz4: scalable widgets (unique) including the battery indicator in% (which is not possible with certain manufacturers ..)

- (Now) Android 4.x of course -> to almost innumerable possibilities thanks to thousands of apps and many more from PlayStore. -> Even discover!

-> My main usage habits are very well served by S2:
1. chatting via SMS / Messenger and calls
2. mobile calendar with ready indication of appointments / tasks and memory
3. Mobile Internet and simple management of multiple e-mail accounts
4. Mobile message center thanks to RSS feed / Reader, online newspapers, Twitter etc.
5. mobile jukebox Spotify app thanks with all my songs, to constantly 1000mp3's case
6. usable take-along camera and navigation, GPS tracking during exercise
7. LED assist lamp, voice recorder, calculator, stopwatch, alarm clock, timer
8. liquid displaying other apps (...)

A prerequisite for this is, of course, plenty of power and storage. Both offer the S2! eg. Listen to music and simultaneously surfing on news portals, posting links to Twitter & Co, access to cloud storage or running more than 2,500 photos and 1000mp3 doing .. all at once. No Problem.

At any point I could report in detail, by way of example here but the alarm: Set Time, select Weekdays, repetition, alarm tones, etc. - well, what's "smart"? - Possible> in addition:. To wake up time announcement of the current weather at the location including day forecast and temperature reading of the top messages or even reading his own texts and dates - good thing! The S2 wakes me up every morning since then with the words "Good morning ____, it is __Uhr__. Today it should be ____. The temperature is ___ degrees. >>> [Personal announcement / slogan / mantra / quote] then the alarm starts.
-> Only one notable feature of many ...
___

#####
UPDATE

- (Standard) -Musicplayer: you can select folders / sort by folders in the player, thus falling own Order / Playlist Create completely gone, just drag and drop on the phone / SD card (it's that simple, top)

- For PC software: Gravel is good if it because time works as it should ... I could my German S2 eg successful update of KE2 via KIES to the new firmware KE7, but then, several attempts were necessary to gravel (in the latest Version) my S2 also permanently realized / mature is something else! Problems with Win7 64bit Vista32bit and, for simple data transfer, I use rather the Plug & Play solution or KIES AIR

- Still absolutely worth mentioning: great voice control! for example, as Google search, when navigating or dictating notes / SMS, to useful driving mode

-Use now for some time a 32GB microSD card. The S2 is not currently greatest storage combination for a total of 48GB! slowed noticeably

- With gravel now update to Android 2.3.4. (..gekürzt ..)

-besitze now the original car mount (ECS V1A2) - with Android 2.3.4 is the S2 definitely and significantly charged, even at full capacity - to an experience off the Navi function: the storage time just Tagesschau app launch, Tagesthemen on the S2 cross in the car mount look .. Technology that excites

- USB tethering works smoothly and quickly, as well as the Wi-Fi hotspot function - there's nothing to complain about

- 06.02.2012 >> OTA update to 2.3.6 available (..gekürzt ..)

- 16.04.2012 >> Update on Android 4.0.3 (..gekürzt ..)
-> With 4.0.3 you can install the "NOVA-Launcher", with root privileges makes the S2 again really fun! ("Sizable widgets", icon-size adjustable, widget view, icons changed, folders in each menu, etc.) -> great recommendation for relatively pure Android look without the software otherwise encroaching on / easy, secure and fast.
(Or = why not take advantage of Android?)

- The S2 after one year (bought 19:05:11): No display scratches, backside likewise new, battery has subsided yet noticeably am according to the price range very satisfied (do the S2 usually in a pocket with no display film, no case - Intended * * but unsparing use - "it must simply endure"), also dropped several times from a normal table height on parquet floor - no long-term consequences

- 03:08:12 >>'ve now ordered the original replacement battery with 2000mAh including white cover, very practical accessories.! The S2 still fits loosely in the car mount, now black / white look and felt 1/4 longer term, is worth it! -> The replacement lid keeps not so bombastic as the series battery cover after repeated assembly! Is nevertheless, just above the camera, he can no longer be completely conclusive engage the housing (for original accessories not acceptable).

- OTA update to 4.0.4 (..gekürzt ..)

I've made it through 2 "accidents" that a little paint is chipped at the corners of the display bezel, respectively because the S2 has fallen on rough concrete floor - small optical flaw otherwise without influence. Under the anthracite-coating it now looks black, which should not bother me further.

- January 2013: After more than 20 months use still no visible scratches on the display - Scratch-proof? Definitely! I know what it had to endure so far - the processing is even now excellent, nothing creaks. The S2 was a good buy.

- February 2013: up since long time gravel started on the PC .. unbelievable! They have actually managed to just under 2 years, to program a usable PC software. "Even" copying contacts is now within one minute (...).

- 07:03:13 >> Update've // ​​available on 4.1.2 but by Odin to original firmware 4.1.2 XWLSD / i9100XXLS8 flashed (minimal difference to dt DBT version.)
-> 4.1.2 I really like: new status bar, widgets, Smart Stay, Popup Play, many small improvements in optical Gallery / menu ... and much more. My 2 Highlights 4.1.2 are the changeable shortcuts on the lock screen and the improved status bar.

-> 22 months after release is an update due to the (almost) latest sales figures. Anyway, the S2 a piece is still fast enough, now even better. Have reinstalled my usual Nova Launcher Prime .. everything flutscht - So be it.
Think that was the last "great" original update for the S2. Android is you develop equipment for higher resolution, what I see also indicated in 4.1.2 - this makes the S2 course currently no worse.

- May 2013: Once again, here is a recommendation: the energy-saving function! Who will be the day informed rather than plays no loss notice, except for a significantly longer battery life (10-15% just a lowered CPU overclocking).

- 19.05.2013 >> So who are around 24 months. The S2 is not as expected by 24: 00h explodes :)
-> Short conclusion for durability: Touchscreen super scratch resistant, no problems after drops onto concrete, a lot of dirt and dust. Here and there a splash of water, short use in heavy rain at the 24h-race ... no problem! Except for small chipped points (respectively by hard impact on concrete so), the S2 has the optically very well survived for 2 years. Technically no losses, not the speaker I ca 150x used while showering at 90-100% volume in wet environments -> no noise / clink. Even the first-battery lasts at least still felt 90% of its capacity (if not more). The complete range of accessories is also still works. Long-term qualities? Proven! The camera lens is surprisingly scratch-going way, although I S2 total about 4 months without any protection mitführte (otherwise only Fitbag bag, never protector, never Case).

#####

Things which I call * neutral * Rate:

- No additional camera key on the phone (due to the design or new trend in any case at the expense of intuitiveness?)
- Difficult to open the battery cover (I quote here no such things on * SD card can not be inferred without battery removal etc / thin battery cover * ... because I think that's ridiculous expressly ^^)
- Device is quite warm at the back in the camera, only at intensive use, but never annoying or even hot (was strong "mitigated" through updates)
- Battery life only 1-2days despite 1650mAh for frequent use (unfortunately classify all high-end smartphones and therefore as * neutral *) - this sour pill you just have to swallow -.- ^^ nunmal the art, which can not in 2013. Top Smartphone decisively better)
- Display difficult to read in the sun, as with all mobile phones which I had so far (I've since S-Amoled + more expected)
- Often * * pause for thought at AC line 3G / HSPA (yes, bleating at very high levels - hence neutral)
- Camera with great video function, images but still handy typical -> no depth / as photographed from the poster (neutral, since without exception any phone that has nothing to do with sharpness / color), much more can not be achieved with mobile phone cameras possibly thought but the S2 can as more
- No continuous shooting function (eg "jump pics" are a cramp ..)
- High price, surely one can easily draw comparisons to still far more expensive apple etc, thus the true price / performance in direct comparison certainly, but of course is not a bargain S2 (2013 now manage a super P / L-Tip)
- No profound / optical changes with the upcoming original update to 4.0.3 - thinking can be divided, the average Joe is (consumption) not to be interested in it - yet, improvements and new features to come (face unlock, task ? Manager, status bar ..), a (hoped for) change of scenery remains off, Samsung "touchwiz4.0" surface remains -> Optics is hardly different from 2.3.6 -> (Advantages & Disadvantages ...) -> only with the update to 4.1.2, there was a real improvement.

- The only, real drawback: the speaker is good and loud, but it conceals it by hand or on the table - the sound is not muffled, but almost swallowed (this makes the Samsung S3 and S4 exactly the same way ..?! ?) - which can, for example, HTC significantly better.

- Accessories: In-ear headset very good (incl. Div essays), charging cable acts inferior because very thin - works to this day perfectly, long USB cable (77cm), few documents (no way negative for me, but you would expect otherwise at an all-rounder)

CONCLUSION:

If you're looking for a smartphone with a very good performance in all disciplines and flutschendem Android, I can still recommend the 2013 S2. The Galaxy S2 was IMHO the first Android phone that could compete in terms of usability / display / touchscreen with Eifon least.
It has no major weaknesses and enough speed for all applications, games and internet; to the price / performance ratio is becoming more attractive.
-> 5/5 stars for the best Android smartphone 2011th

If one looks real added value in brand new equipment- one misses the missing here HD screen and the speakers of HTC OneX + / One.
But the fact is also that there is no 06/2013! Device is that these two strengths not weaknesses combined with new, but an all-inclusive package offers. In other words: The "game phase", the manufacturer continues as long as customers can be lured by ever-increasing feature flood - so why fight fundamental weaknesses? -> Manufacturer across! Currently, the motto anyway: ** The larger, more smarter ** ???

The S2 is definitely a product of high quality. Reference should be made again the ultra scratch-resistant display - No, after 35! Month self-test no exaggeration.

MfG Schmidt

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Addendum: # 1: generally about smartphone:

There should be a clear before buying, that a smart phone without Internet access only worth half / or. is only half as functional, as almost all apps / widgets require a data connection. There are fewer and fewer full-fledged apps completely offline * * function (.. ^^) - it can be a useful S2-operated online to majority if not mutate purpose weapon. In fact, you can often save so little detours, facilitate tasks, show dates, keep in touch, and and and - off the gimmick, there are endless possibilities.
It should be noted that one in GooglePlay- AppStore [Stand 05/2013] by default can pay by credit card only (alternative payment options possibly check offered by ...).

Will this report adapt to new impressions, comparisons in the text to other phones etc only with standard OS without root / customROM.

##########

Addendum # 2: My Market assessment / successor-search Release 02/2014:

If one has no desire for a 5 "- chunks, it looks bad because I am probably an exception because my (big) hands have grown from S2 to S4 NOT.." At that time "the S2 and the DesireHD were the biggest equipment on display - 2013 platter joke.
A good handy Smartphone with current technology (let alone 16 / 32GB internal) is not currently builds. Under 5 "is now called" cut-down version "of the top models. It so happens that a ridiculous 2013 8Gb offered internally ...

2 years ago, I thought that today 16Gb should be internally absolute minimum - but there are probably more economic interests (...) -> Who the "whole" wants to technology - can not avoid (...) to the top models. With only ~ 5Gb usable storage, the possibilities are limited nunmal - thereof one must not discuss it. And so it has actually taken place until the beginning of 2014 -> Sony has the Z1 Compact presented. Since everything is right - hope Samsung and Co. are following suit. As for the top models on the other hand, many current models are simply too great to me. Granted - also great XPeriaZ my better half can be operated - paid. Only the new one has now finally also an SD slot and innovative unlock gestures. Will one SD slot + changeable battery and PIP functions as multiscreen you still end up with Samsung, however - why is the S4 with 32Gb well (yet) on my list - I see a passable offer I propose to.

The all-in-one device, whose existence is suggested with each new top model - there is not (and will almost certainly remain so). Thus, from the decision between One and S4 (or One + and S5) the search for the smallest compromise, while any benchmark values ​​contribute to graduation and 1080p are on 5 "for duty - so ^^ the customer wants it so.

UPDATE: 04/2014: After 35 months, I now have my S2 S4 32Gb. Helped by the way also has the S4 Flip Cover with viewing window. Brilliant thing.

UPDATE: 10/2014: After the first few months with the S4 confirmed my hunch. The S4 has exactly the right power, where the S2 comes up against its limits. It offers in every respect, thanks to 32Gb internal, real added value. Compromises you have to make of course in size, although you get used faster than thought. The most striking weakness in my eyes is the speaker which, although in itself good and loud - but was placed completely impractical as the S2 on the underside. The camera is weakening now and then during AF, the HDR images to know but to compensate. By contrast convinces with its other hardware immediately SView- Cover - I do not want to miss. Wonderfully practical and protective at the same time. The LTE network is now usable in matching contract at data rates exceeding 50Mbps down / 18Mbps up @ 50ms ping to say the least "convincing".

The sprightly S2 was demoted to shower radio with phone function, recreational radio and go cycling or Navi GPS speedometer on the home track.
Without a scratch on the display. Since I am the S4 but curious ...

End.

This IP camera is a hit! Rank: 5/5
March 14
Adhesive pocket Rank: 3/5
May 5
nice product 10 Rank: 3/5
August 3
Ecellente protection Rank: 5/5
September 3
SATISFACTION 58 Rank: 5/5
October 10

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