First, my current requirements
1. dimensions smaller than: 130mmx70mm
2. useful camera and front camera
3. replaceable battery and MicroSD slot
4. at least Android 4.1
5. Screen size 4-4.5 "
6. excellent audio quality over headphones
7. ideally MHL / HDMI port
The S2 Plus is currently the only smartphone that meets this requirement. Particularly in the audio quality patzen any other device with similar specifications. Either the sound quality (through headphones) is generally modest and / or there occurs an audible noise amplifier. Benchmark for me: Own tests, as well as reviews on GSMarena and Focus Online.
Positive on S2 Plus
+ Handy size - one-handed operation (still) possible
+ Design like (me)
+ Orderly processing: good gaps, no creaking, good keystroke points
+ Display quality is very good thanks to AMOLED technology - the resolution is about 210 ppi, however, relatively low
+ Both cameras are very good for Phone ratios
+ CPU performance is very neat and the reaction rate of Android conditions very well
+ No (!) Amplifier noise, good sound (compared to a short 4S in the comments to "Sweeeet" s contribution)
Negative on S2 Plus
- The display resolution is no longer in tune with the times (for my needs while surfing but the sharpness is sufficient.)
- The battery capacity is 1650mAh with compared to CPU and display size too small: The machine holds despite GSM mode, deactivated data connections and minimal backlight at best two days! For occasional deposits of Bridge Builder or Granny Smith must even every day to the electrical outlet. The Ace 2 held with a comparable use at least one day longer ...
>>> UPDATE:
>>> Since firmware version XXAMC2 the battery consumption of my S2 Plus has improved significantly. See screenshot in the photo strip! Quite respectable which the device gets out from the small battery. Too bad that the batteries are low, the term limited unnecessarily from the outset.
- The volume of the speaker (handsfree ...) should be higher. Both my Sony devices and the Ace 2 had more to offer here.
- 64GB memory cards are supported, contrary to previous statements made by Samsung does not natively (ie in the exFAT format). This is bad, because the outdated FAT32 format files not accepted> 4GB - DVD images adé on mobile ... Under FAT32 run 64GB cards (PC formatted) but easily!
General Android deficits
- Manufacturers and install Google Apps useless, which the user may not delete (from 4.0 disable but still ...) - Some examples at S2 Plus: chaton, Chrome, Dropbox, Flipboard, GameHub, Gmail, Google Books / Music / Movies, Google+, Picasa, Talk, Yahoo News ...
- Available no meaningful wired headset solutions (multi control keys)
- Complete backup of the system only after Rooting possible (. Helps Possibly the app "Carbon" I have not yet tried Thanks to the user A.Adam for the tip.!)
Conclusion
I can despite the limitations specified above only recommend the S2 Plus! The device offers everything I expect from a cell phone at the moment. The few negative points are acceptable to me. Therefore, 5 stars for the S2 Plus!
For the successor to the S2 (Plus) I would like to see:
1. stronger battery (!)
2. reasonable speaker
3. higher screen resolution
4. Native support of SDXC MicroSDs
Recommended Alternatives
Interested parties who can do without the good camera, large display and HDMI, I can put the Ace 2 ans heart. Who does not wish to good music quality, can also access the old S2 and thus buys a very large developer community with the same. I'm looking forward meanwhile before the S4 Mini.
Finally
Thanks to the diligent writer comments! Since some interested: Yes, there is a "normal" Mini-SIM support. No, this device has no status light.
