Galaxy Nexus vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

Attribute	Galaxy Nexus	Samsung Galaxy S II
Operating System	Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Display	4.65" Super AMOLED HD	4.3" Super AMOLED Plus
Resolution	1280x720 pixels	800x480 pixels
Processor	Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9	Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9
RAM	1 GB	1 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB	16/32 GB
Camera	5 MP (rear), 1.3 MP (front)	8 MP (rear), 2 MP (front)
Battery	1750 mAh	1650 mAh
Weight	135 g	116 g

Introduction

When it comes to smartphones, Samsung has been a dominant player in the market for years. Two of their popular offerings, the Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy S II, have garnered significant attention from consumers. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two devices to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.

Design and Display

The Galaxy Nexus features a sleek and modern design with a curved glass display, giving it a premium look and feel. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S II sports a more traditional design with a plastic back cover. Both devices have a large display, but the Galaxy Nexus takes the lead with its 4.65-inch Super AMOLED screen, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S II, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, which still delivers excellent visuals.

In terms of resolution, the Galaxy Nexus boasts a higher pixel density with its 1280x720 resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. The Galaxy S II, with its 800x480 resolution, may not be as sharp, but it still provides a satisfactory viewing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for display size and resolution.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, both the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II offer powerful performance. The Galaxy Nexus is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and snappy performance. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II features a slightly faster 1.5GHz dual-core processor and the same 1GB of RAM, providing similar performance capabilities.

When it comes to storage, the Galaxy Nexus offers 16GB or 32GB options, but lacks expandable storage. In contrast, the Galaxy S II provides 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to an additional 32GB via a microSD card slot. This expandable storage option gives the Galaxy S II an advantage for users who require more space for their apps, media, and files.

Both devices support 4G LTE connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds. However, it's worth noting that the Galaxy Nexus was one of the first smartphones to support this technology, giving it an edge in terms of early adoption.

Camera Capabilities

When it comes to photography, the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II offer respectable camera capabilities. The Galaxy Nexus features a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos in various lighting conditions. It also has a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and selfies.

The Galaxy S II, on the other hand, boasts an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, delivering sharper and more detailed images. It also has a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, which is an improvement over the Galaxy Nexus. If photography is a priority for you, the Galaxy S II's superior camera capabilities may sway your decision.

Battery Life and Software

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone. The Galaxy Nexus comes with a 1750mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of usage time. However, due to its larger display and power-hungry 4G LTE connectivity, it may not last as long as the Galaxy S II's 1650mAh battery. The Galaxy S II's smaller screen and less demanding hardware contribute to its longer battery life.

In terms of software, the Galaxy Nexus was one of the first devices to introduce Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. It also received subsequent updates, including Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy S II, on the other hand, initially launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but received updates up to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. While both devices offer a smooth and user-friendly experience, the Galaxy Nexus has the advantage of being an early adopter of newer Android versions.

Conclusion

After comparing the attributes of the Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy S II, it's clear that both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy Nexus excels in design, display, and software, offering a premium look, a larger and sharper display, and early access to newer Android versions. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II shines in terms of expandable storage, camera capabilities, and battery life.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your priorities and preferences. If you value a sleek design, a larger and sharper display, and the latest software updates, the Galaxy Nexus may be the better option for you. However, if expandable storage, superior camera capabilities, and longer battery life are more important, the Galaxy S II could be the right choice.

Regardless of your decision, both the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II are solid smartphones that have stood the test of time and can still offer a satisfactory user experience in today's smartphone landscape.