Galaxy S II vs. HTC Sensation XE

Attribute	Galaxy S II	HTC Sensation XE
Operating System	Android	Android
Processor	Dual-core	Dual-core
RAM	1 GB	768 MB
Internal Storage	16 GB	4 GB
Display Size	4.3 inches	4.3 inches
Display Resolution	480 x 800 pixels	540 x 960 pixels
Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Battery Capacity	1650 mAh	1730 mAh
Weight	116 grams	151 grams

Design and Display

The Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation XE both feature sleek and stylish designs, but they differ in terms of materials used. The Galaxy S II boasts a plastic body, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle. On the other hand, the Sensation XE sports an aluminum unibody construction, giving it a more premium and sturdy feel.

In terms of display, the Galaxy S II comes with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 4.3-inch S-LCD display, which provides excellent viewing angles and accurate color reproduction.

Both devices offer a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, ensuring sharp and crisp visuals. However, the Galaxy S II has a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in slightly sharper text and images.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy S II is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor, coupled with 1GB of RAM. This combination delivers smooth multitasking and snappy performance. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, features a dual-core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 768MB of RAM. While it may have a higher clock speed, the Galaxy S II's processor is known for its efficiency and overall performance.

Both devices offer ample storage options, with the Galaxy S II providing 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, comes with 4GB of internal storage, also expandable via microSD card. It's worth noting that the Galaxy S II offers more internal storage options, allowing users to choose the capacity that suits their needs.

When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy S II packs a 1650mAh battery, while the Sensation XE comes with a slightly larger 1730mAh battery. Both devices offer decent battery life, but the Sensation XE's larger battery may provide a slight advantage in terms of longevity.

Camera and Multimedia

The Galaxy S II features an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. It also offers a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera. While both devices offer similar camera capabilities, the Galaxy S II's front-facing camera has a higher resolution, allowing for better quality video calls.

When it comes to multimedia, both devices excel. The Galaxy S II supports a wide range of audio and video formats, ensuring compatibility with various media files. It also features a built-in FM radio and supports DLNA for wireless media streaming. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, offers Beats Audio integration, providing enhanced audio quality and a more immersive listening experience. It also supports a variety of audio and video formats, making it a great choice for multimedia enthusiasts.

Software and User Interface

The Galaxy S II runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with Samsung's TouchWiz user interface overlay. This combination offers a user-friendly and customizable experience, with access to a vast library of apps via the Google Play Store. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread as well, but with HTC's Sense UI. HTC Sense provides a visually appealing interface with useful features such as HTC Hub and HTC Watch.

Both devices have received software updates over the years, with the Galaxy S II eventually receiving an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, while the Sensation XE received an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While the Galaxy S II's update to Jelly Bean was a significant improvement, it's worth noting that the Sensation XE's update to Ice Cream Sandwich brought several enhancements and new features to the device.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both the Galaxy S II and Sensation XE offer a wide range of connectivity options. They both support 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for fast internet browsing and downloading. They also feature Bluetooth for wireless file transfer and NFC for contactless payments and data exchange.

When it comes to additional features, the Galaxy S II offers Samsung's TouchWiz UI enhancements, such as Smart Stay, which keeps the screen on as long as the user is looking at it, and S Voice, a voice assistant similar to Apple's Siri. The Sensation XE, on the other hand, offers HTC's Sense UI features, including HTC Locations for navigation and HTC Watch for renting or purchasing movies and TV shows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation XE are excellent smartphones with their own unique attributes. The Galaxy S II stands out with its vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, efficient processor, and expandable storage options. On the other hand, the Sensation XE offers a premium aluminum unibody design, Beats Audio integration, and HTC's visually appealing Sense UI.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on personal preferences and priorities. If a stunning display and expandable storage are important, the Galaxy S II may be the better choice. However, if audio quality and a premium design are top priorities, the Sensation XE is worth considering. Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are sure to provide a satisfying smartphone experience.