Galaxy S II vs. HTC Sensation XL

Attribute	Galaxy S II	HTC Sensation XL
Operating System	Android	Android
Display Size	4.3 inches	4.7 inches
Resolution	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Processor	Dual-core 1.2 GHz	Single-core 1.5 GHz
RAM	1 GB	768 MB
Internal Storage	16 GB	16 GB
Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Battery Capacity	1650 mAh	1600 mAh
Weight	116 grams	162.5 grams

Design and Display

The Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation XL 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 XL 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 XL, on the other hand, features a larger 4.7-inch S-LCD display, providing excellent viewing angles and sharpness. Both devices offer great visual experiences, but the Sensation XL's larger screen may be more appealing to those who enjoy multimedia content.

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 ensures smooth multitasking and snappy performance. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, features a 1.5 GHz single-core processor and 768MB of RAM. While it may not match the Galaxy S II in terms of raw power, it still delivers a decent performance for everyday tasks.

Both devices offer ample storage options, with the Galaxy S II providing 16GB or 32GB internal storage variants, expandable via microSD card. The Sensation XL, however, only offers 16GB of internal storage with no option for expansion. This may be a limiting factor for users who require more storage space for their media files and apps.

When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy S II packs a 1650mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of usage time. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, comes with a slightly larger 1600mAh battery. While both devices can last through a day of moderate usage, the Galaxy S II may have a slight edge in terms of battery longevity.

Camera Capabilities

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 various shooting modes and settings to enhance the photography experience. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and dual-LED flash. While it may have similar specifications, the image quality may vary due to differences in image processing algorithms.

Both devices also offer front-facing cameras for video calls and selfies. The Galaxy S II sports a 2-megapixel front camera, while the Sensation XL features a 1.3-megapixel front camera. While the difference in resolution may not be significant, users who prioritize video calls or self-portraits may prefer the Galaxy S II's higher resolution front camera.

Software and User Interface

The Galaxy S II runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with Samsung's TouchWiz user interface overlay. This provides a visually appealing and user-friendly experience, with various customization options and pre-installed Samsung apps. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread with HTC's Sense UI. HTC Sense offers a unique and intuitive interface, with features like HTC Hub and HTC Watch for accessing exclusive content.

Both devices have received software updates over the years, with the Galaxy S II eventually being upgraded to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and the Sensation XL receiving an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While the Galaxy S II may have a more recent software version, the Sensation XL's HTC Sense UI may appeal to users who prefer a different user interface experience.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both the Galaxy S II and Sensation XL offer a range of connectivity options, including 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. The Galaxy S II also supports NFC (Near Field Communication), allowing users to make contactless payments and easily share content with other NFC-enabled devices. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, lacks NFC support.

Additionally, the Galaxy S II features a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, while the Sensation XL utilizes a microUSB 2.0 port. Both devices also come with standard audio jacks for connecting headphones or external speakers.

When it comes to additional features, the Galaxy S II offers a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the overall user experience and enable various functionalities. The Sensation XL, on the other hand, offers similar sensors but lacks a gyroscope. This may limit certain motion-based applications and games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation XL have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy S II excels in terms of performance, display quality, and expandable storage options. On the other hand, the Sensation XL offers a larger display, a premium design, and a unique user interface experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences and priorities. Users who prioritize performance and storage flexibility may lean towards the Galaxy S II, while those who value a larger display and a premium design may prefer the Sensation XL. Both devices have their own unique features and capabilities, making them worthy contenders in the smartphone market.