Samsung Galaxy S vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

Attribute	Samsung Galaxy S	Samsung Galaxy S II
Operating System	Android 2.1 (Eclair)	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Display	4.0 inches	4.3 inches
Resolution	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Processor	1.0 GHz Cortex-A8	1.2 GHz Cortex-A9
RAM	512 MB	1 GB
Internal Storage	8/16 GB	16/32 GB
Camera	5 MP	8 MP
Battery	1500 mAh	1650 mAh
Weight	119 g	116 g

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II are two popular smartphones that have made a significant impact in the mobile market. Both devices come from the renowned Samsung Galaxy S series, offering a range of features and capabilities. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II, highlighting their similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the two.

Design and Display

When it comes to design, both the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II showcase Samsung's commitment to sleek and stylish aesthetics. The Galaxy S features a 4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, providing vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II takes it a step further with a larger 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels as well. The Galaxy S II's display is not only bigger but also delivers improved color reproduction and enhanced outdoor visibility.

In terms of build quality, the Galaxy S II introduces a more refined design with a slimmer profile and a textured back cover, providing a better grip compared to the Galaxy S. However, both devices feature a plastic construction, which may not feel as premium as some other smartphones on the market.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II differ significantly in terms of performance and hardware. The Galaxy S is powered by a 1 GHz single-core processor and 512 MB of RAM, which was considered impressive at the time of its release. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II boasts a more powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, offering a significant boost in performance and multitasking capabilities.

When it comes to storage, both devices offer expandable memory options via microSD cards. The Galaxy S comes with 8 GB or 16 GB of internal storage, while the Galaxy S II offers 16 GB or 32 GB options. Additionally, the Galaxy S II supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, allowing users to connect USB flash drives directly to the device for easy file transfer.

Another notable difference is the battery capacity. The Galaxy S is equipped with a 1500 mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for its time. However, the Galaxy S II features a larger 1650 mAh battery, offering improved endurance and longer usage times.

Camera and Imaging

Both the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II come with capable cameras, but the Galaxy S II takes a step forward in terms of imaging capabilities. The Galaxy S features a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos and videos. In contrast, the Galaxy S II boasts an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, delivering sharper and more detailed images. The Galaxy S II also introduces the ability to record videos in Full HD 1080p resolution, a significant improvement over the Galaxy S's 720p video recording capability.

On the front, both devices offer a 0.3-megapixel VGA camera for video calls and selfies. While the front-facing camera quality remains the same, the Galaxy S II's rear camera enhancements make it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.

Software and Features

Both the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II run on the Android operating system, but they differ in terms of the version and user interface. The Galaxy S initially launched with Android 2.1 Eclair and later received an update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It features Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, which provides a range of customization options and additional features.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S II launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread out of the box and received subsequent updates to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It also introduced an updated version of Samsung's TouchWiz UI, offering a smoother and more refined user experience compared to the Galaxy S.

Both devices come with a range of pre-installed apps and features, including access to the Google Play Store for downloading additional apps and games. However, due to hardware limitations, the Galaxy S may struggle to run some of the more resource-intensive applications available today, while the Galaxy S II handles them with ease.

Connectivity and Network

When it comes to connectivity options, both the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II offer similar features. They both support 3G connectivity for fast internet browsing and downloading. Additionally, they come with Wi-Fi support, allowing users to connect to wireless networks for internet access.

However, the Galaxy S II introduces a significant improvement with the inclusion of 4G LTE connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds compared to the Galaxy S. This makes the Galaxy S II a better choice for users who require high-speed internet access on the go.

Both devices also feature Bluetooth for wireless file transfer and peripheral connectivity, as well as GPS for navigation and location-based services. Additionally, they come with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output and support for microUSB for charging and data transfer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S II are both impressive smartphones that have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy S offers a solid display, decent camera, and a good overall user experience. However, the Galaxy S II takes things to the next level with a larger and improved display, better performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and 4G LTE connectivity.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with respectable performance and features, the Samsung Galaxy S is still a viable choice. However, if you prioritize a more powerful device with better camera capabilities and faster internet speeds, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget, but both devices have left a lasting impact on the smartphone market.