Firstly, it's noticeably larger than the ubiquitous iPhone, having a large screen. However, it's not so big that it won't fit easily into my pocket and it is very slim. The advantage of the large screen, is that a) it makes it that much easier to hit the right keys or buttons on the screen (My Blackberry 9700 has a keyboard designed for people with great hand-eye-thumb coordination (i.e. not me) and b) it makes watching videos and reading web pages a much better experience than on smaller screened smart-phones.
The next thing I noticed about the S II is how easy it is to hook up with Google applications like GMail, Docs and Blogger. Now, you would expect that from an Android phone, but suddenly, using these 'cloud' based services come into their own.
For instance, I have started this post using the Android Blogger app (which is clean, easy to use and much better than other free Blogger app alternatives). Getting my personal emails is a synch on the phone and my inbox is always up to date. Using Google Maps is a joy, especially when recently in Sweden on holiday and trying to find my way around Stockholm. (The data bill wad somewhat horrific).
But, the biggest thing I have noticed is how quick it is to change between applications, as well as how bright and clear is its screen. It is very responsive to my touch commands and there is a good choice of apps on the 'Market'.
Its battery life is about the same as my Blackberry 9700, which means I have to charge it everyday if I leave the wifi on; if I have the GPS; if I leave the screen on full brightness and if I use the apps on it a lot. So, that's nothing I'm not already used to.
One experience I had with the handset was when I fell asleep listening to the radio through the internet. I had left the mobile phone plugged into the charger and it was in a case. I woke up in the morning and the S2 had switched itself and discharged the battery. I put this down to the fact that it had probably overheated (it was under my pillow too!). This is probably a good thing, though.
The aspect about the Galaxy S II that I have found pretty annoying is the position of the power button. It's on the right hand side of the smartphone and I have, on a couple of occasions pressed it by mistake when answering a call, which switches it off.
Nevertheless, the Samsung Galaxy S II is a smartphone. I am very pleased with it. It is fast, powerful and very easy to use. It is more impressive than the iPhones many friends and colleagues have. It takes good photos and videos and the Google Android applications for it are excellent.
Will,
ReplyDeleteUseful article, I upgraded to the galaxy S2 recently on Vodafone, from a HTC Desire on the back of the galaxy becoming the PC pro A List topper. However, after 2 weeks, its back in the box and looking for a new owner on eBay.
yes, the screen is large, and yes, it takes good photos, but email - disaster! The HTC will allow you to get the first 15kb or so, and then asks if you want the rest and gets it on request. the Samsung Android flavour doesn't it tries to get the whole lot which is not very good if you want the text and not the 4MB attachment someone sent you.
I have had to reboot it every 3-4 hours because it won't keep a connection to either of my wireless routers one a Belkin and the other a business class Cisco.
Under Android development, when connected to a PC, Bluetooth is disabled, making it impossible to develop any app that requires Bluetooth while having the phone connected to the PC for uploads, and connection to the SDK.
In fact, i have reveled in going back to the HTC. Perhaps its the fact you haven't indulged in an android smartphone until now, but the galaxy S2 might be fast and large, but the Samsung Android Flavor leaves a very bitter taste behind.
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear your experience of the S II. It really does sound as though it has been a pain for you. I must say, I am absolutely delighted with it, but I have quite different needs for it than you.
Having said that, I can also see why there is such a fuss about the future of personal computing. With the amount of information and connectivity I can now carry around with me, I can now do things (e.g. mobile blogging, look up exchange rates, track petrol consumption) so much more easily now.
Let me know what you get next!
Best
Will