Samsung Galaxy S II

{{Infobox mobile phone | name = Samsung Galaxy S II | codename = Slim | modelnumber = GT-I9100, GT-I9100T, GT-I9100P, GT-I9100M, GT-I9100/M16, GT-I9100G, GT-I9210T, SGH-I757M, SGH-I727R, SGH-I927, GT-I9210, SGH-T989D, GT-I9108, SCH-I929, ISW11SC, SC-02C, SHW-M250K, SHW-M250L, SHW-M250S, SGH-I777, SGH-I727, SPH-D710, SGH-T989, SCH-R760, GT-I9310, SGH-K603 | logo = File:Samsung Galaxy S II logo.svg | image = Samsung Galaxy S II.png | imagesize = 160px | caption = White variant of the Galaxy S II | brand = Samsung Galaxy | manufacturer = Samsung Electronics | slogan = Vivid. Fast. Slim. | series = Galaxy S | networks = Dual band CDMA2000/EV-DO Rev. A 800 and 1,900 MHz;
WiMAX 2.5 to 2.7 GHz;
802.16e 2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz
3G UMTS: 850, 900, 1700 (T-Mobile USA only), 1,900, 2,100 MHz
3.5G HSPA+: 21/42 Mbit/s; HSUPA: 5.76 Mbit/s
4G LTE: 700/1,700 MHz (Rogers in Canada, AT&T and SK Telecom) TD-SCDMA(China Mobile) | released = 2 May 2011 (2011-05-02) | available = | discontinued = | unitssold = 40.2 million (as of 14 January 2013) | unitsshipped = | predecessor = Samsung Galaxy S | successor = Samsung Galaxy S III | related = Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Ace
Galaxy Nexus
Samsung Infuse 4G | type = Smartphone | form = Slate | size = 125.3 mm (4.93 in) H
66.1 mm (2.60 in) W
8.49 mm (0.334 in) D (Standard)
129.8 mm (5.11 in) H
69.6 mm (2.74 in) W
9.7 mm (0.38 in) D (Sprint) | weight = 116 g (4.1 oz) (Standard)
130 g (4.6 oz) (Sprint) | os = Except for S II Plus:
Initial: Android 2.3.4 "Gingerbread" with TouchWiz 4.0
Latest: Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean" featuring TouchWiz Nature UX
S II Plus:
Initial: Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean" with TouchWiz Nature UX
Latest: Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" with TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0
Unofficial: Android 13 "Tiramisu" via LineageOS 20 by rINanDO | soc = Samsung Exynos 4 Dual 45 nm (GT-I9100 series)
Texas Instruments OMAP4430 (GT-I9100G)
Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 APQ8060 (GT-I9210 series)
Broadcom BC28155 (GT-I9105) | cpu = Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 at 1.2 GHz (GT-I9100 variants)
Dual-core Qualcomm Scorpion at 1.5 GHz (GT-I9210 variants) | gpu = ARM Mali-400 MP4 (GT-I9100 series)
PowerVR SGX540 (GT-I9100G)
Qualcomm Adreno 220 (GT-I9210)
VideoCore IV (GT-I9105)
Vivante GC1000 Core | memory = 1 GB RAM | storage = Options of 16 GB or 32 GB flash memory | memory_card = microSD support up to 128 GB SDXC | battery = User-removable Li-ion battery with capacities of either 1650 mAh or 1800 mAh at 3.7 V | input = Multi-touch capacitive touchscreen; headset controls; proximity sensor; ambient light sensor; gyroscope; magnetometer; accelerometer; assisted GPS

| display =

• 4.3 \inch Super AMOLED Plus with a resolution of 480×800 pixels and RGB matrix (GT-I9100/G/I9105 variants)
• 4.5 \inch Super AMOLED Plus with resolution of 480×800 pixels and RGB matrix (GT-I9210)

| rear_camera = 8 MP with back-illuminated sensor and autofocus
Full HD video recording at 1080p30fps
Aperture f/2.7
LED flash | front_camera = 2 MP | sound = SoundAlive technology; HD video recording audio at mono 16 kHz and 64 kbit/s

| connectivity =

List

• 3.5 mm TRRS jack; Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band); Wi-Fi Direct; Bluetooth version 3.0; micro USB 2.0 port; DLNA support; Mobile High-definition Link (MHL); HDMI output capability; USB On-The-Go Host version 2.0; UMA support; FM radio with T-DMB on specific models

| other =

List

• Wi-Fi hotspot functionality; AllShare media sharing platform; Exchange ActiveSync compatibility; Gorilla Glass protection with oleophobic coating; Polaris Office suite pre-installed
  
• Online services: Google Play Store and Samsung Apps including Social Hub, Readers Hub and Game Hub

| sar = * International model: Head SAR at 0.16 W/kg over 1 g
Body SAR at 0.96 W/kg over 1 g
Hotspot SAR at 1.16 W/kg over 1 g

• US model:
  Head SAR of 0.34 W/kg

|} The Samsung Galaxy S II—also referred to as the Samsung Galaxy S2—is an Android-based smartphone featuring a touchscreen slate design developed by Samsung Electronics. As the second installment in the Samsung Galaxy S series, it offers enhanced hardware capabilities and a revamped exterior compared to its predecessor, the original Samsung Galaxy S. Initially released with Android version 2.3.4 Gingerbread, it later received upgrades up to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

This device was officially introduced by Samsung on February 13, 2011 during the Mobile World Congress event held in Barcelona. At launch time, it was among the thinnest smartphones available globally—measuring primarily just under nine millimeters in thickness with minor protrusions increasing the maximum depth to approximately ten millimeters.

Under the hood lies a dual-core Samsung Exynos processor clocked at 1.2 GHz coupled with one gigabyte of RAM memory. The handset sports a 4.3 \inch WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display delivering vivid visuals and includes an eight-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing full HD video at a resolution of1080p accompanied by LED flash support. It was among the pioneering smartphones to integrate Mobile High-definition Link technology enabling uncompressed video output at full HD resolution to compatible displays while simultaneously charging the device. Additionally supported is USB On-The-Go functionality permitting direct connection of external storage devices such as USB flash drives or portable hard drives.

The replaceable battery provides endurance for roughly ten hours under intensive usage scenarios or up to two days with moderate use. Official specifications from Samsung indicate talk times reaching nine hours on a three-gigahertz network and over eighteen hours on two-gigahertz networks.

Upon release, the Galaxy S II achieved significant acclaim both commercially and critically, marking one of Samsung’s most successful smartphone launches to date. Its successor—the Samsung Galaxy S III—was introduced in May of the following year.

Release

Beginning in May 2011, the Galaxy S II was launched globally through over 140 carriers across approximately 120 nations. On 9 May 2011, Samsung revealed that pre-orders for the Galaxy S II had already reached 3 million units worldwide.

Following the initial launch, Samsung introduced a variant named the Galaxy R, which is equipped with an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor.

In August 2011, Samsung announced another model called the Galaxy S II Touch Epic, which became available in September of the same year. This version, offered through Sprint, featured a higher capacity battery compared to the original Galaxy S II and weighed 130g, making it heavier than its predecessor.

Additionally, Samsung reportedly provided Galaxy S II devices to several developers working on the custom Android ROM CyanogenMod, especially those who had previously maintained ports for the Galaxy S, aiming to support their efforts in adapting CyanogenMod 7 for the new device.

Software and services

The Galaxy S II initially debuted with Android 2.3 "Gingerbread". Versions distributed in the United States arrived preloaded with the slightly enhanced 2.3.5 iteration. The global rollout of version 2.3.6 occurred on 12 December 2011. On 13 March 2012, Samsung commenced delivering updates to Android 4.0.3 "Ice Cream Sandwich" via their device management software KIES for users in South Korea, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden. The Russian market received this update on 5 July 2012, followed by the rest of Europe on 1 August 2012. Subsequently, in February 2013, an upgrade to Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean" began rolling out for the handset.

The device features the TouchWiz 4.0 user interface, which builds upon the foundation laid by TouchWiz 3.0 seen on the original Galaxy S, introducing enhancements such as hardware acceleration. A notable addition is an optional gesture-based control named "motion," enabling users to zoom by placing two fingers on the screen and tilting the phone toward or away from themselves; this zooming gesture functions within both the web browser and image gallery applications. Another gesture feature, "panning," allows users to shift widgets and shortcut icons across home screens by physically tilting the device sideways, offering an alternative to the traditional swipe method for navigating between screens. The Android 4.1 update further backports the TouchWiz Nature interface and several functionalities from the Galaxy S III, including Direct Call, Pop-up Play, Smart Stay, and Easy Mode.

At the 2011 Mobile World Congress, Samsung introduced four new Samsung Hub services: Social Hub consolidates various social networking platforms into a single interface; Readers Hub offers access to a broad selection of digital newspapers, ebooks, and magazines worldwide; Music Hub, developed in partnership with 7digital, serves as a music store for purchasing and downloading tracks; and Game Hub, created alongside Gameloft, provides a marketplace for game downloads and purchases. Additional bundled software includes Kies 2.0, Kies Air for wireless device management, AllShare for DLNA compatibility, Voice Recognition, Google Voice Translation, Google Maps with Latitude, Places, Navigation features and Lost Phone Management tools, support for Adobe Flash 10.2, QuickOffice productivity suite, and 'QuickType' input technology developed by Swype.

Prior to release, Samsung announced incorporation of enterprise-level software tailored for business users: features include On Device Encryption, Cisco’s AnyConnect VPN integration, device management capabilities, Cisco WebEx support, Juniper Networks solutions, and secure remote device management provided by Sybase.

The Galaxy S II supports a wide array of multimedia formats and codecs. For audio playback, it handles formats such as FLAC, WAV, Vorbis, MP3, AAC, including variants like AAC+ and eAAC+, WMA, as well as AMR-NB, AMR-WB, MIDI (MID), AC3, and XMF. Video format compatibility encompasses MPEG-4, H.264, H.263, DivX HD/XviD codecs, VC-1, 3GP (MPEG-4), WMV (ASF) files, AVI (with DivX codec), MKV (Matroska), FLV (Flash Video), and Sorenson codec files. Native support for H.264 includes handling of 8-bit encodes with playback capabilities up to full HD 1080p resolution.

Through unofficial channels, it is possible to run Android 13 on the Galaxy S II — notably the final Android release compatible with devices based on the ARMv7 architecture.

Chipsets

File:Samsung Galaxy S 2 and its removable parts.jpg

A black Galaxy S II shown alongside its removable components: handset, battery, and back cover

The Galaxy S II is equipped with a 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU integrated within Samsung's proprietary 'Exynos 4210' System on a chip (SoC), formerly known under the codename "Orion". This Exynos-branded SoC sparked considerable discussion as a potential successor to the earlier "Hummingbird" single-core SoC found in the original Galaxy S. The Exynos 4 Dual 45 nm chip (previously referred to as Exynos 4210) incorporates ARM's Mali-400 MP GPU. This GPU, provided by ARM, marks a shift from the Galaxy S's use of the PowerVR GPU.

Supporting ARM's SIMD technology, also called the Media Processing Engine or 'NEON' instruction set, the Exynos 4210 offers enhanced performance in demanding scenarios such as hardware-accelerated decoding for various multimedia codecs and formats including On2's VP6/7/8 and Real formats.

One distinctive characteristic of the Mali 400 GPU within the Exynos 4210 SoC is its lack of support for GL_RGB Framebuffer Objects (FBOs), supporting only GL_RGBA. This limitation is not present in a revised Galaxy S II model (GT-9100G), which uses the PowerVR SGX540 GPU instead.

During the 2011 Game Developers Conference, ARM representatives showcased stereoscopic 3D playback at 60 Hz utilizing the Mali-400 MP GPU paired with the Exynos SoC, noting that an increased refresh rate of 70 Hz could be achieved through HDMI 1.4 connectivity.

In June 2011, Motorola promoted its Atrix smartphone as "the world's most powerful smartphone"; however, in August of that year, the UK Advertising Standards Authority determined that this claim was inaccurate since the Galaxy S II featured a faster processor.

An alternative version of the Galaxy S II (model GT-I9100G) employs a dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz combined with PowerVR SGX540 graphics.

Storage and RAM

The Galaxy S II is equipped with 1 GB of RAM and offers internal storage capacity up to 32 GB. Additionally, it features an external microSD card slot located beneath the battery compartment, which supports microSDHC cards up to 32 GB in size.

Display

The device sports a 108.5-millimetre (4.27 in) WVGA (800 x 480) Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen, protected by Gorilla Glass with an oleophobic coating designed to resist fingerprints. This screen represents an enhancement over its predecessor, with the "Plus" designation indicating the replacement of the PenTile matrix with a traditional RGB matrix. This change results in a 50% increase in sub-pixels, leading to reduced pixelation and crisper visuals and text. Furthermore, Samsung asserts that Super AMOLED Plus panels consume 18% less power compared to earlier Super AMOLED versions. Some users have reported display inconsistencies, including a "yellow tint" appearing on the lower left edge when viewing neutral grey backgrounds.

Audio

The Galaxy S II incorporates audio components from Yamaha. In contrast, its predecessor, the original Galaxy S, utilized the WM8994 DAC from Wolfson. Feedback from users on various Internet forums and detailed evaluations such as the one conducted by Clove indicate that the Yamaha audio chip delivers sound quality considered inferior to that of the Wolfson chip found in the original Galaxy S.

Camera

Positioned on the rear of the device is an 8-megapixel camera featuring a Back-illuminated sensor and equipped with a single-LED flash. This camera supports video recording in full high-definition 1080p at a frame rate of 30 frames per second.

This model represents Samsung's initial mobile phone capable of capturing videos in true full HD (FullHD 1080p).

Additionally, the front side houses a fixed-focus 2-megapixel camera intended for video calls, still photography, and standard video capture, offering a maximum resolution of 640x480 (VGA).

Near-field communication

The Galaxy S II ranks among the pioneering Android smartphones to include native support for Near-field communication (NFC). This development follows the Google Nexus S, which served as the first widely recognized NFC-enabled Android device.

Initially, the UK variant was reportedly produced without NFC hardware, but an updated version incorporating NFC was introduced later in 2011.

Mobile High-Definition Link

Samsung introduced a new high-definition connectivity technology known as Mobile High-definition Link (MHL). This technology is specifically designed for mobile devices, enabling simultaneous charging of the device’s battery while streaming multimedia content. On the Galaxy S II, the standard micro USB Type-B port located at the device’s base can be utilized with an MHL adapter to output video to external displays, such as a high-definition TV.

USB On-The-Go

The micro USB interface on the Galaxy S II supports the USB OTG protocol, allowing the phone to function as a host device similar to a personal computer. This capability facilitates connection and use of external USB peripherals. Common compatible devices include USB flash drives and externally powered hard drives. A demonstration available on YouTube illustrates that USB OTG functionality is accessible using a standard micro USB (B-type) OTG adapter. The video further reports successful operation with a 2 TB external USB hard drive requiring its own power source, though attempts to connect USB keyboards, mice, and game controllers were unsuccessful. Officially, the Galaxy S II supports FAT16 and FAT32 file systems for OTG storage devices.

Headphone Jack

The device features a 3.5 mm TRRS headset socket positioned on its upper edge. The micro USB port is situated at the bottom of the handset.

Connectivity

The Galaxy S II incorporates the CC3920, 67783, and 3392910 integrated circuits for its connectivity functions. Models distributed in the United States do not include an FM radio receiver. The Broadcom BCM4330 chip embedded in the phone offers support for Wi-Fi Direct, allowing devices to communicate directly without relying on an access point. While this chip is capable of Bluetooth 4.0, the Galaxy S II operates with Bluetooth 3.0 when running Android 4.1.2; Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility becomes available with Android 4.3 or later through alternative firmware installations.

Additional accessories designed for this model include:

• A Dock connector enabling battery charging and audio-visual output
• An MHL cable that utilizes the device’s micro USB port for HDMI output
• A USB OTG adapter facilitating connection with external USB devices like USB flash drives
• A stylus pen compatible with the capacitive touchscreen; this stylus support preceded the introduction of the Galaxy Note
• Various protective cases produced by multiple manufacturers
• A Samsung-branded Bluetooth headset intended for voice calls
• Portable speakers powered through the phone’s USB port
• A car mounting kit designed for dashboard installation, supporting GPS navigation using the phone

Galaxy S II – Model GT-I9100G

Launched in late 2011, the GT-I9100G model is commonly offered as an alternative to the original GT-I9100 in select regions, primarily across Asia and parts of Europe. Detailed information about the Galaxy S II GT-I9100G can be found on Samsung's official site. This version is equipped with a Texas Instruments OMAP4430 chipset rather than the Exynos 4210 found in the GT-I9100. While it maintains the same external design as the GT-I9100 and shares a 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor, its internal architecture differs. Specifically, the Mali-400 GPU has been replaced by a PowerVR SGX 540 GPU due to the distinct SoC design. Consequently, this variant is incompatible with custom ROMs developed for the I9100 model but has gradually developed its own aftermarket support, including from projects like CyanogenMod, thanks to the TI OMAP platform’s openness and relatively straightforward development process.

Telstra and Vodafone Australia – Models GT-I9100T

The Galaxy S II (Model GT-I9100T) distributed by carriers such as Telstra, Vodafone Australia, and some other providers outside Australia closely resembles the I9100 in both appearance and functionality.

Telstra and Optus – Model GT-I9210T

In Australia, the Galaxy S II 4G (Model GT-I9210T) incorporates a Qualcomm processor and is compatible with Telstra's and Optus' 4G networks. Nonetheless, this model does not support analog radio or digital media playback.

Bell Mobility – Models GT-I9100M and SGH-I757M

The Galaxy S II offered by Bell mirrors the international version but carries the model number GT-I9100M. Custom ROMs that function on international I9100 versions can also be installed on the I9100M without issue.

Bell’s Galaxy S II HD LTE (Model SGH-I757M) corresponds to the canceled AT&T Skyrocket HD, effectively making it a variant of the South Korean Galaxy S II HD LTE model. A notable distinction is the absence of a physical home button on Bell’s version; instead, it uses four capacitive buttons, including one that substitutes for the traditional home button. The device’s specifications are otherwise identical to those of the South Korean model, although it supports different frequency bands tailored for Bell’s network.

Rogers – Models SGH-I727R and SGH-I927

The Rogers Galaxy S II LTE (Model SGH-I727R) shares many similarities with the AT&T Skyrocket but distinguishes itself with a larger 4.52" display, an increased 1,850 mAh battery capacity, and a different 1.5 GHz Qualcomm processor.

Rogers' Galaxy S Glide (Model SGH-I927) matches the specifications of AT&T's Captivate Glide exactly, with the only variation being the placement of the carrier logo, which appears on the rear rather than beneath the front glass panel.

Rogers introduced the Galaxy S II LTE in the autumn of 2011, shortly following its LTE network rollout in Toronto.

It is important to note that the Galaxy S II LTE carries a distinct model number: I9210. This version was released later and was available exclusively in select markets such as Canada and South Korea.

Telus Mobility – Model SGH-T989D

Telus Mobility released the 4G-capable Galaxy S II X (Model SGH-T989D), which is technically equivalent to T-Mobile’s SGH-T989 variant. It features the same Qualcomm 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, an enlarged 4.52-inch display, and a 1,850 mAh battery. Although it uses different modem firmware, most custom ROMs designed for T-Mobile’s version can be installed on the Telus SGH-T989D.

The physical design sets it apart from both Rogers/International and Bell/AT&T models, characterized by a chrome trim encircling the device and a back cover with a leather-like texture. Instead of a physical home button, this model employs four capacitive buttons in line with standard design conventions. The Qualcomm chipset supports HSPA+ download speeds up to 42 Mbit/s, a capability not available on Samsung’s Exynos processor at that time. The device was launched on October 28, 2011. Additionally, Koodo Mobile, a Telus subsidiary, also markets the SGH-T989D.

China – Models GT-I9108 (China Mobile), GT-I9100G, SCH-I929

Launched in late 2011, the Galaxy S II Model GT-I9108 is distributed in China through China Mobile. This model shares its hardware with the GT-I9100G, both equipped with the Texas Instruments OMAP4430 SoC, featuring a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz and PowerVR SGX 540 graphics. The primary distinction lies in the GT-I9108’s support for TD-SCDMA networks instead of the WCDMA connectivity found in other versions. As a region-specific variant, the GT-I9108 has limited availability of custom ROMs.

Also introduced in late 2011 for China Telecom is the Galaxy S II Model SCH-I929. This device is based on the Galaxy S II LTE design (GT-I9210) but is adapted to support CDMA2000 1x EVDO technology compatible with China Telecom’s network.

Europe – Model GT-I9100P

Released towards the end of 2011, the Galaxy S II Model GT-I9100P possesses identical hardware to the GT-I9100 but includes an NFC chip and a battery designed with an integrated antenna to enable NFC functionality. Firmware updates using the P version are necessary to maintain NFC capabilities; installing any I9100 firmware version will deactivate the NFC hardware.

Model: GT-i9100

The SIM-unlocked GT-i9100 model debuted on 2 May 2011 in India. It supports only 2G and 3G networks and accommodates microSDHC cards up to 32 GB for expandable storage.

KDDI au – Model: ISW11SC

KDDI’s au network released the Galaxy S II WiMAX (Model ISW11SC) initially on 20 January 2012 in Noble Black, followed by Ceramics White on 24 March 2012 and Shiny Magenta on 20 July 2012. Originally shipped with Android 2.3.6, it received an OTA update to Android 4.0.4. The ISW11SC is powered by a Samsung Exynos 4210 dual-core CPU running at 1.4 GHz alongside a Qualcomm QSC6085 modem operating at 192 MHz. It includes 1 GB RAM and offers 16 GB of internal storage, with approximately 11 GB accessible for user data, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB. The device runs on an 1850mAh battery and features a 4.7-inch Samsung SUPER AMOLED HD display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. Connectivity options encompass CDMA frequencies at 800 MHz and 2100 MHz, EV-DO Rev A for 3G, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) supporting standards a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and an integrated WiMAX modem delivering download speeds up to 40 Mbit/s and upload speeds up to 15.4 Mbit/s. Tailored for the Japanese market, it includes numerous region-specific applications. Although equipped with NFC technology compatible with FeliCa RFID systems such as PASMO and SUICA, it lacks support for Japan’s "Osaifu Keitai" mobile wallet software, preventing NFC-based transactions within Japan.

NTT DoCoMo – Model SC-02C

On 23 June 2011, NTT DoCoMo launched its version of the Galaxy S II (Model SC-02C), succeeding the DoCoMo Galaxy S (Model SC-02B). This model incorporates terrestrial television reception via 1seg and integrates DoCoMo-exclusive i-mode features including i-channel, BeeTV, MelodyCall, and DoCoMo map navigation services. The SC-02C operates on Samsung’s Exynos 4210 Orion dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz (S5PC210). For Japanese text input, it employs the Wnn input method editor system.

South Korea

All versions tailored for South Korean wireless providers incorporate Samsung's native Korean input system designed for feature phones, along with a virtual keyboard arranged in the Dubeolsik layout. These models also replace the FM radio tuner with a T-DMB receiver.

KT – Model SHW-M250K

The Galaxy S II variant for KT, identified as Model SHW-M250K, utilizes KT's proprietary Wi-Fi connection manager rather than the standard Android Wi-Fi connection manager to access wireless networks. This model comes preloaded with exclusive features intended specifically for KT customers.

LG U+ – Model SHW-M250L

Unlike the WCDMA and HSPA technologies used by other variants, the Galaxy S II version for LG U+ (Model SHW-M250L) operates on EV-DO Rev.B (KPCS 1.8 GHz), which aligns with LG U+’s network infrastructure. This variant is marginally thicker at 9.4 mm compared to the SK Telecom and KT versions, which measure 8.89 mm in thickness. It also includes pre-installed features tailored to LG U+ subscribers.

SK Telecom – Model SHW-M250S

The Galaxy S II model supplied to SK Telecom (Model SHW-M250S) employs the SK-MMS protocol rather than the standard OMA-MMS system for sending multimedia messages. Additional functionalities designed for SK Telecom users are included by default.

AT&T – Models SGH-I777, SGH-I727 and SGH-I927

AT&T Mobility launched its initial Galaxy S II variant (Model SGH-I777) on 2 October 2011. Before its official release, Samsung internally referred to this device as "Attain."

This AT&T version retains the 4.3-inch display size found on the international model but features four capacitive buttons. It is also equipped with NFC technology.

A second AT&T variant, named the Galaxy S II Skyrocket (Model SGH-I727), was introduced on 6 November 2011. Samsung had previously codenamed this model "Skyrocket." This version resembles the international Galaxy S II LTE and notably includes an LTE radio module. To support LTE functionality, the device’s main processor was switched from the Exynos chip to a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8660, as the Exynos processor lacks LTE compatibility. The Skyrocket sports a larger 4.52-inch display identical to Sprint’s model and supports NFC as well.

On 20 November 2011, AT&T released a third variant called the Captivate Glide (Model SGH-I927). Unlike the other two AT&T models, this one features a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard. The Captivate Glide is powered by a dual-core 1 GHz Tegra 2 processor instead of the 1.2 GHz Exynos chip found in other variants. Its screen is a Super AMOLED panel rather than Super AMOLED Plus and measures slightly smaller at 4 inches diagonally.

Sprint – Model SPH-D710

File:Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch.jpg

Sprint's Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (Model SPH-D710)

The Sprint edition of the Galaxy S II, identified as Model SPH-D710, was originally launched under the name Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch before being rebranded simply as the Galaxy S II 4G. Samsung internally referred to this Sprint model by the codename "Within" prior to its market debut. Sprint made this variant available to its subscribers starting 16 September 2011, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer a version of the Galaxy S II. Customers could purchase the SPH-D710 in black, titanium gray, or white color options.

Several distinctions set the Sprint model apart from the international Galaxy S II version. Notably, it incorporates a 2500 MHz WiMax radio. Its screen measures 4.52 inches diagonally, which is larger than that of the international counterpart. The device employs four touch-sensitive capacitive buttons, contrasting with the international model’s combination of three buttons split between hardware and capacitive types. Additional variations include an LED notification indicator and a higher-capacity battery rated at 6.66 Wh.

Unlike the versions sold by T-Mobile US and AT&T Mobility, the Sprint variant lacks NFC functionality.

This Galaxy S II model is exclusively touchscreen-based, differing from the Epic 4G, which features a physical QWERTY keyboard.

On 28 March 2013, an update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean (build GB27) was distributed via Samsung Kies. No further official updates have been confirmed since February 2014.

Since its launch on 16 September 2011, Samsung has issued seven software updates for this device.

Sprint declared that its WiMAX network would be deactivated on 6 November 2015, effectively disabling the SPH-D710’s 4G connectivity. Following this, users retained access to mobile broadband through Sprint’s 3G network until its termination on March 31, 2022.

Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA

Boost Mobile, a Sprint subsidiary, provides a Sprint SPH-D710 version of the Galaxy S II 4G available in titanium grey or white. Virgin Mobile also offers their own variant, identified as model i9210, compatible with their network.

Boost Mobile launched the Galaxy S II 4G on 6 September 2012, pricing it at $369.99. Virgin Mobile USA followed by introducing the Galaxy S II 4G to their lineup on 15 November 2012, with the same retail price of $369.99.

In March 2013, both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile updated their Galaxy S II 4G models to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, aligning with Sprint's update schedule.

T-Mobile – Model SGH-T989

T-Mobile USA opened pre-orders for its Galaxy S II variant (Model SGH-T989) on 11 October 2011, with in-store availability beginning the following day, 12 October 2011. Before its official release, Samsung internally referred to this model as "Hercules."

This T-Mobile edition differs significantly from the international Galaxy S II version. It is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm APQ8060 Snapdragon S3 processor rather than the international model’s 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos chip, due to incompatibility of the Exynos processor with T-Mobile’s 42 Mbit/s HSPA+ network. The device supports UMTS frequency bands I (2100 MHz), II (1900 MHz), IV (1700 MHz), and V (850 MHz). Its display measures 4.52 inches, which is larger compared to the international variant. Additionally, it features four touch-sensitive capacitive buttons instead of the three-button hardware/capacitive layout found on the international model. The T-Mobile version is equipped with an Adreno-220 GPU and can run Android ROMs up to version 4.4.4. Similar to AT&T’s variant, it includes Near Field Communication (NFC) integrated within its battery, which has a capacity of 6.85 Wh.

As of 8 March 2013, the T-Mobile Galaxy S II can be upgraded to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean via Samsung Kies software.

U.S. Cellular – Model SCH-R760

The U.S. Cellular version (Model SCH-R760) closely mirrors the Sprint edition, with the sole difference being the absence of a 2500 MHz WiMax radio in the U.S. Cellular model.

Galaxy S II Plus

Unveiled at CES 2013, the Galaxy S II Plus (model GT-I9105/P) features a Broadcom BCM28155 SoC, equipped with a 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU and a VideoCore IV hardware GPU, replacing the original Galaxy S II’s Mali 400MP GPU. Both models share 1 GB of RAM; however, the Plus variant offers only 8 GB of internal storage—half the capacity of its predecessor—with a considerable portion occupied by the operating system. The device sports a hyperglazed plastic chassis similar to that of the Galaxy S III and comes in Chic White and Dark Blue color options. Initially, it operated on Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean" paired with Samsung’s TouchWiz Nature UX interface. An upgrade to Android 4.2.2 was subsequently released. Additionally, the I9105P version was introduced, which includes support for Near Field Communication (NFC).

Reception

The Galaxy S II received widespread acclaim from critics worldwide. It earned the "SmartPhone Of The Year 2012" distinction at MWC’s Global Mobile Awards. Engadget rated it 9 out of 10, describing it as "the best Android smartphone to date" and potentially "the best smartphone overall." CNET UK awarded it a strong 4.5 out of 5, highlighting it as "one of the slimmest and lightest phones we've ever handled." TechRadar granted a perfect 5-star rating, noting that it "raised the benchmark for smartphones in 2011." Pocketnow praised its web browser speed as particularly impressive. SlashGear asserted that the device "establishes a new standard for smartphones." While GSMArena mentioned minor criticisms such as its fully plastic construction and lack of a dedicated camera button, they still labeled it "exceptionally powerful," concluding that it was difficult to surpass Samsung’s flagship in defining the ultimate smartphone.

Within just over one month following its launch, more than one million Galaxy S II units were activated in South Korea alone. Globally, sales reached three million units within 55 days. After approximately 85 days on the market, Samsung announced worldwide shipments exceeding five million units, which grew to ten million after five months. The robust sales performance of Samsung's Galaxy series contributed to Samsung surpassing Apple in global smartphone sales during Q3 2011, capturing a market share of 23.8% compared to Apple’s 14.6%. Furthermore, in Q2 2012, Samsung overtook Nokia to become the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer.

Successor

Main article: Samsung Galaxy S III

Following the Galaxy S II, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S III in London on 3 May 2012. The device became available for purchase starting 29 May 2012 and achieved approximately 10 million pre-orders prior to its release.

See also

• Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones
• Comparison of smartphones
• Samsung Galaxy S series

External links

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