Review Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus (i9105P) Smartphone

Samsung has largely adopted the casing's design from the Galaxy S2 precursor. A simple yet quite high-quality plastic dominates the looks. The buyer can choose between the colors blue and white. Stylish details, such as the display's glossy metallic rim let the smartphone look both elegant and unique. The design is in no way stale even after two years. However, one drawback of the glossy surfaces is that every tiny dust particle is seen and makes regular polishing inevitable.

The casing convinces with good stiffness although light metals are not used. Nothing creaks or crackles despite the S2 Plus' thickness of just 8.9 millimeters (~0.35 inches) (without NFC: 8.5 millimeters/~0.34 inches) and a weight of 121 grams (~0.27 pounds). This is insignificantly heavier than the Galaxy S3 Mini (112 grams/~0.25 pounds), which also sports a smaller, 4-inch screen. Unlike Google's Nexus 4, the back cover can be removed without tools. This should however be done with care in view of the fragile-looking clip design.

In terms of build, Samsung has done a great job. We did not find any interfering gaps or sharp edges. The screen covered with Corning's Gorilla Glass closes flush with the bezel and underlines the high-quality claim of the entire device. The S2 Plus can easily compete with the S3 Mini. The iPhone 5's unibody casing is even a bit better due to its design. However, we do not want to use it for direct comparison in view of its much higher price.

Software

The Galaxy S2 Plus includes the latest Android 4.1.2, code name "Jelly Bean" version ex-factory. Various innovations have been incorporated with Android 4.1. Some improve the performance ("Project Butter") or supplement new features. For example, the user can now look forward to a virtual, intelligent assistant like Apple's Siri. It offers an increasing scope of features starting with weather forecasts up to browsing through emails. However, a permanent Internet connection is imperative for this service dubbed "Google Now".

The features of Samsung's TouchWiz interface, version 5.0, are just as convenient. One feature that we particularly liked was that video could be placed on the screen as a small pop-up while working with other applications; real multitasking barely known from a smartphone to date.

Communication & GPS

First a minor downside. Similar to the Nexus 4, the S2 Plus unfortunately does not feature mobile Turbo LTE technology. Apart from this flaw, the smartphone's connectivity can be called decent. Gross data rates of up to 21.6 Mbit/s in downlink and 5.76 Mbit/s in uplink are possible in UMTS networks with HSPA(+). Owing to quad-band support (GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) and W-CDMA, the user can make calls and browse almost everywhere in the world.

Besides the compulsory Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth version 3.0 standard, a few versions of the Galaxy S2 Plus offer NFC (near-field communication). Samsung adds a "P" at the end of the model name (i9105P) and offers these devices for virtually the same purchase price. Although this standard is not yet very widespread in Germany, the diversity of application fields, such as micro-payment, key lock, general data sharing over short distances, should not be underestimated for the future.

The smartphone can use both the signals from the American GPS satellites as well as the Russian Glonass system for position finding, which is particularly important for navigation applications. Thus, the likelihood of determining the exact position coordination increases when the reception conditions are poor.

Users who have dealt with other Android devices will quickly be accustomed to using the Galaxy S2 Plus. The touchscreen as the main input can be used precisely and without delays. It is also big enough to accurately hit every letter even on the selected QWERY keyboard. Apart from minor differences, the layout corresponds to the usual Android standard. Nostalgists can also choose a classic mobile phone layout with large number buttons.

IPS screens already offer a largely undistorted content representation even at very acute angles. Nevertheless, the AMOLED screen in our test device clearly excels that and maintains its great contrasts and colors from every thinkable position. Although the equally expensive Nexus 4 is superior in many things, this plus point goes to the S2 Plus.

We tested whether the Galaxy S2 Plus can really cope with graphically demanding 3D games using two free tracks from the Play Store. In Temple Run 2, we could convince ourselves of the installed hardware's performance (estimated frame rate: over 30 fps) as well as the accuracy of all sensors. Also, all inputs via the touchscreen were implemented directly and with high accuracy.

The online shooter ShadowGun: DeadZone did not run quite as smoothly with a frame rate of approximately 25 fps, but is playable without major restrictions. The Galaxy S2 Plus will have enough reserves for 2D games like Angry Birds anyway.

The mono speaker located on the S2 Plus' back impresses with a surprisingly clear and sufficient maximum volume. However, the volume reserves cannot always be completely used depending on the music style. Especially high pitches tend to quickly overdrive slightly. Some other smartphones also render bass a bit better so that a headphone or headset should be used for ideal music enjoyment in any event. The included in-ear model (EHS64AVFWE) is the same as we know from the Galaxy S3 model. Its sound quality and wearing comfort (6 different pads) range within a good midfield.

We admit, since Google offered a premium smartphone for a giveaway price with its Nexus 4, other manufacturers have a hard time scoring with their midrange models. Nevertheless, Samsung's Galaxy S2 Plus largely convinced us, which we would like to summarize here.

We will start with the casing. Its build, feel and stability do not give reason for complaint although the smartphone is extremely slim and light. The 4.3-inch screen is a perfect compromise between image size and pocket-suitability. Only the resolution is no longer quite up-to-date. However, the AMOLED technology excites with its brilliant image quality that is not excelled by any IPS screen.

The dual-core SoC's performance roughly corresponds to the 2-year-old precursor model. The user interface animation is smooth as silk and websites are loaded extremely fast - a swift browser and Android 4.1 make it possible. The features of Samsung's TouchWiz 5.0 also offer a real added value in contrast to some contenders. A decent 8-megapixel camera, NFC and the extremely handy micro SD slot add to that.

The bottom line is; the S2 Plus has clearly earned its purchase recommendation, even if the current price of 300 Euros (~$390) is definitely not a bargain. Consequently, the Nexus 4 remains to be the unchallenged star in the Android camp for enthusiasts who place particular importance on the latest hardware (at least in this price category).