Posted by djgydo
Form
Samsung Galaxy S2 - 125.3x66.1x8.5mm, 116g
Sony Xperia S - 128x64x10.6mm, 144g
The Samsung Galaxy S2 launched this time last year but it's still up there as one of the more attractive looking handsets on the market with its imposing proportions and more angular styling.
Overall the design is minimalist, which makes everything look clean and modern, though it does have a textured back panel to spice things up a little.
The Sony Xperia S is a much striking device with next to no curvature or softening on the corners. In contrast to this the backpanel is completely smooth, which does provide some interesting contrast.
The other significant visual tweak is that the screen takes precedence over the bodywork, leading to a very thin bezel and a more ‘premium' look and feel.
We think Sony's device looks much smarter.
Winner - Sony Xperia S
Display
Samsung is traditionally pretty consistent at producing some top quality displays for its devices, so much so that other manufacturers, such as Nokia, even buy them for their own handsets too.
The Galaxy S2 uses Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus technology, which offers excellent picture quality, brightness, colour depth and is a bit more battery friendly than your avergae LCD panel.
The 4.3-inch multi-touch capacitive display is also reinforced with Corning's impressively resilient Gorilla Glass and boasts an 800x480 pixel WVGA resolution, giving a pixel density of 217 pixels-per-inch (ppi).
However Sony seems keen to take the South Korean manufacturer down a peg or two.
The Xperia S's display measures the same 4.3-inches as its Samsung rival and while its not Super AMOLED Plus, it still uses a fancy LED backlit LCD screen resulting in some sharp imagery.
As might be expected it's multi-touch capable, but what you might not expect is support for all 10 of your digits.
We can't quite fathom what kind of app we might need all 10 for but we suppose it's always nice to have the option and its certainly not something we're going to hold against the Xperia S.
It's also scratch-resistant and boasts a very impressive resolution of 1280x720 pixels, which is not something you see very often on a smartphone.
The pixel density comes at an astounding 342ppi, which is higher than even the Apple iPhone's acclaimed, and significantly smaller, Retina display.
We have to commend Sony here for producing a brilliantly high-spec display.
Winner - Sony Xperia S
Storage
Samsung's Galaxy S2 has two storage options. You've got a choice of either 16GB or 32GB and either one you choose comes with 1GB of RAM and a microSD slot for up to an additional 32GB of card storage.
Sony's new handset only has the one option but it's an ample 32GB and 1GB of RAM. Unfortunately, Sony has decided to forego the usual card slot on this particular model, which is a bit of a shame.
Samsung is holding the trump card for this round with its microSD capability.
Winner - Samsung Galaxy S2
Processor
Inside the Galaxy S2 is a 1.2GHz dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processor running on Samsung's brilliant Exynos chipset alongside a Mali-400MP graphics processing unit (GPU).
It might not have the fastest clock speed on the market but thanks to the chipset and GPU combo this setup is still one of the better performing hardware configurations currently available.
The Xperia S is also a dual core device loaded with a 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor on the MSM8260 Snapdragon chipset and features Qualcomm's new Adreno 220 GPU, which should pack quite a punch.
We think this qualifies as a draw as both phones are capable of high-end performance.
Winner - Draw
Operating System
Both handsets are currently running Android 2.3 Gingerbread but are due to be updated to Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 at some point this year, which should offer a performance boost and a much quicker and more intuitive user interface.
These devices are on an equal footing in this context as well.
Winner - Draw
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S2 may not have the absolute best 8-megapixel camera out there but it's certainly one of the better ones available, showing the majority of contemporary handsets how it's done.
The resolution clocks in at 3264x2448 pixels and camera features include 1080p video capture, an LED flash, geo-tagging, autofocus, touch focus, image stabilisation and face and smile detection. There's also a reasonably good 2-megapixel secondary camera on the front.
Sony has come straight out of left field with the Xperia S, taking no prisoners with a 12-megapixel beast of a primary camera sporting a 4000x3000 pixel resolution and an Exmor R CMOS sensor.
Features wise it has the same setup as the Galaxy S2 for still images, plus the addition of 3D ‘sweep' panoramic capture.
Again, we were impressed with the quality of its predecessor, the Xperia Arc S, in this category and with that pedigree it should deliver some pretty snazzy pictures.
For video it can capture in 1080p on the primary camera and features continuous autofocus, a video light and video stabilisation. The 1.3-megapixel secondary camera can also capture video in 720p.
Sony is offering one of the most competitive camera set-ups we've seen for some time on the Xperia S so we've no qualms about voting it the winner in this round.
Winner - Sony Xperia S
Final Thoughts
Sony has come close to toppling Samsung's Galaxy S2 from its perch. It doesn't quite achieve this and we'd mainly pin that on the lack of a microSD card so instead it ends up sitting awkwardly on the same branch in this weird phones-as-birds metaphor we've created.
Regardless, It's on an equal footing in terms of the operating system and processing power but has sharper looks, a far superior camera and a much better display.
All in all we have to say that if we were pushed we'd likely go with the Xperia S over the Galaxy S2.
javascript:void(0)sony xperia s wins :3
samsung galaxy s2 wins:1
draws :2
for everyone who thinks the samsung galaxy s2 is still better then read this topic you will be told wrong.
Posted by jcwhite_uk
Why compare against Galaxy S2 when the Galaxy S3 has been out for a while? Also the Xperia S has pretty much been replaced by the Xperia T now so why review older handsets?
Posted by djgydo
because the s3 will own the sony xperia s but i can do if you want me to compare to the samsung galaxy s3
Posted by Tsepz_GP
I find it pretty hilarious that a phone released in early 2011 is compared to one that was released in 2012, it actually says a lot about how excellent the Galaxy S2 was and still is, and the best part being that the S2 should get Android JellyBean in the coming weeks is the icing on the cake
.
Its fine, dont do a S3 comparison, there are more than enough reviews out there with pics and videos and proper comparison shots, rather post a link.
Posted by rikken
I would choose the S2 over the XS any day. Have had both phones and the S2 is the superior
Posted by S4k1s
On 2012-11-18 11:34:11, rikken wrote:
I would choose the S2 over the XS any day. Have had both phones and the S2 is the superior
If you guys took the time to read the comparison you would understand its from early this year, April/May.
Compared to the SIII, in my opinion, the XS is on par with the SIII on many points and even better on some but lacks behind in CPU/GPU(/RAM on some models). This clearly makes the SIII the more "future proof" phone but that don't make the XS a bad phone for 2012/2013h1). The overall experience and value of the phone is still good.
Question, what good is great CPU power if the screen (what you actually use the most) sux (penitile)?
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Rikken
+1 Indeed, ive played with XS a few times and what really got to me was how much less fluid the Sony ICS UI was, while the S2 is incredlbly smooth. Also, looking GSMArena's batt tests it seems the S2 also has much better battery life. The GPU in the S2 also gives the XS GPU quite a beating.
S4k1s
At such a high PPI the Pentile's drawbacks are minimal
the S3's display is spectacular. Other than the S3's better CPU/GPU , there's the S3's UI, battery life, Memory variants, better Media support (DivX, Xvid, Avi, FLAC), software update support etc.... The S3 and XS simply arent in the same league, the XS was outdated the day of launch.
Posted by S4k1s
On 2012-11-18 15:38:50, Tsepz_GP wrote:
Rikken
+1 Indeed, ive played with XS a few times and what really got to me was how much less fluid the Sony ICS UI was, while the S2 is incredlbly smooth. Also, looking GSMArena's batt tests it seems the S2 also has much better battery life. The GPU in the S2 also gives the XS GPU quite a beating.
S4k1s
At such a high PPI the Pentile's drawbacks are minimal
the S3's display is spectacular. Other than the S3's better CPU/GPU , there's the S3's UI, battery life, Memory variants, better Media support (DivX, Xvid, Avi, FLAC), software update support etc.... The S3 and XS simply arent in the same league, the XS was outdated the day of launch.
, it's a fact. If you read a lot of text - true fonts - on your phone you will notice it and be bothered after a while, unless you are half blind. Better media support etc. is bullshit, up to this date there is nothing a SIII can do that a XS can't do. Small apps will come in next update - I hope, and all the formats you named are supported by the XS. Calling the XS outdated at launch is just pure ignorance. UI is again a matter of personal opinion, not a measurable fact. One could call the XS GUI minimalistic crap and one could call the SGIII GUI bloated crap, it's still opinions not facts. Battery life I have no idea, the XS lasts a day and that is, not good, but OK. We could go back and forth discussing opinions but at the end of the day it is about needs and packaging - the overall experience. And lets be fair, the SGIII isn't today the Monster the SGII was last year compared to the competition, it's a minor update.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
It's not an opinion that the SIII screen is ,it's a fact.
Sorry, but thats your opinion
, i do a lot of reading on my S3 and the display is just fine, theres millions of Galaxy Nexus ,Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note, Note2 etc...users who will tell you the same, and no, im not half blind.
Calling XS outdated at launch isn't ignorance, it really was, except for its screen and camera, it has the same old Qualcomm CPU from the HTC Sensation and Evo 3D.
Nobody said the GS3 is as far ahead as S2 was last year, but it sure has once again set the benchmark, it and Note2 still have the fastest and most fluid Android UI outside the Nexus line.
Posted by S4k1s
Whatever makes you happy Tsepz_GP.
Posted by marshallaido
Samsung Galaxy S2 will make more difference and superior than Xperia
Posted by doministry
I wouldn't even wonder and take X S but that's just me.
Afaik it would be fair to compare XT - SGSIII.
And that's fine.
Posted by djgydo
On 2013-01-05 10:26:07, doministry wrote:
I wouldn't even wonder and take X S but that's just me.
Afaik it would be fair to compare XT - SGSIII.
And that's fine.
i will put up a comparison now
Posted by worf1000
On 2012-11-18 11:34:11, rikken wrote:
I would choose the S2 over the XS any day. Have had both phones and the S2 is the superior
The S2 superior!!!!! superior in what? Why you Sammy fans keep arguing superior this and that and never explain withs is?
Second, the S2 is just a Iphone clone nothing special.
You have both of them, sure the XS eat the S2 alive how your turn it down i don't know.
Posted by worf1000
On 2013-02-16 07:47:18, djgydo wrote:
On 2013-01-05 10:26:07, doministry wrote:
I wouldn't even wonder and take X S but that's just me.
Afaik it would be fair to compare XT - SGSIII.
And that's fine.
i will put up a comparison now
Many people experience is the Xperia T faster and better cam, built quality screen is way better than oversaturate colors from Samsung. Te Xperia T put SGS3 in shame. SGS3 is 100% marketing about the overhyped exynos 5 processor and people always get indoctrinated from cell phones sellers to talk how good the SGS3 is and it has quadcore and later those people get a bonus from Samsung.
This is the way how Samsung works, they paid people for selling their phones and reviews.
Posted by etaab
Worf - have you noticed you spend your entire time on this site slagging off Samsung, and promoting Sony ?
Do you not have anything better to do with your time ? Check it out, you literally have nothing better to talk about.
Now check out my posts. A nice big variation of what i talk about on this site.
You're such a deluded fanboy.
Posted by worf1000
On 2013-02-16 11:32:05, etaab wrote:
Worf - have you noticed you spend your entire time on this site slagging off Samsung, and promoting Sony ?
Do you not have anything better to do with your time ? Check it out, you literally have nothing better to talk about.
blah,blah,blah and blah
Now check out my posts. A nice big variation of what i talk about on this site.
You're such a deluded fanboy.
Listen Sammy boy, if you can't stand critics from your loving brand than just shut your mouth please or refute me with arguments just like i do i refute each claim what Samsung claim.
People like you always blabbing Samsung the best this and that and i just refute that and if you don't like that just ignore me. I get really sick that people always said Samsung is better better better better and always and no explanation or innovation this and that with awards just to proof something what is better just better nothing more than that. Dude, you know what innovation is right? eye tracking on a phone is not innovation those is already in camera's for one thing.
And about innovation, what innovation i refute all of those claims if you don't like that just ignore me.
[ This Message was edited by: worf1000 on 2013-02-16 11:02 ]
Posted by etaab
I dont need to say a word about defending Samsung. I dont even care less about defending Samsung. They do a good enough job of that themselves by releasing better products and making little cretins like yourself spend your days slagging them off on forums like this.
I will just defend myself and others who have the free right to choose what we buy. I dont like Apple, i think they're a terrible company who bully their way through the business, but i dont label iPhone owners like Miss-UK Apple girl to make them feel bad for what phone they chose.
The proof of your behaviour is right there in your posts. You're nothing but a sore loser. You dont like the fact that your beloved company of who you're a fan arent doing as well as you'd like. They never will until they wake up and keep up with the competition. The same goes for you. I respect your decision for buying into their products because thats your choice - id like it if you gave me the same common respect and courtesy.
But you wont, because you're so blind and narrow minded anything but your point of view is wrong, bad and should be ridiculed. You, along with every other half wit in the Sony section of this forum are complete and utter morons who seem to want to take over this site.
Ive been around on this site on and off for over ten years, 9 on this user name and one on my other. Ive seen little people like you come with your stupid comments and try to ruin or take over the site. Your first phone was probably in 2011 when your mother first allowed you a mobile phone. You've no idea what you're talking about.
I dont care whether you read my posts and / or disagree with them. The point is you're wrong and will continue to be wrong. Im just glad the people i mainly talk to on this site are of the same kind of mind as me and continue to remain unbiased of companies and their products - they simply buy what suits them.
And, every time i see you slag off or antagonise somone through this site because of the choices they've made i'll make it my business to but in and knock you down a peg or ten. People are sick of people like you ruining this site.
Check out this thread and heres a quote which hits the nail on the head from last year..
On 2012-09-28 15:27:52, Dups! wrote:
Personally, esato is in the process of becoming like Gsmarena, it is slowly and dangerously going there. That is the main reason why I am posting less and less.
It is beginning to feel like there are now more of the childish, disrespectful and downright ignorant people in here than before.
I remember when we used to discuss issues without resorting to calling each other names, back then when SE and Nokia fans would really, really discuss about the two brands. I am not discounting the fact that the mobile landscape has drastically changed but real and constructive discussions have become a distant memory IMO. It is now all about being rude to the person/ people you disagree with.
On the site needing a face-lift, I think it could do with one, however, if the rude and immature people continue unchecked it will definitely drive some of us away.
YOU are the one of those that Dups! is referring to. You're ruining this site and should take your comments and opinions elsewhere. You might be welcomed in the Xperia Z thread, but nowhere else on Esato do i want to read your ******* **** !