Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 at an event in New Delhi, the phones building on the success of the Galaxy note and the Grand build on the success of Phone – Tablet hybrids in the market or better known as “phablets”. Priced at Rs. 25,999/ the Galaxy Mega 5.8 essentially is a bigger Galaxy Grand, but there is something slightly different about the phone.
Galaxy Mega 5.8 Box Contents
The Samsung Galaxy Mega comes with the standard list of Box contents;
Handset
2600 mAh Battery
USB Charge and Sync Cable
In Ear Earphones with Mic
Extra Ear Tips
Wall Charger
Documentation and Warranty Card.
Galaxy Mega 5.8 Initial Impressions
The Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is a large device, but clearly is not as large as its big brother the Mega 6.3, next to the Galaxy S4 the Mega 5.8 simply dwarfs the current flagship from the Korean Manufacturer. The display is a 540 x 960 px capacitive touchscreen, and despite a lowly 190 ppi the screen is really sharp and great to look at. The screen is also extremely bright, fairly visible outdoors and has good viewing angles.
The Galaxy Mega features a dual core 1.4 GHz chipset which is the same chipset seen on the Galaxy Grand, which was pretty good at handling gaming on the smaller variant, but may not deliver on a larger screen with a higher resolution. The phone also has 8 GB storage and 1.5GB of RAM, along with expandability upto 64 GB via microSD.
The phone is also capable of handling two sim cards at the same time with Samsung’s new dual sim smart active mode with active forwarding to your numbers.
The Galaxy Mega 5.8 has dual cameras, an 8MP main shooter and a secondary 1.9 MP camera, both of which capture video at 1080p. The phone also comes with Android 4.2.2 out of the box slapped on with a generous dose of Touchwiz, with many of the UI elements inspired from the S4.
The Galaxy Mega 5.8 appears to be big but is easily handleable and is not that bigger than the Galaxy Note 2. The phone will fit into regular denim pockets, but may cause issues if you are one of those skinny fit lovers.
The UI seems fast and responsive and the handset seems to be holding up well, stay tuned for a barrage of videos iGyaan Style.
Three prominent Uk network providers Vodafone, Three and O2 have started taking pre-orders for the next Galaxy, the S3. Since the networks have already started receiving huge numbers of queries, it seems like a good idea to start pre-orders considering the devices should be available end May-early June.
Pricing also seems worthwhile as you can snag the 16GB version for £41 monthly plan on Vodafone, which has some data benefits as well. Hit the links below to find your fix.
Nothing better than a quick video from Bharat in the morning to spur up the senses. iGyaan goes hands on with the new Galaxy Y Duos, the Dual Sim brother of the widely popular Galaxy Y.
Check out the video and stay tuned for the full review.
Samsung has just announced the new Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 inch at the MWC 2012. This new upgraded version of the tablet features a higher 1280 x 800px resolution, the same 1Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, front and rear cameras (VGA and 3-megapixels, respectively) as in the first Tab. In case of the 3G version you get 21Mbps HSPA+. The tablet has a 7,000 mAh battery and TouchWiz UI on top of Ice Cream Sandwich. The Tab 2 10.1 retains its 9.7mm thickness and 588g of weight.
The Tab 2 also has 16/32 GB capacities along with an expandability microSD slot of upto 32GB. The tablet will be available in March in the UK and the rest of the world soon afterwards. Check out the full spec list in the PR below
Samsung’s new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life
February 26, 2012
Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7″ version and a 10.1″ version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March.
The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7″ and 10.1″ variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use.
The GALAXY Tab 2 series is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com.
Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) Product Specifications
Network HSPA? 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 Processor 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor Display 7″ WSVGA(1024×600) PLS TFT OS Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) Camera Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call Video Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8 Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps Audio Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG Music Player with SoundAlive 3.5mm Ear Jack Value-added Features Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel Samsung Apps Samsung Hub? – Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung Hub Widget? – Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung S Suggest? (App recommendation service) Samsung ChatON mobile communication service Samsung AllShare Play? Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air GoogleTM Mobile Services – Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ? Polaris document editor A-GPS, Glonass Connectivity Bluetooth technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Host Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light Proximity(? Available on 3G version only) Memory 8/16/32GB User memory ? 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm, 345g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000mAh ? Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region. ? All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Network HSPA? 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 Processor 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor Display 10.1″ WXGA(1280×800) PLS TFT OS Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) Camera Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call Video Codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8 Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps Audio Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG Music Player with SoundAlive
3.5mm Ear Jack Value-added Features Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel Samsung Apps Samsung Hub – Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung Hub Widget? – Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung S Suggest? (App recommendation service) Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea Samsung AllShare Play Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air GoogleTM Mobile Services – Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ? Polaris document editor A-GPS, Glonass Connectivity Bluetooth technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Host Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light Memory 16/32GB User memory ? 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh
Holy unthinkable Batman! The next version of the Galaxy Tab which is supposedly coming out next month may actually turn out to be a large size Galaxy Note. A 10.1 inch tablet with a S-pen stylus.
The unconfirmed device was listed on the Samsung site, alongside the standard Note, Wave 3 and Wave Y as being highlighted at a developer event at MWC. Its possible that the total effect was a typo, But considering the overall response and success of the Galaxy Note it won’t be surprising that the company releases a larger tablet.
A ten inch tablet with a pen would do wonders for a user potentially attacking sales of the upcoming iPad 3. If this device was to exist, we call out a quad core processor, a high def screen Android 4.0.1 and a newer version of Touch Wiz UI. But hey there is no harm in hoping, right?
Samsung has just launched two brand new Galaxy android phones, but here is the interesting part they are both dual sim. Continuing on the Galaxy Y platform the Galaxy Y Duos and Galaxy Y pro Duos will be available in Q1 2012 worldwide starting January with major dual sim consumer countries like India. Both these devices are expected to be under the Rs. 10,000/ price mark and will give serious competition to brands such as Micromax and Spice, with their recently released dual sim Android devices.
The Galaxy Y Duos has the same 832MHz processor, with Gingerbread and Touchwiz, along with the 3.14 inch display a 3 MP camera . For the Y Pro Duos its the same specs with a QWERTY keyboard a smaller 2.6 inch touchscreen and the added front VGA camera.
Balance work and play with GALAXY Y DUOS and GALAXY Y Pro DUOS
2011.12.22
Samsung adds Dual SIM smartphones into its GALAXY smartphone line-up
SEOUL, Korea – December 22, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the latest additions to the GALAXY smartphone series, Samsung GALAXY Y DUOS and Samsung GALAXY Y Pro DUOS. Beginning in January 2012, these new devices will be available in Russia, and GALAXY Y DUOS will be gradually rolled out to Europe, CIS, Latin America, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Middle East, Africa and China. GALAXY Y Pro DUOS will be coming to Europe, CIS, Latin America, Southwest Asia, Middle East and Africa.
GALAXY Y DUOS and GALAXY Y Pro DUOS feature a unique Dual SIM system that maximizes communication flexibility by allowing two separate phone numbers and a simultaneous use of data on the same device. Users who need to balance busy professional and social lives can access and seamlessly switch from one line to the other with GALAXY Y DUOS or GALAXY Y Pro DUOS.
“With the tremendous success of the Dual SIM feature phones, we are now very pleased to be introducing the first Dual SIM smartphones powered by Android™. “We have been actively exploring this market and are well aware of the need for Dual SIM smartphones,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “With the GALAXY Y DUOS and the GALAXY Y Pro DUOS, Samsung will be offering more choices for all consumers.”
Samsung’s First Full Touch Smartphone with Dual SIM, GALAXY Y DUOS GALAXY Y DUOS is for young and practical consumers who want to manage their professional career and busy social life with affordable price. Beyond the flexibility of its dual SIM card system, GALAXY Y DUOS is a beautifully designed smartphone contained in a 11.98mm polished metallic casing. Its ergonomic design is complemented by a 3.14” full touch display that provides optimal legibility for a smartphone of its size.
Powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread and running on a powerful 832MHz processor, GALAXY Y DUOS offers advanced performance and versatility needed to successfully manage busy professional and social lifestyles.
GALAXY Y DUOS also provides users with multiple options to enrich their social lives. It features ChatON, Samsung’s unique cross-platform communication service that connects all mobile users into a single community. Users can also stay connected through Social Hub, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, displaying all of your communication in a single inbox.
Samsung’s First QWERTY Smartphone with Dual SIM, GALAXY Y Pro DUOS Samsung is also introducing GALAXY Y Pro DUOS, which offers additional benefits for young professionals with the combination of a full QWERTY keyboard with a 2.6” display, giving them more business-friendly experience with better flexibility and usability.
GALAXY Y Pro DUOS offers enhanced productivity with the inclusion of Polaris and Find My Mobile professional tools. Polaris offers easy viewing and editing of a wide range of Office documents, enabling you to work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and even PDF files while on-the-move. Samsung’s Find My Mobile Service ensures peace-of-mind by letting users remotely lock the phone at anytime, as well as trace the phone or remotely wipe its contents in case of loss or theft.
The users can also enjoy Social Hub Premium, offering support for push email and messaging, and seamless calendar and contact synchronization between the phone and users’ Google, Yahoo and MSN accounts.
For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com
Some great news for those waiting in for the Galaxy Players / PMPs running Android and boasting a 5 inch/4 inch screens, the devices will be available along with the Galaxy 730 aka Galaxy Tab 8.9 inch in the last week of october. This information comes from the very depths of the Samsung HQ in NCRand packs a punch especially because there is a tad bit of information regarding the pricing on the PMPs.
We got our hands on with the PMP back at the Samsung Forums, check out the video below.
Spec Sheet
Now here is the awesome part the PMPs are speculated to have the following price : Galaxy Player 4 for 12,500 and Galaxy Player 5 for 15,000 Indian currency. We think that its excellent pricing.
Pricing of the Galaxy 730the MRP remains the same from initial PR : Tab 730 at INR 33,990 which seems a lot more since the 750 sells for much cheaper than that price.
Remember the Samsung Device we spoke about here : Link, it actually turns out to be the Samsung Galaxy Note. The device is a 5.3 inch smartphone tablet from the company with pretty awesome specs.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
HSPA+
1280 x 800 Super AMOLED display
dual 8MP and 2MP cameras
2,500mAh battery
Samsung-made dual-core 1.4GHz processor
9.65mm (0.38 inches) thick
178 grams (6.3 ounces)
The device runs Sammy’s popular touchwiz over the gingerbread and is expected to do immensely well in the asian markets as the company claims. The company has also launched a7.7 inch tablet more details on that later.
[toggle title_open=”PRESS RELEASE” title_closed=”PRESS RELEASE” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Samsung writes the next chapter of the mobile industry with the Samsung GALAXY Note
GALAXY Note combines the market’s largest HD Super AMOLED display, supreme portability and advanced S Pen interface, creating a new type of smartphone
BERLIN, Germany – September 1, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the GALAXY Note.
The GALAXY Note is a new category of product, developed through Samsung’s deep consumer understanding and insight. It combines core on-the-go benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability, to create a whole new user experience.
The GALAXY Note has a 5.3″ display which is the largest screen size with smartphone portability. It features the world’s first and the largest 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED display, an expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience. Taking full advantage of the large display, users will be able to do more tasks to create and consume more, with minimum scrolling and screen transitions, while on the go. An advanced pen-input technology, called the S Pen, is combined with the GALAXY Note’s full touch screen to introduce a new type of user-experience. Through this, consumers are able to freely capture and create ideas while on the go.
“The GALAXY Note is a device borne of our insight and innovation. We examined the fundamental elements of mobile culture, entertainment and communication in order to bring together the best experiences in a single, elegant device,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “The huge, 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED screen is the largest, highest quality display available in any phone; the touch screen and S Pen combine to produce a uniquely accurate level of control and finesse, along with rich expressions across the GALAXY Note experience, enabling the introduction of new smartphone experiences.”
“The artistic freedom of a paper notebook is coupled with the benefits of Samsung’s smartphone technology and services, allowing users to create, edit and share with more style than ever before,” Shin added.
State-of-the-art Display
The GALAXY Note features Samsung’s own 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED display providing vivid clarity that is superior to conventional HD displays. This ensures the best viewing experience for video, photo, document and web on the go with deep blacks and bright colors. The superior screen also offers a 180 degree viewing angle, allowing contents to be shared comfortably.
At 5.3″ the best-in-class display is the largest ever included in a primary mobile device; measuring just 9.65mm thick, the GALAXY Note fits comfortably in a pocket to offer true portability.
Full Screen Utilization
The high resolution display ensures that PowerPoint presentations, web-pages, news apps and e-books can be viewed comfortably with minimal scrolling or zooming. Minimizing the need to switch between applications, the GALAXY Note’s HD super AMOLED screen is large enough to allow meaningful split-screen operation in the most frequently used native apps.
Samsung has also included S Planner, a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The management planner integrates the phone’s To-Do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping users to comprehensively organize their lives.
Free Capture & Creation
The GALAXY Note’s advanced pen input functionality is combined with the full touch screen to create a new input experience. The incorporated digital S Pen can be used for accurate sketching and artwork, and instantly capturing ideas freely before they float away. The GALAXY Note features S Memo, a multimedia application designed to record all forms of user-created content. Pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings can all be captured via a single application and converted to a ‘memo’, to be edited, annotated and shared as desired.
A one-step screen-capture function also allows users to instantly capture any screen; captured images can also be freely and accurately annotated using the S Pen before being filed or shared.
The S Pen functionality has been deeply integrated into the GALAXY Note’s native applications to provide a richer interactive experience. Users will benefit from increased accuracy and control when editing or personalizing captured videos or photographs; and users will be able to draw and send handwritten images and notes via text message, email, and Samsung’s ChatON communication service.
Broadening the opportunity to create new user experiences, Samsung plans to release the S Pen SDK allowing app developers to create fundamentally new applications and services incorporating the pen functionality.
Superior Usability, Powerful Performance
The 1.4GHz dual-core processor ensures the device is incredibly fast and a smooth user interface ensures seamless usability. Lightning fast network speeds are enabled through the HSPA? and LTE-enabled device’s super-fast connection, ensuring a quick and seamless browsing experience. This means that users can stream videos in real-time or engage with their friends through online gaming platforms.
Samsung is enhancing enterprise capabilities of the GALAXY Note through its partnership with Juniper Networks. Juniper’s Junos Pulse SSL VPN provides secure remote access to corporate network resources. The SSL VPN enables large enterprise and service providers to meet high-volume secure access and authorization requirements, protecting corporate data with centralizes control and supporting employees’ personal device efficiently.[/toggle]
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S2 and Tab 8.9 with LTE. Both devices are sporting an updated dual-core processor running at 1.5GHz, while the S II is also getting a size bump and moving up to a 4.5-inch screen. The only drawback here is that Samsung has not revealed full specs – Screen Pixels, camera etc. Check out the full press release below and wait for us to cover the launch right here.
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Samsung speeds up the Smarter Life with LTE versions of the GALAXY S II and GALAXY Tab 8.9
SEOUL–(Korea Newswire) August 28, 2011 — Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced LTE editions of its GALAXY S II and GALAXY Tab 8.9. These stylish devices now offer high-speed 4G connectivity in addition to power, portability and second-to-none screen technology.
“With the introduction of GALAXY S II LTE and GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE, we will take the capabilities of these devices to a whole new level. LTE redefines the user experience made possible by these devices and opens entirely new possibilities in terms of content viewing, sharing, quality and connectivity,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.
“This is a milestone in our commitment to lead the charge in 4G mobile telephony around the world, both in terms of back-end network solutions for service providers and the development of powerful consumer handsets,” added Shin.
When connected to a 4G network, LTE technology allows portable devices to download high-quality files at speeds of up to 100Mbps, and to upload at speeds of 50Mbps theoretically – five times faster than even the quickest HSPA+ connection. This means that a four-minute long MP3 track can be downloaded in 0.3 seconds, or an entire film file in less than two minutes.
The enhanced connectivity afforded by LTE technology opens up a range of possibilities for users: Features like social gaming, video conferencing and high-quality media streaming can all be enjoyed seamlessly, with vast improvements in download times and connectivity. 4G technology also enables the seamless and near-instant sharing of multimedia content with friends and family, ensuring that users can share the experiences they love whenever they want.
The addition of LTE to the Samsung GALAXY portfolio also opens further opportunities for mobile application and content developers creating a new generation of mobile services that take full advantage of increased bandwidth and improved connectivity.
GALAXY S II LTE
In addition to offering a high standard of connectivity, the GALAXY S II LTE delivers powerful performance due to its 1.5GHz dual core processor. Superior 3D graphic performance makes games and video consumption fast and smooth, while popular Web pages like Google, Yahoo and YouTube can load easily, giving customers instant access to the information they need.
A 4.5″ Super AMOLED Plus display provides stunning visual clarity, with HD video and images taken on the device’s 8MP camera displayed in full vivid color. The GALAXY S II LTE also offers a rich content experience, with Social, Game and Music hubs all included, while the Readers Hub will be available for download after launch. These are in addition to a number of enterprise solutions aimed at increasing productivity. Running on Android 2.3, the GALAXY S II LTE is easy and intuitive to use.
Additionally, the GALAXY S II LTE can also be connected to up to eight devices via WiFi, meaning that files can be quickly and seamlessly synchronized with laptops, tablets and other Smartphones.
GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE
The LTE edition of the GALAXY Tab 8.9 is incredibly portable, measuring just 8.6mm thin while weighing only 455g. The boosted connectivity and genuine portability ensures that the GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE is the ideal device for modern professionals, who need to stay productive and entertained while on the move. LTE capabilities enable video conferences to be held without need to worry about failing connections, while the 8.9″ screen enables easy rendering of business content such as presentations. The TouchWiz interface enables an intuitive user experience, enhanced by the space and freedom provided by the large display.
Whether writing emails on a trip or reading an eBook in bed, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE provides the ultimate tablet experience without compromising mobility.[/toggle]
One of the Smartest Smart Phones to hit our country, The Samsung Galaxy S2 has gathered a lot of public attention. But, does it stand up to the challenge put out by Day-to-Day Smart-Phone use? Lets Find Out!
BUILD QUALITY, HARDWARE & DESIGN
The Galaxy S2 has a nice design, a sleek body and extra tough glass. But the build quality of the phone may not be up to the mark. The device features a total plastic construction that defies all laws of mobile phone existence. At just 8.5mm thick the device boasts an extremely slim profile. The back panel/cover is a flimsy piece of plastic that is fidgety to remove and put back on and also rattles when the phone is shaken.
The screen on the other hand is extremely tough, it also resists scratches and impacts without a question in mind. Overall, the build is solid, the plastics don’t bend easily and are not cheap to look at either. But are not nearly enough when you compare it with what you pay for the device.
In terms of hardware the two major things working for the Indian version of the Samsung Galaxy S2 are
Super Amoled Plus Screen – 480 x 800 px – 4.3 inches
1.2 GHZ dual core processor
The performances of these two major hardware components can be seen from the get go, and are attracting people towards the GS2. There is also 1 GB of RAM, giving an effective 853MB for usage (we really don’t know why only 853 is there totally). There is no NFC on the Indian Samsung Galaxy S2, and why would you need it anyway? The 8 MP rear camera with full HD video recording, a 2 MP front camera, 1650mah battery. You can also check out the full Spec Sheet Here
CAMERA AND MULTIMEDIA
The Camera on the S2 is brilliant; the screen viewfinder makes it even better. The colors are projected to the screen as-is, and are captured beautifully with the 8MP lens. The camera is fast to focus and has great exposure values. Tap to focus lets you select you subject and one click capture brings you an experience that’s hard to replicate. The camera app is also packed with a long list of settings and effects you can tweak and play around with. Shooting modes, scene modes, effects, image size, exposure values, white balance, noise reduction and anti shake to name a few.
Macro mode is exceptionally great as it can capture close-ups with great detail. There is also a timer, ISO settings, Metering selection, blink detection and geo-tagging. The S2 has a fully loaded camera app and a great camera lens to go with it. Overall performance of the camera is easily notable and can replace your point and shoot camera for day-to-day use. The flash is bright and has a great field of coverage.
Video capture at 1080p is smooth and without frame drops, although you can notice the autofocus on the camera struggle during the video recording output. Videos are clean and the microphone picks up sound just great. Video is so good in fact we actually shot an unboxing video on full HD with the Samsung Galaxy S2 – Check it HERE
Sounds from the speaker are actually louder than we expected. Audio quality is clear and speech notions can be understood easily. Why we emphasize on speech is because you will be watching a lot of videos and movies on the STUNNING AMOLED PLUS display. It is the best possible display from Samsung to date. With amazing depths of color and a great resolution (480 x 800) the display is very vivid. Colors are bold and there is no washout even at greater viewing angles. Some may argue that the colors on the screen are not what they appear to be, and the AMOLED screen gives a heightened look to a normal display/video.
The included earphones are not a great match with the S2, the bass on the earphones is poor, watching movies or listening to music. If you enjoy good depth, you wont enjoy the included earphones. The placement of the main speaker can also be bothersome, especially when you hold the device in landscape to watch videos or play games. You will find your fingers covering up the main speaker for a total loss of sound.
PHONE AND MESSAGING
Nice large dialer, good speaker, strong mic and excellent network performance make the Galaxy S2 a great phone aswell. We tested the phone capability over extended periods of use and failed to get one reason to complain about the device. It was pure performance for the phone through out.
The Keyboard on the GS2 is well spaced out in portrait and is very responsive during those long messaging sessions. You also have a huge list of settings that you can modify to make the keyboard a complete unit for you. From auto text to auto replace, modifiers and word learning, the keyboard is simply intelligent. You can also switch to the included Swype keyboard for a faster input experience. In Landscape, typing is fast and efficient and the keys are wide enough to compile long emails without breaking a sweat.
DATA & INTERNET
Getting a smartphone like this? Expect to get a 3G data plan if you don’t already have one. This phone turns you into an “on the go data monster”. With the constant need to feed information into the device the unit comes ready to handle all sorts of online activity, from social feeds directly on your homescreen to business mails in a secret box. You get the latest news, weather information and stock prices without ever needing to install an app or setup the device. 3G / HSDPA performance is somewhat good, we found that the device would drop the connection to the server and would require a restart of the data service from the settings app. We have never faced a similar issue with any other Android device an it appears to be a glitch in the software somewhere. Another thing to note, is that when the device is in this suspended data connection mode, the back of the phone starts to heat up incredibly fast which leads to an equally fast battery drain.
Wi-Fi Hotspot, also acts up (due to the network error we presume) and you will find your self constantly struggling with the error messages on the portable hotspot window.
BATTERY LIFE
If you haven’t read the section above we suggest you go ahead and read it. The battery life is largely affected by data mismanagement.
Values
2G
3G
3G with Error
Talk Time
upto 7 Hours
4.5 hours
1 hour
Standby time
36 Hours
24 hours
6 Hours
Web Browsing
8-9 hours
4-5 hours
–
Video Streaming
4 Hours
2 Hours
–
Music Streaming
14 hours
6 hours
–
Wi-Fi Values stand more or less the same with 2G data
GAMING
We though we would include this section just to clarify a lot of questions. While the device is perfectly capable of running high graphic games, you will not find us showing you videos of any such games for one simple reason. They don’t work on the device. Most games like Fast 5, NFS shift Asphalt, Assassins creed, Settlers crash on start up and some don’t show visuals. This is possibly a software -hardware integration glitch and perhaps the games are not designed to run on dual core smart phones. Other games like Angry Birds -All, Gun Brothers and our new favorite Age of the Zombies work perfect and without any issues.
DUAL CORE
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is India’s second phone to boast a dual core processor, and after our previous let down, we a happy to say that Samsung has managed to utilize the dual core- Android combo perfectly and has made it possible for the end user to enjoy the total experience. The phone is not only fast and responsive it is a super performer. All visuals play smooth, graphics and renders are fast all of this with tons of ram to spare. The Galaxy S2 also uses Android suspend multitasking which enables you to pause your ongoing app in real time and switch to another app, and then come back to the previous app without loosing data, or in our case lives.
There is the heating issue that is causing battery loss but we believe its due to the data glitch and can be resolved by switching data modes, or turning on data as and when required (which can be troublesome, but is a quick fix until Samsung can fix it). If you haven’t already seen the benchmarks, check them out here.
CONCLUSION
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is highest spec’d phone available in India through official channels, its thin and light, its got a beautifully vivid display and a dual core processor that’s on steroids. The Galaxy S2 is ready to perform from the get-go and looks good doing it. Yes its got a flimsy looking build and some overheating issues. But why do we feel okay looking past those? Possibly because poor build usually leads to a damaged display, but in this case the gorilla glass wont let that happen. As far as the battery drain- data error issue, Samsung is already working on pushing an update that will fix these issues.
[xrr rating=4.25/5 label=”We Rate The Galaxy S 2 : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]
Is it here Finally? Yes it is, the new Samsung Galaxy S2, The Epic Smartphone of the Year! (Till now Anyway) While we unbox the beauty check out the Hands On Pics below. Remember you got all exclusive news on the Samsung Galaxy S2 here at iGyaan.in.
We are Live at the Samsung Forum 2011 and we got some hands on time with the new Samsung Galaxy S Personal Media Player which was just announced for India. Check out the images below and Stay Tuned for the demo Video.
Video Hands on (iGyaan Exclusive)
Key Features
* 141.3 x 78.2 x 9.9 mm * 5.0 inches ( 400 x 800 pixel ) LCD Capacitive Touch Screen * TouchWiz UI * Multi-touch input method * Touch-sensitive controls * Swype text input * Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate * Digital Compass * 5 MP Camera with video recording, auto focus and LED flash * 2 MP front camera * Android OS, v2.2 (Froyo) * 16GB internal memory which can be expanded up to 48GB * Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB * GPS with A-GPS support * 1 GHz Processor * Image and video editor * 2500 mAH Li-Ion battery
We are Live at the Samsung Forum 2011 and the Samsung Galaxy S2 was just announced some time back. We got some hands on time with it check out the pics below, and wait for the demo video to be uploaded.
iGyaan Exclusive Hands on Video
FULL PRESS RELEASE
World’s thinnest Smartphone that lets consumers experience more with less
The GALAXY S II is a beautifully thin (8.49mm) and lightweight, dual-core smart phone that combines an unmatched viewing experience with incredible performance.
The smart phone’s dual-core application processor delivers compelling features such as fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen. With super-fast HSPA+ connectivity, the GALAXY S II offers rapid mobile download speeds while BlueTooth® 3.0+HS considerably reduces data transfer times.
Using AndroidTM 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world’s fastest-growing mobile operating system, the GALAXY S II includes access to Samsung’s four new content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to music, games, e-reading and social networking services. With Samsung Hubs, an integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of consumers’ lives, the Samsung GALAXY S II delivers rich catalogues of books and magazines, music, advanced mobile games and control of consumers’ online social life, all from a single device.
The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with Samsung’s new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen, the most advanced mobile visual display that does not compromise battery performance. A significant reduction in power consumption from Super AMOLED display means it is also more energy- efficient than other comparably-sized devices, allowing Samsung to minimize device weight.
Product Specification
Network
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
HSPA+ 21 850/900/1900/2100
OS
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Display
4.27” WVGA (480×800) Super AMOLED Plus
Processor
1 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
( BB& AP )
Main(Rear): 8.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash
Codec : MPEG4/ H.264/ H.263/ DivX VC-1 Playback : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps Recording : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
Video
Audio
MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+
3.5mm Ear Jack & Speaker, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, Voice Recorder
Social Hub – Integrated Contacts, Integrated Calendar, Unified Inbox – Premium: SNS push notification, Push Email & Push IM – Basic: POP3/IMAP Email & IM (* Availability of Social Hub differs by country and mobile operator)
Hub
Music Hub
Readers Hub
Game HubEnterprise Solutions
Value-added Features
Connectivity
Sensor
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync – The comprehensive mobile implementation of Exchange ActiveSync, which provides the most policies and restrictions support among Android ActiveSync clients, along with e- mail, calendar, contacts and tasks synchronization with a Microsoft Exchange Server
On Device Encryption – A security solution that enables the protection of mobile data without the need to sacrifice speed and functionality. Superior performance can also be achieved when incorporated with Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, both of which complement the encryption support with their own mechanisms.
Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network – provide reliable and easy- to-deploy encrypted network connectivity for mobile workers everywhere for business email, virtual desktop, and other Android apps, AnyConnect enables business-critical application connectivity
Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management – provides the comprehensive capabilities that IT requires to allow mobile workers access to enterprise assets using the device of their choice. IT can now confidently extend corporate security policies to the Android platform, allowing for the adoption of both personally-owned or corporate owned Galaxy S II.
Cisco WebEx – the workforce will be able to stay connected to important meetings wherever they are while using Samsung Galaxy devices; users can view shared desktops, browsers, applications and documents with live annotations.
Cisco Mobile – a VoIP solutions allowing the workforce to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using an Android interface, providing significant cost-efficiencies for an international workforce
Android MarketTM
Adobe Flash 10.1 support
Samsung TouchWiz
QuickType by SWYPE
Document Viewer / Editor
Android Brower, RSS Reader
Exchange ActiveSync
Google MapsTM with Latitude, Places, Navigation (beta)
A-GPS
Google Voice SearchTM
Lost Phone Management
Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 + HS USB 2.0 Wi-Fi 802.11 (a/b/g/n), WiFi Direct NFC Connectivity (Optional)
MHL DLNA (AllShare)
Accelerometer, Light, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope sensor,
Memory 16GB + microSD (up to 32GB)
Size
125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 116g
Battery 1650mAh
* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
