The Samsung Galaxy S3 has sold over 10 million units since its launch earlier this summer, but has its features lured you into upgrading it? Or will you maintain to your Galaxy S2 or other mobile device?
The Galaxy S3 has an array of advantages over its predecessor S2. The first, it is available on more mobile carriers. The Galaxy S2 is available for AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers, while the Galaxy 3 made it available to US Cellular and Verizon Wireless, on top of the three before mentioned carriers.
The screen for the Galaxy S3 saw an increase from 4.3 to 4.8-inch from its predecessor. Screen resolution for the Galaxy S2 is 800x480, down from Galaxy S3's impressive 1,280x720.
When it comes to the screens, both share four aspects: the ambient light sensor, multi-touch, proximity sensor, and scratch resistant glass. Both device screens also feature the Super AMOLED HD display.
Battery power is probably where the Galaxy S3 has some struggles with. Venture Beat showcases the maximum standby time for the Galaxy S2 to be 620 hours, more than double than Galaxy S3's 300 hours. When it comes to talk time, the Galaxy S2 wins again with nine hours over its successors' six hours. Battery capacity gives the Galaxy S3 the rebound with 2,100 mAh compared to Galaxy S2's 1,650mAh.
The camera options are also in favor of the Galaxy S3, with autofocus, digital zoom, front and rear cameras, image stabilization, LED flash, and video recording with a resolution of 1080p. The Galaxy S2 camera features are only front and rear cameras, LED flash, and video recording but still with the 1080p. Both are tied with the number of megapixels with eight.
Connectivity is also improved for the Galaxy S3. The Galaxy S2's wireless connectivity includes 3G, 4G, Bluetooth, Mobile hotspot tethering, and WiFi. Galaxy S3 has the same wireless connectivities but has added Near Field Communication (NFC).
The Galaxy S3's RAM saw an increase of 2,048MB compared to its predecessor's 1,024MB RAM. However, in terms of weight, the Galaxy S2 weighs less with 116 over its successor's 133 grams.
The prices for the two Samsung devices are worth noting. Of course, as the newer product, the Galaxy S3 will cost about $200 when signing a contract with a carrier, over $100 for the Galaxy S2. However, according to Venture Beat, buying the Galaxy S3 without a contract cost up to $549, yet the price of a Galaxy S2 without contract is $600.
Reviews for both devices have been consistent, in the positive of areas.
According to CNET, despite the Galaxy S2 lacking a hardware camera button and manually removing the battery to access the microSD card slot, they credit its speedy dual-core processor, its large "gorgeous" display, 4G capability, and excellent camera work. They give an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
Their review for the Galaxy S3 gives an overall rating of 8.7 out of 10. CNET credits the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a "zippy" dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera, S Beam, and even the price for the device. Negative reviews revolve the screen's dimness and its S Voice.
World Rating & Review and PC Magazine rated both devices 4.5 of 5.
Finally, the Android operating system (OS) for the two Samsung devices: Galaxy S2 comes with the Android Gingerbread OS while the Galaxy S3 features the latest Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). The ICS, obviously the newest of the Android OS, has better features; however Android is planning to release its next OS - Jelly Bean.
As Latinos Post reported, the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS has been confirmed for both Galaxy devices, so upgrades will be available if the Jelly Bean's features capture your attention more than the current OS.