While the Samsung Galaxy S3 has gotten all the attention this year, it was really last year's Galaxy S2 smartphone that helped kickstart Samsung's mobile success. The South Korean electronics manufacturer is looking to continue the Galaxy S2 lineup with not just one, but two Plus variants.
The Galaxy S2 Plus isn't a more powerful Galaxy S2 like its name might imply, but is actually a slightly downgraded version. According to a new report from SamMobile, the Galaxy S2 Plus will come in models GT-I9105 and GT-I9105P. Model GT-I9105 will come without an NFC chip while GT-I9105P will feature one. NFC stands for near fields communications and allows for "bumping" devices together in order to transfer files, photos, and other data.
Specs for the Galaxy S2 Plus have already leaked out. While they're nothing impressive, the smartphone should still appeal to mid-range buyers looking for a device with a newer version of Android and a decent camera.
The Galaxy S2 Plus is expected to ship with a 4.3-inch screen that has a display resolution of 480X800 and a dual-core 1GHz processor. The rear-facing camera is 8 megapixels and the front-facing camera shoots at 2 megapixels. There is no confirmation that these cameras utilize the same zero shutter lag as the ones on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.
The Galaxy S2 Plus should have Android 4.1.2 pre-installed once it does release. The Android 4.1.2 update for the Galaxy S2 not only introduces all of the new bells and whistles of Jelly Bean, but also comes with features like Multi-Window, which has previously been a Galaxy Note 2 exclusive.
The Galaxy S2 Plus is tentatively scheduled for a Q1 2013 release. No word on whether the device will be sold through U.S. carriers, and if so, when.
Does the Galaxy S2 Plus appeal to you? Will you be picking one up next year over the new flagship devices of 2013?