Samsung GALAXY S II (AT&T) hands-on

By on Sep 23, 2011 at 2:30 PM
mobile September 23, 2011

We just parted ways with the FedEx delivery man and ripped open the box to find Samsung’s latest flagship device, the GALAXY S II. This time around, however, we have AT&T’s version of the phone as opposed to the European model, and there are actually some pretty big differences between the two. For starters, the European GALAXY S II was one of the best Android handset’s we’ve ever used, but there were some big annoyances, mostly on the software-side with TouchWiz. In the AT&T version, a lot of these issues have been fixed. The device uses the standard Android Gingerbread keyboard as opposed to a Samsung keyboard, which is a welcome change. The email app is infinitely more usable and enjoyable, especially with a Microsoft Exchange account, and the software on the device feels more cohesive. The default notification sounds are terrible, but if that’s the biggest annoyance with AT&T’s GALAXY S II so far, it’s looking pretty good. Stay tuned for our full review coming up soon, but in the meantime, you know where to find the pretty pictures.

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  • http://www.twitter.com/iAmMrHD Chris Ho Shin

    AT&T variant of the Galaxy S II is my favorite out all the 3 announced. 

    • Anonymous

      You obviously didn’t get the Verizon Memo?

      • http://www.twitter.com/iAmMrHD Chris Ho Shin

        There is no Verizon version of the Galaxy S II. Only AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. If your referring to the “Nexus Prime,” then your talking about a rumored device that hasn’t even been announced yet. You can’t judge a phone before it even comes out or is at least leaked. 

      • Anonymous

        Read the memo, the Samsung Prime will be Verizon’s next Samsung flagship; it will actually be better than the GS2, it will be a souped-up’ GS2 with a slightly different form factor.
        Therefore, if you’re on Verizon (I am), you really don’t need the GS2 when you can get [exclusively at Verizon] the Samsung Prime. Or, just wait for tAmpon 5 like alot of lost people, i.e., sheep.

  • Jcru2001

    I use all 3 smartphone platforms that count…iOS, BB and android. Droid is the best all around, most capable phone, easily. BB, is my go to, everyday, don’t leave home w/o it phone for ease of use and feel. IPhone is just plain Jane vanilla, everybody must have one to say they have one phone. I like the competition android brings, which spurs new innovative technology. BB and apple suffer from longterm issue of producing their own hardware and software. That model never lasts the test of time in technology world. That’s why Microsoft is projected to make such a strong comeback…multiple hardware manufactures competeing for top spot w/ windows mobile software. And my guess,nexus prime will wow us with something new we haven’t seen. Ios 5 will be same old stuff in very polished apple format. And btw, I use all apple/mac products. So can’t accuse me of ‘hating’.

    • Airleonard06

      Actually a lot of other companies make the iPhone, for example Sony makes the camera and Samsung makes the processor. That’s probably a reason why Samsung is trying to stop the iPhone 5 from making its debut.

  • CumGargle

    I don’t know about you boys, but my boyfriend Steve and I have already worn out both of our as*holes with the iPhone 4. So we’re both looking forward to the new fudgepackers’ choice – iPhone 5.
    We heard it’s gonna have a larger screen, so naturally the phone itself should be bigger. Yey! A larger phone in our as*holes will feel better and will provide the necessary friction we’re both craving.

  • Anonymous

    That iPhone looks gorgeous.

  • Booboolala2000

    Man, this phone really makes the iphone look like a POS! Especially that screen. And don’t get me started on all those red chicken pox notifications on the iphone.

  • Booboolala2000

    Notice how there is never a picture of the iphone with the browser open? I guess why show off its worst feature?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E4OY5KYBSJQCGI5PNPRAYDY7OQ Water

    Oh wow this is going to be great and I think the style and feel look good. The sound may be an issue which I know the TQS never did well with but overall I think the average consumer won’t be too picky about this. Either way it looks like somethign I would definitely like to keep straddled in a formal function  or a gemini c group or circuit. Either way I’ll be looking out for this one.

  • http://www.iranflowers.org/ Iran flowers

    Samsung Galaxy II is one of best Phone in the market today

  • Anonymous

    Go away itrolls this is holy post

  • STRONGINTEL208

    Come pick one up on Oct 2nd.. here @nampa idaho… idahos top perfomance store & best at customer service!..

    180 caldwell blvd.
    nampa, ID-83651
    STORE:208.465.0288

  • The Contender

    This phone is a joke, comes a little too late in the states

    • Anonymous

      Are you on pills or just a jaded prick?  Virtually every review says it’s the fastest phone out.  I understand if it’s not the phone for you but your words make you sound like a 16 year old ignoramus.

  • Anonymous

    Sounds like you might jsut be onto something there dude. Wow.
    true-privacy.net.tc

  • TheContenderio

    What a shitty phone is this one. Everything Samsung makes sucks. Take a look at that ridiculous 7″ tablet… expensive and looks like shit.

  • Bigwang

    how about a fucking video?? your words are worthless

  • Scott Duffy

    Might have to go and pick one up next Sunday and at least give it a test drive for 30 days. It’s not easy finding the right replacement for my Nexus One. 

  • Metalduster

    Every year apple has a new iPhone version n I feel it’s ok to be like zat-nokia has so Many models coming each year as well as phones with android os-They are sold as bread!problem is if u get one, one month later you will feel sorry cause a better android is out-best thing is an iPhone lasts a year n it’s always good to wait one year before getting another new model

  • Steve Mitchell

    Innovative handsets and Android OS are great, but Apple’s take on mobile products are so much more cohesive. People and aftermarket support are what drive sales. I would love, love, love to have a non-Apple mobile product that has the form-factor standards consistent from model to model. OEM manufactures, for audio products, docking stations, and other Apple ecosystem devices/software. Users don’t want the hassle of unfinished interfaces regardless of how clever they are. Google’s own blessed Nexus phones don’t have the cable connection in the same place between models. Android phones could own the market if there was just consistency between handset makers.

  • Anonymous

    Very Interesting…. AT&T pulled the Samsung Galaxy S-2 announcement, Price and availability date from their Twitter account? “I smell a stinky fish”

  • Ktownva

    The notification sounds are terrible…and iOS Tritone accompanied by an intrusive blue notification screen is magical.

  • Rico Norris

    BGR is so bias, seriously how can you list notification sounds as something you don’t like a phone for on ANDROID which is the most open OS in the world and it has infinite options. I mean thats absurd.

  • Anonymous

    So where is this review that is coming soon?

  • JJ

    Iphone is Iphone and the rest are just smartphones.. know the distinction!

  • Johndoe

    Iphone is Iphone and the rest are just smartphones. Know the distinction!hehe

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