The Acer Iconia V11 and Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 represent vastly different eras of mobile technology. The Grand 2, released in 2014, prioritized battery endurance in a simpler mobile landscape. The Iconia V11, a more recent offering, aims to deliver modern performance at an accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between these devices, helping you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Acer Iconia V11 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers significantly improved performance for everyday tasks and even light gaming, overcoming the Grand 2’s age. While the Grand 2 boasts a respectable 45-hour endurance rating, the Iconia V11’s modern architecture provides a better overall user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SM-G7100 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SM-G7105 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/21/5.76 Mbps (region dependent)/ LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps (SM-G7105) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - G7102 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 16 | 2013, November. Released 2014, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 7.9 mm thickness | 146.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (5.78 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.92 inches, 345.8 cm2 | 5.25 inches, 76.0 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 1.9 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 370 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold | Black, White, Pink |
| Models | V11-21M, V11-22M | SM-G7105, SM-G7100, SM-G7102, SM-G7108V, SM-G710K, SM-G7108_TD Rele, SM-G710L, SM-G710S, SM-G7108 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.44 W/kg (head) 0.44 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 45h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 813:1 (nominal), 1.380 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Acer Iconia V11
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking.
- More modern display technology for better viewing experience.
- Likely improved camera performance.
- Better software support and app compatibility.
- Battery life may not match the Grand 2's 45-hour rating.
- Specific battery capacity is unknown.
Samsung Galaxy Grand 2
- Exceptional battery life (45-hour endurance rating).
- Simple and reliable operating system.
- Affordable price point (likely very low now).
- Durable build quality (typical of Samsung).
- Outdated processor and limited performance.
- Poor camera quality.
- Limited app compatibility.
- Lack of software updates.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a contrast ratio of 813:1 (nominal) and 1.380 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the Iconia V11 likely benefits from a more modern panel technology, potentially offering wider color gamut coverage and improved viewing angles. The Grand 2’s display, while adequate for its time, will appear dated compared to the Iconia V11’s likely higher resolution and potentially laminated display, reducing reflections. The lack of detailed display specs for the Iconia V11 necessitates relying on typical advancements in panel technology over the past decade.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the Grand 2’s age, its camera performance will be significantly inferior to even a basic modern smartphone camera. The Iconia V11, while likely not a photography powerhouse, will benefit from advancements in image processing and sensor technology. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the Iconia V11 is expected to deliver noticeably better image quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Acer Iconia V11’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and a significantly more powerful GPU. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2’s Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400, a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance. The Iconia V11 will handle multitasking, streaming, and gaming with ease, while the Grand 2 will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 boasts an endurance rating of 45 hours, a remarkable achievement for its time. However, this rating was likely achieved with a relatively simple software stack and limited background activity. The Acer Iconia V11’s battery capacity is not specified, but its more efficient 6nm chipset and optimized software should provide competitive battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. Furthermore, the Iconia V11 likely supports faster charging technologies, reducing the time required to replenish the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia V11 if you need a tablet capable of handling modern apps, streaming video smoothly, and offering a responsive user experience. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a versatile device for entertainment and productivity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 if you prioritize extreme battery life above all else and require a very basic smartphone experience for calls, texts, and minimal app usage. It’s best suited for those who need a reliable, long-lasting device for essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Acer Iconia V11 capable of running demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G99 is a capable mid-range chipset that can handle PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Snapdragon 400 in the Grand 2 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How does the age of the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 affect its usability in 2024?
The Grand 2’s age significantly impacts its usability. Many modern apps may not be compatible with its older Android version, and its slow processor will result in sluggish performance. Security updates are also no longer available, making it vulnerable to security threats. It’s best suited for very basic tasks like calls and texts.
❓ What type of charging does the Acer Iconia V11 support, and how long does it take to fully charge?
Specific charging details for the Iconia V11 are not provided. However, given its modern chipset, it likely supports fast charging via USB-C. A full charge is estimated to take between 2-3 hours, depending on the charger used. The Grand 2 uses older micro-USB and will take considerably longer to charge.
