Remember the days of flagship Android phones with a distinctly different feel? The Samsung Galaxy S II and LG Marquee represent that era. Both are now vintage devices, but which one holds up better in a modern comparison? Let's dive in and see which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S II edges out the LG Marquee thanks to its superior processor, more vibrant display, and generally more refined software experience. While both offer a nostalgic trip, the Galaxy S II provides a slightly better overall package for those seeking a retro Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | CDMA / EVDO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, Q3 | 2011, September. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm (4.93 x 2.60 x 0.33 in) | 122 x 64 x 9 mm (4.80 x 2.52 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 116 g (4.09 oz) | 112 g (3.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | IPS LCD |
| | TouchWiz UI v4.0
| Optimus UI, Gesture UI |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4430 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | - |
| OS | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, 1/3.2", f/2.6, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP, aptX | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Optional | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player
Photo/video editor
Document editor | MP4/DivX/Xvid/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Document viewer
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 660 h (2G) / Up to 560 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 18 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | Up to 6 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Pink | Black |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.69 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.25 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II
- Superior Processor
- Vibrant Super AMOLED Display
- Better Camera Quality
- More Refined Software (at the time)
- Older Software - Security Updates Ended
- Limited App Compatibility (modern apps)
- Potential Battery Degradation
LG Marquee LS855
- Verizon Exclusive - Easier to Find (potentially)
- Slightly Larger Battery (capacity)
- Classic LG Design
- Weaker Processor
- Less Vibrant LCD Display
- Lower Camera Quality
- Older Software - Security Updates Ended
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S II boasts a Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering a noticeably richer visual experience compared to the LG Marquee's LCD screen. While both have similar resolutions, the AMOLED technology gives the S II a clear advantage in terms of contrast and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy S II features an 8MP rear camera, while the LG Marquee has a 5MP camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the S II's camera generally produces better image quality with more detail and accurate colors. Both cameras struggle in low-light conditions, typical for their era.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S II's TI OMAP 4430 with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU significantly outperforms the LG Marquee's 1.0 GHz single-core processor. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Galaxy S II.
Battery Life
The LG Marquee typically has a slightly larger battery capacity (1500 mAh vs. 1650 mAh on the Galaxy S II), but the Galaxy S II's more efficient processor often results in comparable or even slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S II is ideal for Android enthusiasts seeking a classic, powerful device for light use or as a collector's item. The LG Marquee might appeal to those specifically looking for a Verizon-exclusive device from that era or those who prefer LG's older design aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. They won't receive modern software updates and app compatibility can be an issue. They're best suited for basic tasks or as collector's items.
❓ Which carrier were these phones originally designed for?
The Galaxy S II was widely available on various carriers. The LG Marquee was primarily a Verizon-exclusive device.
