Reliving the golden age of Android! The Samsung Galaxy S II Plus and Galaxy Xcover 2 represent a time when innovation was rapid and phones felt truly pocket-sized. But which of these older devices holds up best today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S II Plus edges out the Xcover 2 thanks to its superior display contrast, particularly in sunlight. While both offer decent battery life, the S II Plus's slightly faster processor and better screen contribute to a more enjoyable overall experience, despite their age.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, January. Released 2013, February | 2013, January. Released 2013, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm (4.93 x 2.60 x 0.33 in) | 130.5 x 67.7 x 12 mm (5.14 x 2.67 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 121 g (4.27 oz) | 148.5 g (5.22 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant 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 (~51.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Broadcom BC28155 | - |
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 5 | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.2", AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DPR, aptX | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (I9105P model only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 43 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 549 h (3G) | Up to 570 h (2G) / Up to 370 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (3G) | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chic White, Dark Blue | Gray |
| Models | GT-I9105P, GT-I9105 | GT-S7710, GT-S7710L |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.33 W/kg (body) | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.51 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -83.3dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB |
Noise -80.7dB / Crosstalk -81.6dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 50h
| Endurance rating 48h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.801:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 898:1 (nominal) / 1.632:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 66dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -83.3dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB | Noise -80.7dB / Crosstalk -81.6dB |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 50h | Endurance rating 48h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.801:1 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 898:1 (nominal) / 1.632:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 65dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 66dB | Voice 68dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB |
Samsung I9105 Galaxy S II Plus
- Superior display contrast
- Slightly faster processor
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good battery life for its age
- Outdated Android version
- Basic camera
- Limited storage (likely expandable)
- No longer receiving security updates
Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2
- Rugged and durable design
- Water and dust resistant (IP67)
- Good battery life
- Replaceable battery
- Lower display quality
- Slower processor
- Outdated Android version
- Basic camera
- Bulky compared to S II Plus
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S II Plus boasts a significantly better display, especially in direct sunlight. Its 'Infinite' nominal contrast ratio (though likely a marketing term) translates to noticeably richer colors and deeper blacks compared to the Xcover 2's 898:1 ratio. The S II Plus's 2.801:1 sunlight contrast is a major advantage for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic Photo/Video capabilities. Image quality on both is limited by their sensors and processing power. Expect decent shots in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be poor. There's no clear winner here; both cameras are equally dated.
Performance
The Galaxy S II Plus has a slight edge in performance with its 1.2 GHz dual-core processor compared to the Xcover 2's 1.0 GHz dual-core. While both run on older Android versions, the S II Plus's slightly faster chip can result in smoother navigation and app loading times. However, don't expect blazing-fast speeds by modern standards.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, with both phones achieving an endurance rating of around 48-50 hours. This is impressive for their age and smaller battery capacities. Real-world usage will vary depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S II Plus is ideal for nostalgia enthusiasts and those seeking a compact, lightweight phone for basic tasks. The Galaxy Xcover 2 is perfect for users needing a rugged, durable device for outdoor activities or demanding work environments, prioritizing toughness over premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. They run older versions of Android and won't receive security updates. They're best suited for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing.
❓ Can I upgrade the storage on either phone?
Both phones likely have microSD card slots for expandable storage, but the maximum supported capacity may vary. Check specific model documentation.
