T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide vs. Samsung Galaxy S II: A Clash of Eras

The smartphone landscape has changed dramatically. Let's take a trip down memory lane and pit the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide, a pioneer of the Android era, against the Samsung Galaxy S II, a powerhouse that defined the early 2010s. This comparison will highlight how far mobile technology has come.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S II utterly dominates this comparison. Its dual-core processor, superior display, and significantly better camera offer a vastly improved user experience compared to the myTouch 3G Slide's single-core processor and dated features. It's a clear win for Samsung.

PHONES
Phone Names T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 1700 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 MbpsHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
Launch
Announced2010, April. Released 2010, June2011, February. Released 2011, April
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions114 x 58 x 15 mm (4.49 x 2.28 x 0.59 in)125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm (4.93 x 2.60 x 0.33 in)
KeyboardQWERTY-
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight167 (5.89 oz)116 g (4.09 oz)
 Optical trackpad-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass
Resolution320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~170 ppi density)480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density)
Size3.4 inches, 34.4 cm2 (~52.1% screen-to-body ratio)4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 65K colorsSuper AMOLED Plus
Platform
CPU600 MHz ARM 11Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9
Chipset-Exynos 4210 Dual
GPUAdreno 130Mali-400MP4
OSAndroid 2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to 2.2 (Froyo)Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 4
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB includedmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal512MB RAM, 512MB16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP, AF8 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.2", AF
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single-2 MP
 No-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP, EDR3.0, A2DP, aptX
NFC-Optional
PositioningGPS, A-GPSGPS, A-GPS
RadioNoStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/gWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Features
BrowserHTMLHTML, Adobe Flash
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 MP4/H.264 player MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player Organizer Document viewer Voice memo Predictive text input-
Battery
Stand-byUp to 286 hUp to 710 h (2G) / Up to 610 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 6 h 40 minUp to 18 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 8 h 40 min (3G)
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1300 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsWhite, Black, RedBlack, White, Pink
Models-GT-I9100, GT-I9100G, GT-I9100T
PriceAbout 330 EURAbout 170 EUR
SAR0.75 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)0.16 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.34 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -91.4dB / Crosstalk -89.7dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 40h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.832:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide

  • Compact form factor
  • Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
  • Early Android experience

  • Slow performance
  • Low-resolution display
  • Poor camera quality
  • Limited app support

Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II

  • Fast performance
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display
  • Good camera
  • Larger app ecosystem
  • Longer battery life (relatively)

  • Outdated software
  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Battery degradation over time

Display Comparison

The Galaxy S II boasts a Super AMOLED display with a significantly higher resolution and vibrant colors compared to the myTouch 3G Slide's smaller, less impressive screen. The contrast ratio, while nominally 'infinite' on both, translates to a much better viewing experience on the S II, especially in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the Galaxy S II's camera is noticeably superior in terms of image quality, detail, and low-light performance. The myTouch 3G Slide's camera is adequate for basic snapshots, but the S II delivers a much more satisfying photography experience.

Performance

The Galaxy S II's dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor is a world apart from the myTouch 3G Slide's 600 MHz ARM 11. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and overall responsiveness is dramatically improved on the S II. The Slide struggles with even moderately demanding tasks.

Battery Life

Both devices are reported to have an endurance rating of 40 hours, but the Galaxy S II's more efficient chipset and larger battery capacity likely translate to longer real-world usage. The myTouch 3G Slide's battery life was generally considered average for its time.

Buying Guide

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide is purely for nostalgia or collectors interested in early Android devices. The Samsung Galaxy S II, while old, is still usable for basic tasks and offers a far more enjoyable experience for anyone seeking a functional smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide worth anything today?
Primarily for collectors or those interested in early Android history. It's not a practical daily driver.
❓ Can I still find apps for the Samsung Galaxy S II?
Finding updated apps can be challenging due to its age and Android version. However, many core apps will still function.
❓ What are the main security concerns with using an older phone like the Galaxy S II?
Older phones often lack security updates, making them vulnerable to malware and exploits. Use caution when browsing or downloading apps.