Samsung Galaxy S II (photos)

Take a close-up look at Samsung's most successful Android smartphone to date.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

May 5, 2011 4:55 p.m. PT

1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Hello, Gingerbread

We won't fault you if you can't keep your eyes off the Samsung Galaxy S II's generous 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display. The smartphone runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Samsung's custom TouchWiz 4.0 interface.

2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Big and tall

No shrinking violet, the Galaxy S II is tall, but among the world's thinnest phones, at just 0.3 inch thick.

3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Handheld

Although tall and wide, the Galaxy S II isn't too heavy to comfortably hold and heft.

4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Typing fiend

The phone's width makes for a roomy virtual keyboard. You have your choice of the Samsung standard or Swype.

5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Skinny

If you think thin is beautiful, you'll love these dimensions.

6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Camera times 2

The 8-megapixel rear-facing camera takes excellent shots for a camera phone, as does the 2-megapixel front-facing camera, which is also useful for video chatting.