Samsung has announced a new smartphone in its Galaxy line, the S II Plus, that looks similar to last year’s model but brings some specs and software up to date.
The Galaxy S II Plus is smaller than the Galaxy S III 4.8-inch phone, but larger than the Galaxy S III Mini’s 4-inch display. When compared to the S II, the S II Plus retains the same 4.3-inch display with 800 by 480 pixel resolution and the same 8-megapixel camera on the back.
What’s new in the S II Plus is the 1.2GHz dual-core processor upgrade and the latest version of Android, 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. It also comes with the latest TouchWiz UI that includes features seen on the newer models such as S-Voice, voice unlock, and popup video, which allows you to watch a video on an area of the screen while running other apps underneath. There’s 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage and a 1,650 mAh battery. Some models will also have NFC.
So what’s special about the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus? Frankly, not much. In June 2012, Samsung said it has sold more than 28 million units of the original S II, and the S II Plus simply refreshes the specs and updates the software of the older model while banking on its popularity. This way, the S II Plus becomes a halfway option between the 4-inch S III Mini and the 4.8-inch S III.
You will be able to get the S II Plus in two color versions, like the S III models, in white and dark blue, but Samsung did not say when or where the handset will be released first, or how much it would cost.