Galaxy S3 Mini Vs Galaxy S2

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crackrdbycracku

1168 posts

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#114284 14-Feb-2013 16:20

These two are about the same price, S2 slightly more expensive, and a spec comparison, on GSM Arena, shows they are very close, S2 slightly ahead.

Any reason to go for the Mini other than the styling being a bit more up to date?

One is likely to end up as my next phone.

Other currently sub $500 recommendations welcome.

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#762464 14-Feb-2013 16:33

The Galaxy S2 has a bigger screen, considerably better CPU and slightly better GPU. Also has a better camera 8mp vs 5mp.

Android 4.1.2 is now available for the S2.

The S3 mini has that same horrible cheap feel to it that the S3 has.

I'd pick the S2 any day.

crackrdbycracku

1168 posts

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#762468 14-Feb-2013 16:35

Yeah, that's pretty much how I saw it. Not that attached to rounded corners, which look like the S3 Mini's only real selling point.

I was wondering if I had missed something.

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openmedia

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#762580 14-Feb-2013 19:15

bradstewart: The Galaxy S2 has a bigger screen, considerably better CPU and slightly better GPU. Also has a better camera 8mp vs 5mp.

Android 4.1.2 is now available for the S2.

The S3 mini has that same horrible cheap feel to it that the S3 has.

I'd pick the S2 any day.

Got a link to Android 4.1.2 approved by an NZ Carrier, preferably Telecom NZ?

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Shoes2468

785 posts

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#762586 14-Feb-2013 19:28

openmedia:
bradstewart: The Galaxy S2 has a bigger screen, considerably better CPU and slightly better GPU. Also has a better camera 8mp vs 5mp.

Android 4.1.2 is now available for the S2.

The S3 mini has that same horrible cheap feel to it that the S3 has.

I'd pick the S2 any day.

Got a link to Android 4.1.2 approved by an NZ Carrier, preferably Telecom NZ?

Yeah one in the galaxy s3 mini favor is that it will more likely get future updates more so than the galaxy s2 I messaged a Telecom rep here on geekzone, a couple of days a go with regards to telecom s2 4.1.2 release and no surprises that I haven't got a reply so it's a few months away I would say telecom seems to be slower at approving android updates in general

johnr

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#762591 14-Feb-2013 19:34

openmedia:
bradstewart: The Galaxy S2 has a bigger screen, considerably better CPU and slightly better GPU. Also has a better camera 8mp vs 5mp.

Android 4.1.2 is now available for the S2.

The S3 mini has that same horrible cheap feel to it that the S3 has.

I'd pick the S2 any day.

Got a link to Android 4.1.2 approved by an NZ Carrier, preferably Telecom NZ?

Vodafone NZ purchased handsets already have access to 4.1.2 for the S3 i9300 pushed out about 1 - 2 weeks back

nitrotech

1285 posts

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#762599 14-Feb-2013 19:43

Having owned 2 sgs2's I really can't recommend the device, constant battery drain, screen burn not to mention the wifi issues. Lets face it the device now looks a bit 'dated'

Can't comment on the s3 mini as I don't have one.

jeffnz

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#762622 14-Feb-2013 20:26

never had an issue with my old S2 it was great, was running custom roms so never had any issues with battery or wifi. I wouldn't go for S3 ven if it will get update sooner just flash a custom.

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Paulthagerous

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#762634 14-Feb-2013 20:46

Having used both (the GS3Mini for only an hour or so) they do seem very similar. I prefer the look/feel of the GS3 mini, but prefer the S2's size and camera.

Have you played with the GS3Mini? I suspect once you do it will be an easy choice as everyone I know that has seen both came to a preference very quickly.

Paulthagerous

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#762636 14-Feb-2013 20:49

As for other options - the original Note can be had for sub $600 these days (yes I know a little bit over your budget). If a big screen would be nice could be worth looking at. Otherwise I would suggest stay with one of the two you are considering.

PS This is coming from a very happy Note II owner :)

benokobi

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#762681 14-Feb-2013 22:36

My s3 feels anything but cheap, its sturdy and feels great in the hand.

Shoes2468

785 posts

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#762682 14-Feb-2013 22:37

Paulthagerous: As for other options - the original Note can be had for sub $600 these days (yes I know a little bit over your budget). If a big screen would be nice could be worth looking at. Otherwise I would suggest stay with one of the two you are considering.

PS This is coming from a very happy Note II owner :)

Another option worth looking at would be the galaxy nexus, will get updates for a while yet and a good option IMO, and can be had for around $500

networkn

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#762686 14-Feb-2013 23:06

S2 is probably the best phone ever for what it is or was. The S3 is technically superior but the S2 is a better size and felt better in the hand. I have had over 50 phones. From the 2 you mentioned, the S2 is for me, the obvious choice.

Paulthagerous

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#762821 15-Feb-2013 09:41

Shoes2468:
Paulthagerous: As for other options - the original Note can be had for sub $600 these days (yes I know a little bit over your budget). If a big screen would be nice could be worth looking at. Otherwise I would suggest stay with one of the two you are considering.

PS This is coming from a very happy Note II owner :)

Another option worth looking at would be the galaxy nexus, will get updates for a while yet and a good option IMO, and can be had for around $500

Forgot about that one. Bigger screen but worse camera, is a very nice phone.

OP, what are your most desired features of the new phone? And what size are you after? Will help us to recommend one.

martyyn

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#762833 15-Feb-2013 09:56

I picked up a mint Nexus for $350 on TM and I love it. Sure the camera doesn't come up to scratch against others, but its for point and click moments and for that its more than good enough.

crackrdbycracku

1168 posts

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#762839 15-Feb-2013 10:01

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

The basic requirements are an Android, with a screen between 4" and 5" (but the Galaxy Note is a bit big). Android 4 and up but I'm not that fussed about having the latest.

Speed about in the current 'mid-range' and the price point of $500 is reasonably strict.

For comparison I have been very happy with my Moto Defy (first generation) for almost three years.

I did consider the Moto Razr Max (yeah, I know this is over the price point) because of the battery but it doesn't look to be available any more.

It looks like it will be an S2 or S3 Mini or the Nexus 4. Time to go to the local shops and have a play I guess.

Didn't anybody tell you I was a hacker?

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