Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S2 Plus, an update to their two year old handset the Samsung Galaxy S2, today at CES 2013, tweaking both the hardware and software.
Now running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus has the same 1GB of RAM, 8GB Internal Storage, microSD card slot, 4.3in WVGA Super AMOLED plus screen and 8 Megapixel camera. Really the only aspect that has changed is the processor which has now been upgraded to a 1.2Ghz processor, which is expected to be possibly an Exynos 42xx series processor.
The focus isn’t on the hardware though, it is on the software which has taken a page straight off the Galaxy S3 with the Galaxy S2 Plus now running a “nature inspired” user-interface. Further features found in the S3 are also present on the S2 Plus such as Direct Call, Smart Stay, Windowed Video, S Voice and Voice Unlock.
Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but with the Galaxy S2 still running at around £300 brand-new it is not clearly obvious where this will sit. The GS3 sells for around £370 currently brand-new so possibly it will sit in-between those price points, but with the Nexus 4 available for £239 and with arguably better specs, Samsung really need to be in the sub-£200 market with this device for it to make sense.
Here is the full Samsung Press Release:
Seoul, Korea – January 10, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced today Samsung GALAXY S II Plus, which combines the performance that have made the GALAXY S II one of the world’s most recognized phones, together with nature-inspired user-interface and intuitive features that greatly boost its usability and functionality.• The GALAXY S II Plus runs on Android™ 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) enabling faster and smoother screen transitions, andproviding an enhanced user interface featuring a new, easier-to-use notification panel. It is powered by an impressive1.2 GHz dual core processor that enables easy multi-tasking, smooth screen transitions and superior graphics forsome of the most demanding applications and games.• The GALAXY S II Plus’ nature-inspired user-interface is complemented with intuitive features that make the phone reallyeasy to use. Direct Call enables users to automatically dial a call by taking the device to the ear. Smart Stay recognizeswhether the user is looking at the screen to dim the screen accordingly; while Smart Alert lets users know aboutmissed events or status updates just by picking up the phone.• The GALAXY S II Plus also sports a range of additional features that boost performance and the overall experience inentirely new ways. Popup Video allows a video to play anywhere on the screen in a resizable pop-up window whilesimultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails orsurfing the Web. S Voice lets users control the phone using their voice; and Voice Unlock lets users unlock the phoneusing their own voice.• A 4.3” WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display offers a generous viewing experience and enables photos captured with thepowerful 8MP camera to be enjoyed in true clarity.• The rear camera features a zero-lag shutter speed that captures moving objects easily without delay. The innovative‘Buddy photo share’ function also allows images to be easily and simultaneously shared with friends pictured in animage directly from the camera or the photo gallery. Additional features include Group Facetag and Face Zoom todeliver a complete photographic experience. The device is packed with the latest Samsung content services includingAllShare Play, which lets users share content across Samsung devices using a single account and password.Users can also enjoy all the benefits of Samsung Hubs, including the latest versions of Readers Hub, Video Hub,Game Hub and Music Hub.