HTC Sensation XL vs Samsung Galaxy S II
The HTC Sensation XL now makes that three flagship Android handsets from the Taiwanese mobile makers. Peter Chou and his team have also once again team up with Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine to bring Beats Audio software and headphones to an HTC smartphone and that gives this package one hell of an extra shine, but is it quite shiny enough?
Lurking in the wings, as ever, is the current King of the Androids in the shape of the Samsung Galaxy S II begging the big question for any wouldbe buyer – just which one is the better phone? So, we’ve lined up these two smartphones’ spec sheets and worked it out on paper at least. It’s the HTC Sensation XL vs Samsung Galaxy S II.
Form Factor
- TIE: GALAXY S2 : 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 117g
- TIE: SENSATION XL :132.5 x 70.7 x 9.9 mm, 163g
In terms of pure measurements, it’s the first round to the Samsung Galaxy S II. As ever, it’s all about how thin and how light a mobile phone is when it comes to something that’s going to be sitting in your pocket, weighing you down and interrupting the carefully tailored lines of your clothing. The SGS2 is a touch thinner and considerably lighter. The other possible disadvantage to the Sensation XL is that it’s physically bigger on the other dimensions as well, but that has its plus points later on, as we’ll see.
However, that said, we’re going to call the round a tie because, as far physical design goes, it’ll be the machined aluminium block of the Sensation XL that has the edge over the more plastic look and feel of the Galaxy S II for aesthetics and ergonomic pleasure. To be fair to the Samsung, though, that doesn’t mean that it comes across as low rent. It’s still a nice piece of kit to own. Just not as satisfying as all-metal handsets. Read more 
iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II
The iPhone 4S might be Apple’s top dog but Android has some pretty impressive breeds of its own. Right now, the No.1 in the Google mobile space has got to be the Samsung Galaxy S II with the LTE and even LTE HD editions to enjoy if you happen to live in the right parts of the world.
We’ve already seen how the iPhone 4S matches up to the iPhone 4 but there’s going to be an awful lot of people out there tempted to make the step over to Android given that the 2011 Apple phone announcement has been an S upgrade rather than an iPhone 5 in its own right. So, if that’s you, or if you just want to know how your Samsung superphone compares to the latest that Cupertino has to offer, then here’s Pocket-lint with the iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II so you can see for yourself.
Form Factor
- 1ST: GALAXY S2 : 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 117g
2ND: IPHONE 4S : 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm, 140g
As far as pure design aesthetics and ergonomics go, this one’s a matter of horses for courses. Both the iPhone 4S and SGS2 are good looking devices with neither a knobble out of place. So, what the form factor contest comes down to is pocket space. What we always go on first are the mass and profile of the phones and it’s the Samsung Galaxy S II that’s both thinner and lighter. Yes, it’s longer and wider but these tend to be the dimensions of least importance when it comes down to taking up the room where your wallet and crumpled up tissues go. Ultimately, what you want is less weight to carry around and something that keeps the lining of your clothes as close to the way which your tailor intended. Read more
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1… fight!
We’ve seen it before, but not against one of its chief rivals: the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Now here they are, sharing a little table space — but not getting along too well. On one hand the Tab 10.1 is thin and light on its feet. On the other, the ThinkPad Tablet is large and would very much like to be in charge of your corporate lifestyle. Due to Honeycomb’s limited customizations, Lenovo’s tackling this angle thanks in large part to some enterprise- and stylus-friendly software, much of which the device comes with pre-installed. Join us after the break for a quick demonstration, plus a look back at our first hands-on with the thing.
via Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1… fight! — Engadget.
Apple now the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, Samsung checks in at number two
We make our own truth. That’s how IDC can come up with roughly the same numbers as fellow research firm Canalys and crown Apple the king, when its rival called Android top dog — it’s all about how you slice it. See, where as Canalys bundled all Android handset makers together, IDC has broken them up, which leads to a rather interesting twist — the largest smartphone maker in the world is now Apple. Cupertino’s growth of 141.7-percent in shipments year over year was enough to push it past Nokia (which slipped to number three) and Samsung (which climbed two spots to take the silver medal), while RIM and HTC rounded out the top five. That being said, no one is running away with the lead here, and Sammy’s continued stratospheric rise should keep Apple on guard. Check out the full report after the break.
via Apple now the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, Samsung checks in at number two — Engadget.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 vs BlackBerry Bold 9780
RIM has unveiled five new Blackberry 7 handsets – the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930, the BlackBerry Torch 9810, 9850 and 9860. All models will pack a QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen controls and the long-rumoured NFC connectivity.First confirmed at the companys BlackBerry World in Florida, the BlackBerry 9900 is the makers slimmest smartphone to date and throws a touchscreen into the mix, giving it a definite advantage over the brands existing flagship model, the BlackBerry Bold 9780. But how do the two phones compare in other areas and will it be worth an upgrade when the new handset hits the shelves. We took a closer look at the specs to see whats what.
via BlackBerry Bold 9900 vs BlackBerry Bold 9780 – Pocket-lint.
Motorola DROID 3 vs HTC ThunderBolt
In a battle for the good fight, Verizon’s lineup is stacked to the brim with some quality Android smartphones that encompass every bit of the spectrum – so whether it’s data speed or processing power that you’re concerned about most, they have you fully covered. Naturally, the HTC ThunderBolt has been riding the wave of success as being the carrier’s very first 4G LTE enabled smartphone, but with anything technology related, its top tiered status will naturally dissipate over time. With that knowledge, the Motorola DROID 3 is coming from out of the shadows to take back the spotlight and shine it on the beloved original DROID line once again. So who’s going to come out on top with this one? Read more
LG Optimus 7 vs Samsung Omnia 7
As the mad rush that followed the highly anticipated launch of Windows Phone 7 has more or less died down, it’s now time to step back and and take a good look at the handsets to decide whether you want to invest in one or not. We’ve already seen the LG Optimus 7 pitched against HTC’s 7 Trophy, but how will it compare when it stands toe-to-toe with its main rival from Samsung? With its big, 4-inch AMOLED screen, the Omnia 7 has set itself apart from the pack. But, which is the better phone? We engaged the two handsets in a tense spec-off to see which came out best…
Form Factor
- Winner: Omnia 122.4 x 64.2 x 10.99mm; 138.5g
- Loser: Optimus 125 x 59.8 x 11.5mm; 157g
Size is an important factor to consider when you’re shopping for a smartphone, as it’s something that you’re going to be carrying around with you all day long. Although smartphones tend to be on the larger side in order to accommodate their luxuriously large screens, it’s still important that they’re small enough to slip into a pocket. At 122.4mm long, the Samsung is shorter than the more elongated LG handset, while it’s also considerably lighter and slightly slimmer too. On account of its compact dimensions, the Samsung storms into the lead on the first round. Read more
Developer Support for Windows Phone 7 and Android Increasing
According to a survey conducted by Millenial Media in collaboration with Digiday and Stifel Nicolaus, there is a significant shift underway away from the iOS platform to Windows Phone 7 as well as the Android Platform. Android will see the most attention from developers with an increase from 23% currently to 29%. In an interesting development Windows Phone 7 will move from a current 6% to 20% of developer share. The most interesting and fan-boy backlash inducing figure is that developers expect to reduce their projects for the iPhone from 31% to a surprising 8%. While these types of surveys should always be taken with a grain of salt, if things play out this way both Microsoft and Google will be able to provide competitive app libraries for the respective platforms.
Samsung Continuum vs. DROID X, DROID 2, Incredible, Fascinate
We just posted the “Top Things to Know” for the Samsung Continuum over at Android Life, but we also have this sheet which shows how the device compares to the rest of Verizon’s lineup of top Android phones including the entire Droid family. Wondered how its “Ticker” matches up against the Droid X, D2, or Incredible? What about the Fascinate? Here you go.
HTC Desire HD vs HTC Desire
While there’s no doubt that one is a more up to date and spec-wise superior handset, the question is: how much better is it? Sitting there with cash in hand, is it worth shelling out the extra on the HTC Desire HD or is the experience just as good on the straight Desire? Would you be best off going cheap and biding your time for the next upgrade instead? With the current market difference around £100, AIVAnet investigates.
Form Factor
- HTC Desire :119 x 60 x 11.9mm; 135g
- HTC Desire HD :123 x 68 x 11.8 mm, 164g Read more
