Droid Bionic or Samsung Galaxy S II?

[droidfan1]

Both 4G phones coming July-August (estimated)

Which is better and why?

My opinion? I'm not sure. I don't have enough on the bionic to know. So far the SGSII has an unlocked bootloader and 1.2 GHZ dual-core with awesome battery life. Very thin. Super AMOLED +.
Bionic? Fat, blurred, locked, bad qHD. I'm going with SGSII right now, but I don't know yet. Bionic needs to prove its a winner.

 

[Asterdroid]

This is a no brainer for me. I'm surprised the SGS2 Function forum hasn't blown up yet. It's pretty quiet over there.

Edit: To answer your question, the only thing that the Bionic has over the SGS2 is that it's LTE. The SGS2 will probably not be. Not a huge deal for me, but it's something to consider.

 

[droidfan1]

This is a no brainer for me. I'm surprised the SGS2 Function forum hasn't blown up yet. It's pretty quiet over there.

Edit: To answer your question, the only thing that the Bionic has over the SGS2 is that it's LTE. The SGS2 will probably not be. Not a huge deal for me, but it's something to consider.

Ouch. This is a huge deal breaker for me.

LTE will be very big soon. I go for 2-year contracts.

My next phone won't be for a while, and by then LTE will be in my area and I'll be mad I can't use it.

I have heard it will be LTE though! So I'm not yet worried.

 

[stew930]

Phonearena.com is reporting it will not have 4G LTE.

"Although the phone will not be enabled for the LTE 4G network, it probably won't matter to potential buyers as the device has already proven itself to be speedy over 3G pipelines."

 

[jinwons]

Phonearena.com is reporting it will not have 4G LTE.

"Although the phone will not be enabled for the LTE 4G network, it probably won't matter to potential buyers as the device has already proven itself to be speedy over 3G pipelines."

But they don't have any source to back up that claim. Their source article doesn't mention anything on the radios in Function.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

This is a really good question. Both phones have specs I desire. As I've stated in a thread on the Droid forum, I have to replace both my D1 and my g/f's DInc very soon. And I already know that lookswise, I'm gonna prefer the Bionic and she's gonna prefer the Function. But she doesn't want her phone rooted, and I do. Samsung has sent an SGS2 to CyanogenMod, so that speaks to their policy on open source. Motorola...yeah, we know this story. So, I dunno.

I would like to have both on my plan. But I have every intention on upgrading 3 of my lines to 4G before tiered data comes into place (my plan is too good as is, I'd like to keep it as long as possible). If the SGS2 isn't 4G, then I don't know if I'm gonna want it. Of course, the new Galaxy tab will be on LTE, so I wouldn't say for sure that the Function won't be.

 

[shadowdude777]

The Galaxy S2 has been constantly advertised as being really thin and light. LTE radios are thick and heavy, as seen in the fact that our current trio of LTE smartphones are thick and heavy. Samsung wouldn't compromise fashion for something as silly as performance. And yes, I say that with a bit of contempt because I hate how it really seems they're probably going to keep LTE out just because they can't afford to make it thicker.

People need to man up and stop cringing at .75" thick phones. Really, it won't break your wrist.

To answer your question, Bionic all the way. Make it thick, make it bulky. Hell, throw in a physical keyboard. But don't compromise the LTE + dual-core combination we've all been waiting on for months.

 

[rushmore]

All moot anyway, since the SG2 news turned out to be BS. July will probably only see the D3 released.

 

[redraider1]

If the Galaxy s2 has LTE than that hands down otherwise I will go with the bionic since I am in a 4g area most of the time and don't want to get stuck with a 3g only phone for 2 years.

 

[redraider1]

The Galaxy S2 has been constantly advertised as being really thin and light. LTE radios are thick and heavy, as seen in the fact that our current trio of LTE smartphones are thick and heavy. Samsung wouldn't compromise fashion for something as silly as performance. And yes, I say that with a bit of contempt because I hate how it really seems they're probably going to keep LTE out just because they can't afford to make it thicker.

People need to man up and stop cringing at .75" thick phones. Really, it won't break your wrist.

To answer your question, Bionic all the way. Make it thick, make it bulky. Hell, throw in a physical keyboard. But don't compromise the LTE + dual-core combination we've all been waiting on for months.

You never know samsung could throw in LTE with it because I'm sure there will be some variation among all of the carriers so I could see them sticking LTE to try and add some more sales.

 

[redraider1]

You should add an option galaxy s2 if it has LTE

 

[jroc]

I think in this case LTE is the determining factor for me between the 2. I also just like Moto phones anyway...lol

If they both are LTE? Hard choice.

Samsung improved some things from the Galaxy S1 besides cpu/gpu that has them as a contender for my next phone.

 

[droidfan1]

Here's my thoughts:

1. Must have LTE. This is a must. #1. If you don't have it, I'm not purchasing you. Simple.

SGSII DB
-1.2 GHZ Dual-Core -1.0 GHZ Dual-Core
-Light/Skinny -Fat/Thick
-CM7 option+Unlocked Bootloader -Locked Bootloader
-Not many software updates by samsung -Motorola gives updates
-TouchWiz 4.0 -Blur
-1GB RAM -1GB RAM
-4.3" Super-Amoled Plus Screen -4.5" qHD Pentile Screen

Winner: SGSII - for the skinny factor, better processor, better screen (love the super-amoled sunlight + blacks contrast etc), better software IMO, skinny and light. Cooler looking too.

But again, if only one has LTE, I will be picking the LTE one.

THE BAD:

SGSII doesn't have a notification light! This makes me upset. NoLED app may be used as substitute, but still makes me angry at samsung. Could potentially steer me away. We'll see - again LTE is the #1 deciding factor.

 

[redraider1]

Here's my thoughts:

1. Must have LTE. This is a must. #1. If you don't have it, I'm not purchasing you. Simple.

SGSII DB
-1.2 GHZ Dual-Core -1.0 GHZ Dual-Core
-Light/Skinny -Fat/Thick
-CM7 option+Unlocked Bootloader -Locked Bootloader
-Not many software updates by samsung -Motorola gives updates
-TouchWiz 4.0 -Blur
-1GB RAM -1GB RAM
-4.3" Super-Amoled Plus Screen -4.5" qHD Pentile Screen

Winner: SGSII - for the skinny factor, better processor, better screen (love the super-amoled sunlight + blacks contrast etc), better software IMO, skinny and light. Cooler looking too.

But again, if only one has LTE, I will be picking the LTE one.

THE BAD:

SGSII doesn't have a notification light! This makes me upset. NoLED app may be used as substitute, but still makes me angry at samsung. Could potentially steer me away. We'll see - again LTE is the #1 deciding factor.

I am the same way I hope it turns out the gs2 has LTE that way I dont have to go with moto but the bionic looks nice I just hope they went 4.3 rather than 4.5 because with motos build it will feel like a brick if it is 4.5 inches. From most of the pics it seems it will be 4.3 but who knows. I wish verizon would just announce it and stop waiting around. If these two aren't out by sept when my contract is up I may start looking at other carriers. Hopefully one(or both) will be out in july when I am due for an upgrade.

 

[droidfan1]

I am the same way I hope it turns out the gs2 has LTE that way I dont have to go with moto but the bionic looks nice I just hope they went 4.3 rather than 4.5 because with motos build it will feel like a brick if it is 4.5 inches. From most of the pics it seems it will be 4.3 but who knows. I wish verizon would just announce it and stop waiting around. If these two aren't out by sept when my contract is up I may start looking at other carriers. Hopefully one(or both) will be out in july when I am due for an upgrade.

My upgrade is august 23rd but I have ways to get phones slightly before my upgrade date. Anyways yeah, just gotta have these come out as soon as possible and the day the SGSII comes out (LTE better be) I will have it. If its the bionic, I may wait until it gets rooted, etc.

 

[jroc]

SGSII doesn't have a notification light! This makes me upset. NoLED app may be used as substitute, but still makes me angry at samsung. Could potentially steer me away. We'll see - again LTE is the #1 deciding factor.

...I always forget about the notification light. I didnt realize how much I used that feature. Yea...would be a hard choice for me...

 

[droidfan1]

...I always forget about the notification light. I didnt realize how much I used that feature. Yea...would be a hard choice for me...

Very stupid of samsung not to have this much needed thing.

Although there is an app called "NoLED" that works... check it out.

 

[corymcnutt]

If the Galaxy s2 has LTE than that hands down otherwise I will go with the bionic since I am in a 4g area most of the time and don't want to get stuck with a 3g only phone for 2 years.

EXACTLY my feelings; I live in 4G area and rarely venture out of it; with a 2 year contract I want 4G now!

 

[corymcnutt]

The Galaxy S2 has been constantly advertised as being really thin and light. LTE radios are thick and heavy, as seen in the fact that our current trio of LTE smartphones are thick and heavy. Samsung wouldn't compromise fashion for something as silly as performance. And yes, I say that with a bit of contempt because I hate how it really seems they're probably going to keep LTE out just because they can't afford to make it thicker.

People need to man up and stop cringing at .75" thick phones. Really, it won't break your wrist.

To answer your question, Bionic all the way. Make it thick, make it bulky. Hell, throw in a physical keyboard. But don't compromise the LTE + dual-core combination we've all been waiting on for months.

According to the specs, there is very little difference in the thickness of the SGII and the Charge...they could slightly thicken the phone and squeeze it in. With Verizon bragging about LTE, it just seems odd they would come out with a flagship-type 3G phone that late in the year?

PS - I agree about thickness - I want to feel something in my hand, not a fragile wafer I am afraid of breaking!

 

[rushmore]

I would have a little heavier and thicker device, rather than worry about running to a charger after half a day.

 

[Asterdroid]

Guys, I hate to burst your bubble, but there's no way they change the form factor on the Verizon version of the SGS2. If they DID do that, don't expect it until 2012. It would mean they would need to start from scratch and manufacture a line of accessories specifically for the Verizon version of the SGS2, and that defeats the whole purpose of releasing (essentially) the same device across all carriers.

Can you imagine them trying to market accessories for the SGS2 as "Works with all Galaxy S2 phones! Except Verizon's Function!"

 

[jinwons]

If Verizon SGSII is coming with LTE radio, then it's no brainer for me. SGSII wins hands down. Moto fans wouldn't mind size, weight of Bionic, but I think slimmer form factor of SGSII will be more appealing to large number of consumers. I think Samsung understands importance of LTE feature in high end verizon phones from this year. If the first SGSII model on verizon doesn't have LTE, they will probably add second version with it later this year. That's my guess.

 

[jinwons]

Guys, I hate to burst your bubble, but there's no way they change the form factor on the Verizon version of the SGS2. If they DID do that, don't expect it until 2012. It would mean they would need to start from scratch and manufacture a line of accessories specifically for the Verizon version of the SGS2, and that defeats the whole purpose of releasing (essentially) the same device across all carriers.

Can you imagine them trying to market accessories for the SGS2 as "Works with all Galaxy S2 phones! Except Verizon's Function!"

I have no problem with adding a few more milimeters to fit LTE into GSII. It's still slim enough. If that means different GSII accessories for Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, then so be it! They did it with U.S Galaxy S last year anyway. This year T-mobile is probably out for GSII, so there are only three variants.

 

[Asterdroid]

I have no problem with adding a few more milimeters to fit LTE into GSII. It's still slim enough. If that means different GSII accessories for Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, then so be it! They did it with U.S Galaxy S last year anyway. This year T-mobile is probably out for GSII, so there are only three variants.

If the form factor needs to change it would push the release date back, though, which makes me sad.

Obviously not as long as keeping the same form factor and waiting for a 2nd gen LTE radio, but still.

I just have a feeling Verizon will F this one up and release it without 4G. I'll buy it anyway, most likely, but I'll be a bit disappointed.

SGS2 without 4G > Bionic with signed bootloader (in my opinion)

 

[jroc]

^On the topic of bootloaders...supposedly the Motorola Photon is going to Sprint...with an unlocked bootloader...

If the Bionic's is locked....I dont know what to say. Did anyone even try to unlock the Droid X2's bootloader?