Samsung Galaxy S II Review

Samsung Electronics has announced that the Samsung Galaxy S II (model: GT-I9100) will arrive in the UK on May 1, 2011 across all major networks and retailers. There's no release date for the rest of Europe yet, but given the excitement surround the device, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

The company has also confirmed that the Galaxy S II will run Android 2.3 (codenamed Gingerbread) and feature a dual-core 1.2GHz processor. It will be the first handset to offer Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, which the company is touting as "the largest, brightest and most colorful screen available in Samsung's portfolio of devices."

The Galaxy S II is the company's thinnest phone at 8.49mm and a weight of just 116g. The device features a 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Plus display (800x480 resolution), an 8MP primary camera with 1080p video capture, and a 2MP camera in the front, as well as integrated NFC support on some versions. It also features the usual BlueTooth 3.0+HS and HSPA+ connectivity.

The new Live Panel allows you to aggregate web, social networking, and app content to a single customizable home screen. You'll be able to switch between three adjacent home screens by simply pressing and holding on the screen. The device will come with four new content and entertainment hubs: music, games, e-reading, and social networking. Samsung has yet to announce pricing details, but we're betting they will be similar to the original Samsung Galaxy S.

"From the moment it was revealed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona there has been a huge buzz about the Galaxy S II, so we're pleased to announce that it will be available for UK customers to buy from 1st May," Simon Stanford, Samsung UK and Ireland's Managing Director of Mobile, said in a statement. "Our slimmest, lightest, fastest smartphone is our first device to offer of Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, alongside the most advanced technical specifications including the latest Android OS and a dual core processor. We're confident it's a great package for anyone wanting a superior smartphone experience."

Android 2.3 ROM for European Samsung Galaxy S leaked

An official and final (read: not beta) Android 2.3.3 ROM has leaked for the standard I9000 iteration of the Samsung Galaxy S. Unfortunately, this means it will only work on the European version of the phone and those in the US still have to play the waiting game. This is the same build that you would receive if you send your handset to a Samsung Service Center for repair, according to XDA Developers.

Check out the ROM Highlights video below, courtesy of The Android Soul, to get a taste of what your phone will soon be getting. For the Installation Guide, watch this video and read these instructions. For the Rooting Guide, watch this videoand read these instructions.

The leak is one thing, but the fact that Samsung is starting to update handsets when they arrive at its repair centers is good news. This would suggest that Samsung Galaxy S owners won't have to wait much longer to get an official Android 2.3 (codenamed Gingerbread) build from their carrier.

Some users are still waiting for Android 2.2 (codenamed Froyo). We would recommend skipping it and going straight to Gingerbread, if you get the chance of course.