Samsung Galaxy S2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note vs Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Mobile Phones

Samsung's built some incredibly good mobiles recently, making its Galaxy range of smart phones a massive player in the tech world. But of the Samsung Galaxy S2, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Galaxy Note, which Galaxy is deserving of your cash? Let's meet the mobiles that will be vying for our adoration.

Samsung Galaxy S2

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is an absolute beast, and when it came out earlier this year it proved itself to be the best Android phone in the universe. While other phones have grown bigger since, at the time we were blown away by the 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, and dazzled by its 1.2GHz dual-core processor. But that was months ago! Does the S2 still look so fresh today?

Samsung Galaxy Note

On the off-chance you didn't think the Galaxy S2 was big enough, the Note will certainly sort you out. The display on this monster mobile measures a mammoth 5.3 inches, and it's something of an animal on the inside too, with a 1.4GHz dual-core processor running the show.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and a 5-megapixel camera, alongside a 4.65-inch display. That's fine, but what really sets this phone apart is that it's running Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, the newest version of Android. Does that make it worth picking up? Or will a meddlesome volume bug prevent it from finding glory?

Design

The Galaxy Nexus boasts a rounded display, adorned with black gloss and kept looking minimal by a lack of physical buttons. Instead you control the Nexus using three on-screen buttons. It's reasonably slim at 8.9mm thick and it's impressively light at 135g, but we're not blown away by the back plate, which is grey with a textured finished. The bulging spot where the camera pokes out is a little funny-looking too.

The Note is a tad classier, with a curved back and a camera that's flush to the casing. It's 9.7mm slim and 178g, which makes it portable on paper, but you'll likely struggle to fit the Note in your hands, let alone your pocket. There's a serious design no-no going on here too -- Samsung's hidden a cheeky stylus in the bottom of the Note, which is useful for jotting down notes or sketching bowls of fruit, but will almost certainly get lost.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 looks as good as it did when we first snatched it out of its box earlier in the year. It's under 9mm thin and weighs 115g, making it lighter than its Galaxy rivals. The 4.3-inch screen still makes a striking impression, and while some have complained that the case feels rather plasticky, we think the phone itself feels sturdy. It looks and feels fantastic -- we're throwing this one the S2's way.

Design winner: Samsung Galaxy S2

Hardware

The Galaxy S2 blew our tiny minds when it first arrived on the scene, thanks to a dual-core 1.2GHz processor that proved brilliant for apps, games and playing video. The screen was similarly amazing, liquifying our ocular bulbs with the brightness pumped out by its 4.3-inch Super Amoled Plus display.

Almost impossibly, Samsung also squeezed an 8-megapixel camera into the S2's slender chassis, making it an all-around hardware powerhouse.

For a month or so, anyway -- then other smart phones equalled the S2's hardware chops. The Galaxy Nexus goes further than the S2, with a 4.65-inch display that as well as being bigger, boasts a stonkingly high 1,280x720 pixel resolution.

Everything on this panel comes out looking crystal clear, so get ready to be impressed when you fire up a video or web page, and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor keeps everything running smoothly.

But the Galaxy Nexus has a slight hardware downside -- its camera has a meagre 5-megapixel resolution. We were impressed by the stills and video it managed to produce though, so it's not worth writing the Nexus off completely on that front. The Nexus has a 16GB capacity, and you can't expand that using a microSD card.

The Galaxy Note is an absolute hardware monster. Around the back you'll find an 8-megapixel camera, and underneath the bonnet hums an alarmingly potent 1.4GHz dual-core processor that outpaced the Galaxy S2 in our benchmark tests. Using the phone is like sailing through a sea of silk, with apps opening at lightning speed.

The display on offer here is absolutely ginormous at 5.4 inches. In fact, we wouldn't blame you at all if you dismissed the Galaxy Note for being simply too massive. The screen resolution is a touch higher than the Galaxy Nexus' at 1,280x800 pixels, but because the screen is so much bigger it has a lower dpi (dots per inch). It still looks crisp, clear and really colourful though.

Brimming with speedy components and with a screen big enough to eat your dinner off of, the Galaxy Note dominates when it comes to hardware.

Hardware winner: Samsung Galaxy Note

Software

While all three of these phones are running Android, one of them is different. For while the S2 and the Note are powered by version 2.3 of Google's mobile operating system (also known as Gingerbread), the Galaxy Nexus is more advanced, and arrives running Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich.

That improved operating system brings visual refinements, and navigating through the phone is handled by three on-screen buttons, rather than any physical keys. Tapping one of those virtual buttons brings up a new multi-tasking menu, which stacks all the apps you've got running up the screen. Also new are folder refinements, and the ability to unlock your phone with your face.

The other major strength of the Galaxy Nexus is that it's running a vanilla version of Android, whereas the Note and S2 are both running a Samsung-tweaked edition of Android. The benefit of using a version that Samsung hasn't fiddled with is that when updates for Android arrive, you'll get them quicker because you don't have to wait for Samsung to squeeze its custom skin over that new version.

That's not to mention the fact that both the S2 and the Note come with loads of Samsung-installed bloatware apps you almost certainly won't want, and would rather delete as soon as possible.

But right now there's a serious problem with the Galaxy Nexus. A bug means that the phone spontaneously drops volume, meaning you miss speech during phone calls, and can miss texts or other notifications in the meantime.

We've been thoroughly testing the Nexus, and it seems that the bug rears its ugly head when you're connected over a 900MHz 2G connection. Networks in the UK that operate on that frequency include Vodafone and O2, as well as Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, Asda Mobile and BT Mobile.

For an analysis of the bug, read our tests. Google has told us a fix is incoming, so hopefully the issue will be resolved soon, at which point the Galaxy Nexus will definitely be winning in the software category. In the meantime though, we're going to call this one a draw between the Galaxy S2 and the Note.

Software winner: Samsung Galaxy S2 and Samsung Galaxy Note (draw)

Tiebreak

It's a tie! So we're going to have to decide between the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Note.

We weren't impressed by the Note's battery life -- that massive screen appears to guzzle juice, and we got less than 12 hours of use from a full charge, even with moderate use. The S2, meanwhile, is decent when it comes to battery life. No smart phone is great when it comes to surviving away from the mains, but based on our tests the S2 should at least last you a full day's use.

The other issue is that the enormous dimensions won't suit everyone. Most people will probably prefer a smart phone that will fit easily into your pockets or handbag. Size isn't everything, y'know.

Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy S2

 

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Samsung claims Android 4.0 to hit Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab next year

Samsung Italy put an end to doubts after revealing its plans to upgrade the higher-end devices to Android 4.0. Consequently, the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II, and the Android 3-based tablets from the Tab 7.0 Plus through the Tab 10.1 would be upgraded by the spring of next year. HDBlog.it says that the original Galaxy S as well as other models represented lower priorities. Samsung considered the highest priority as getting the operating system on devices that would support it and only then evaluating its lower-end devices.

Samsung may have revealed a real hardware baseline for the new Android 4.0 operating system when saying that any device had to have at least WVGA at 400×800 to receive an upgrade.

Android 4.0 will help most the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II, both of them getting major phone interface changes. The changes are subtler on a tablet and mainly include updated core applications and face unlock, as well as others that are not dependent on the size of the screen.

While showing Samsung decided to support its older hardware, it is still clear that the Galaxy Nexus is the only device of Samsung to carry Android 4.0 in the near future. Other devices are likely to appear at the CES expo in January and in February at Mobile World Congress.

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Samsung Galaxy Nexus Already Rooted, Phone Not Even In Stores Yet

It's not even in stores yet, but modders have already rooted Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Nexus smartphone. The crack comesthanks to Paul O'Brien, founder of the online Android communityMoDaCo. O'Brien managed to get his hands on Samsung's new Ice Cream Sandwich device ahead of the official launch thanks to a few seemingly well-connected friends.

Details of the custom boot were first posted on the MoDaCo forums, complete with instructions on how to apply the 'Superboot' fix to the upcoming smartphone.

Upon downloading and extracting the 'Superboot' image file, the Galaxy Nexus needs to be in bootloader mode. Once you do this and run the Superboot file,you'll be granted adminstrator rights to the Galaxy Nexus--simple!

O'Brien's quick work is good news for the moding community, proving that Ice Cream Sandwich, the next version of Android, is not any more difficult to tinker with than previous versions of Google's mobile OS.

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Samsung Galaxy Nexus

In the last few years Android has gone from strength to strength, adding features and new tricks that keep it a favourite among geeky gadgeteers who love to tinker with their tech.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be the first phone running Android version 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, the very latest edition of Google's robot-riddled operating system. Due out in November, this massive mobile is the follow-up to the brilliant Google Nexus S. Can it keep Android on the cutting edge?

We're still waiting to get hands-on time with the Galaxy Nexus. In the meantime, this preview will round up everything you need to know in terms of the phone's specs, and tell you what we'd expect to see from such a high-profile phone.

Design

In terms of its actual shape, Samsung hasn't strayed far from what it knows with the Galaxy Nexus. Rounded edges and a gently curved frame are the order of the day, and there's a grey-ish patterned coating across the back.

The camera bulges out of the frame slightly, in a way we're not too keen on. But it's a minor quibble, and one we'll forget if the camera itself proves to be a good one.

There are no buttons on the Galaxy Nexus, not even touch-sensitive ones. Now everything happens on-screen, but more on that later.

With a 4.65-inch display, the Galaxy Nexus is a really big mobile. It's nearly as big as the HTC Sensation XL, and that phone feels huge. We wouldn't be surprised if those with shorter fingers find it hard to stretch their digits across this vast touchscreen.

The Galaxy Nexus has a curved chassis that's just 7mm thick at its thinnest point.

Despite being so massive you could land a Boeing 747 on it, the Galaxy Nexus is reasonably thin, at just under 9mm thick. We suspect you'll have no trouble fitting it inside your jeans pocket or handbag.

It's light too. The Galaxy Nexus weighs just 135g, which is 5g lighter than the smaller iPhone 4S. That means the size of the screen is the only issue in terms of portability, and as we mentioned already, we suspect most pockets are up to the challenge of housing this beast.

Ice Cream Sandwich

The most exciting thing about the Galaxy Nexus is that it's going to be the first phone to run Ice Cream Sandwich, the very latest edition of Google's Android operating system, following on from Gingerbread.

Ice Cream Sandwich is designed to be the operating system that unifies the smart phone and tablet versions of Android, tying the whole lot together in a whirl of Tron-style glowing blue boxes. With Ice Cream Sandwich you get on-screen buttons, 'back', 'home' and a multi-tasking button borrowed from Honeycomb.

When you tap that button all the apps you have running will appear, stacked on top of each other in little boxes. Scroll through this tower of apps and tap on the one you want to switch to.

The unlock screen in Ice Cream Sandwich can be opened by the camera recognising your face. Cool!

It looks like a neat method of handling multi-tasking, and with any luck it'll make Android a bit easier to use. This rather geeky OS can sometimes feel a bit baffling if you're not used to its quirky behaviour.

Other treats include the ability to unlock your phone by letting your mobile recognise your face, and responding to incoming calls with pre-programmed texts, such as, "Not now, I'm in a meeting." Clever stuff.

The fact that the Galaxy Nexus is running raw Ice Cream Sandwich with no Samsung apps or skin is also appealing -- this is Android for purists, and means the Galaxy Nexus will likely get updates faster than other phones.

Screen

One part of hardware the Galaxy Nexus does boast that outdoes its rivals is its display. This is a 720x1,280 pixel screen, making the Galaxy Nexus a proper HD phone. With a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, we're really eager to get a look at this panel, and see how it handles our movies and hundreds of photos of cats.

We can't wait to see how the hi-def screen handles movies and photos. 

The Galaxy Nexus will come in 16 and 32GB flavours -- which size you opt for will depend on whether you're planning on filling the phone with apps and video. It also comes with NFC tech, for making mobile payments (though Google hasn't brought this to the UK yet) or trading info with other NFC-enabled phones.

Camera

The Galaxy Nexus has a 5-megapixel camera, which is troubling because that's a much lower resolution than the snappers you'd find on rival phones. The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel model nestled inside its smooth glass frame, as does the upcoming Motorola Razr. Even the Samsung Galaxy S2, which has been out for ages, has an 8-megapixel camera.

Decent photography is not all about the megapixels -- this much we know. But a low resolution camera isn't a particularly good omen, especially from a phone that's going to be the Google flagship. Fingers crossed the Galaxy Nexus can muster up some decent snaps when we give it the full review treatment.

Outlook

In some respects, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus looks like a blisteringly cool phone -- the screen is of a much higher resolution than we're used to, and it's going to be the first mobile to run Ice Cream Sandwich gives it definite kudos. But there are some things we're concerned about, like the disappointing camera resolution, and the design, which doesn't look too striking.

Other phones will be snarfing the Ice Cream Sandwich, though currently it's anyone's guess as to when that'll be. As such, the Galaxy Nexus needs to prove itself a great piece of kit in its own right if it's to ensure long-term success. Stay tuned for the full review.

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2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Price €161,750, Engine 3.8 liter boxer-6, Aspiration natural, HP 450 hp,

HP/Liter 118.4 hp per liter

Most successful race car now suitable for wider range of motorsport
It is the most successful race car on earth: The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. With over 2,200 units sold, it is the undisputed number one amongst customer racing teams all over the world. Now, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the front bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the vehicle is now suitable for an even wider range of endurance racing. Moreover, the new fuel tank contributes to a further improvement of the high safety standards.
The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.
The flared wheel arches at the front axle accommodate light alloy rims measuring 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 Michelin race tyres. The light alloy rims at the rear measure 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres. Depending on the type of racing, the new 911 GT3 Cup features different rim specifications. The blade-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear are adjustable in seven positions allowing an extremely precise set-up for each race track. Exclusive to the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup which runs as support to Formula 1 is the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. This is also available for Porsche’s road models. Compared to the composite cast brakes in the Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges, PCCB reduces the weight of the car by around 20 kilograms.
The cockpit of the new 911 GT3 Cup caters for the needs of the driver. The controls for the info display are positioned on the steering wheel which houses six switches. As in the production car, the reach and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be delivered to teams around the world from September and will be run in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 race seasons in selected one-make cup series. The price is 161,750 Euro plus value-added tax of the respective countries.
Currently, the 911 GT3 Cup competes in 19 Porsche brand trophy series worldwide. Moreover, it is run in various GT race series and at long distance events. The 911 GT3 Cup is the basis model of Porsche’s racing vehicle range. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport offers the 911 GT3 R for championships complying with GT3 regulations and the 911 GT3 RSR built according to GT2 rules.

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New Samsung tablet bundled with social TV app

 

Samsung has just opened up pre-orders for its new Galaxy Tab 7 Plus tablet. You can pick one up for $399.99 for the 16 GB version and $499.99 for the 32 GB device beginning November 13th.

These new tablets will come bundled with Peel, the universal remote and social TV app (also available for iOs and Android devices). In a slick user interface, Peel suggests TV shows based on what you watch and like, and until now, it required you have the “Peel Fruit” device to control your entire entertainment system with the app. The fruit converts WiFi commands from your iPhone or iPad to IR signals.

The new Samsung tablet doesn’t require the Peel Fruit to interface with your home entertainment system. This is possible, “with its built in IR remote functionality,” which Greg Lindley, chief experience officer for Peel explains. This opens up a new audience for Peel’s app that hasn’t wanted to buy a separate device.

“The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus optimized with the innovative Peel application will enable users to connect seamlessly to view their favorite TV shows,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “Our partnership with Peel further builds on Samsung’s convergence strategy to create enhanced user experiences.”

Samsung is already a major player in the Connected TV world and bringing their tablets one step closer to their “Apps Built for your TV” world is a smart idea.

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