T-Mobile Galaxy S II No Contract for $299 @ Walmart & Walmart.com

Quote from jbloggs : Galaxy Nexus vs Galaxy S2 http://www.phonearena.com/reviews...-II_id2921

Wrong Galaxy s2! That's the international version...this is the t-mobile version which has a bigger screeen (4.5") and a better CPU 1.5 ghz processor vs the inferior 1.2 on the Int'l version.

This T-mobile version came out later and is slightly better.

Quote from hristopelov : Exactly... it nearly doubles the download speed, you can check the phones reviews

Sorry to be blunt, but who cares? Songs will still download at a fast enough speed that it's negligible. Netflix will stream just as well. And in the case that you are downloading movies, my only question would be why the hell are you downloading movies over a limited data connection? Are you really so anxious that leaving your phone alone to do something productive for a few extra minutes is unfathomable?

What would you guys recommend for a good case for this SII? I wouldn't mind having one with a belt clip but a case that would protect it if I dropped it.

I recently did a lot of research because I was looking into getting a Samsung Galaxy SII. While it is a tad bit larger, I think the Galaxy Nexus is by far a much better deal. Similar processing power, better screen, twice the battery life, and it's 4G ready.

Check out the comparison for yourself (scroll down for more nitty-gritty details):
http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=5035...alaxy-S-II

Quote from blacksabath337 : Sorry to be blunt, but who cares? Songs will still download at a fast enough speed that it's negligible. Netflix will stream just as well. And in the case that you are downloading movies, my only question would be why the hell are you downloading movies over a limited data connection? Are you really so anxious that leaving your phone alone to do something productive for a few extra minutes is unfathomable?

Not everyone is on a capped data plan. I am on a $3 data plan that provides unlimited data access. When my internet went out last year for a month, I used approximately 100 GB. Since this is Slickdeals, I am sure there are many others that have the same low-cost data plan

Quote from Iceboie : I wonder if you can upgrade the S2 to the Jelly bean?

Well, you can wait for Samsung to release it [knowyourmobile.com]. But I wouldn't hold my breath on them making it a top priority.

I'd search around XDA forums and see if there's at least one group working on it. I'm guessing there is. I have a puny LG G2x (2011 phone) which has one group working on a Jelly Bean release for it.

Quote from nexus14 : Not everyone is on a capped data plan. I am on a $3 data plan that provides unlimited data access. When my internet went out last year for a month, I used approximately 100 GB. Since this is Slickdeals, I am sure there are many others that have the same low-cost data plan

T-Zones?

Quote from Zarich : Where can I get the nexus for prepaid service at $350?

Get it from Google's own store. [google.com]. Should be unlocked for T-Mobile at least.

Quote from SlickDillie : And Wifi Calling

That feature is free only on postpaid plans.


Not to say there aren't other VOIP options. See Groove IP.

Quote from mrstangblb : What would you guys recommend for a good case for this SII? I wouldn't mind having one with a belt clip but a case that would protect it if I dropped it.

As for cases, I think the top of the line would be an Otterbox case. They will run you around $20 for one case, but it usually includes a screen protector as well. While they may be a bit more expensive and bulky, Otterbox cases will protect your phone from nearly every drop and impact. Plus, the Otterbox cases for Samsung phones are a bit more stylish than the completely hideous iPhone variants.

Basically, if you want your phone to be nearly invincible and still be in pristine condition in three years, get an Otterbox. If you're just looking for something that will protect it from surface scratches, you could settle for a cheaper skin for your phone.

Here's a quick review:
http://androidspin.com/product-re...skyrocket/

Quote from Typhoon650 : I recently did a lot of research because I was looking into getting a Samsung Galaxy SII. While it is a tad bit larger, I think the Galaxy Nexus is by far a much better deal. Similar processing power, better screen, twice the battery life, and it's 4G ready. Check out the comparison for yourself (scroll down for more nitty-gritty details): http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=5035...alaxy-S-II

It's not that clear cut. Twice the battery life?? Doubt that. Nexus has no micro sd slot and no wifi calling. It's personal preference, they each have their advantages...

Quote from zeth006 : That feature is free only on postpaid plans. Not to say there aren't other VOIP options. See Groove IP.

True, but some people may wind up on the family value plan. That's where I landed and the wifi calling made things so much easier when I had to work in a metal building in the middle of nowhere.

I played with the GS2 that my gf has, updated it to ICS, man does it suck compared to stock android. Definitely a deal breaker. Jellybean stock on Gnex > SG2

Quote from meleniumshane90 : Well, it's negligibly slower than the Galaxy S IIIs S4 Snapdragon. The only real downside is the lower resolution display. This is hands down the best no-contract phone (and deal) out right now, though. Especially when the phone is still going on eBay for around $400.

I would advise against buying phones on eBay.

Much of the time, people get these phones cheap on credit and then resell them "new in box" on eBay. I have heard of a few nightmare stories where the original seller stopped making payments on the phone to the dealer and the service provider voided the ESN, essentially bricking the phone. Even though the phone may be new-in-box, the connectivity of the phone is dependent upon relations between the original buyer and the provider that the phone is linked to, which is something that a buyer on eBay would have little control over.

If you're in the budget for an SII, I would recommend the Galaxy Nexus. All around, I think it's a better phone and you can grab one completely unlocked from the Google Play store for about $350. You'll get an unlocked phone with customer support from google and you won't have to deal with crappy dealer bloatware slowing down your phone.

Phone spec comparison:
http://geekaphone.com/compare/Sam...alaxy-S-II

Google Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/dev...MzU1NzAiXQ

About a $50-60 difference for the Galaxy Nexus over the S2. Hard choice.

Quote from SlickDillie : It's not that clear cut. Twice the battery life?? Doubt that. Nexus has no micro sd slot and no wifi calling. It's personal preference, they each have their advantages...

16 GB built-in memory seems to be more than plenty. I'm have a capacity of 4GB on my phone right now and by regularly exporting media (videos, photos) onto my computer, I've barely managed to fill up 2 GB while keeping a nice chunk of my music library to listen to at the gym.