Samsung Galaxy SII vs The iPhone 4S

I'm sure by now we have all seen this commercial, or one of the similar commercials, saying that consumers shouldn't be waiting for the new iPhone because the best phone is already here: the Samsung Galaxy S2.

Samsung has clearly gone for an all or nothing campaign against the iPhone with these ads. But does this really mean that Apple should be worried? Is the Galaxy S2 the biggest rival to the iPhone? Let's find out.

At first glance the Galaxy S2 looks exactly like the iPhone. Let's be honest, it's pretty close. But what makes it different from the iPhone? Well for starters, the S2 runs the Android OS. This means the Android's expansive market, customization capabilities, and even the impressive GPS system are available on this phone. The S2 also boasts a 4.3 inch Super Amoled Screen, almost a full inch larger than the iPhone's screen. Samsung says this screen provides "enhanced readability and better battery consumption" which makes it the best smart phone. The S2 also has a dual core processor, like most smart phones today.

So what's the downside to this phone? It's not carried on Verizon. This means no 4G LTE, although AT&T offers a type of 4G network. With the iPhone being totally backed by Verizon, the fact that the S2 isn't on the same carrier is a major downfall.

Since coming to Verizon, the iPhone has been a force to be reckoned with.Verizon's data plans and deals are at the top of the cell phone food chain. Even though the S2 isn't on Verizon, the iPhone still seems to edge ahead with the hardcore stats. The iOS has always been popular. Yes, it lacks some of the capabilities that the Android OS has, but the iOS always seems to edge ahead. The retina display still has not been outmatched no matter how hard other phones try, and the dual-core A5 chip makes the iPhone one of the fastest and smoothest phones out there. Let's not forget that the iPhone can sync with iTunes, meaning that all your music is available in one place, and the convenience is again unmatched. With the iPhone seeming to beat the S2 out in most categories, why is Samsung on such a die hard campaign?

Galaxy S2:

• 8.0 MP Rear facing camera
• 2.0 MP Front facing camera
• HD Video Recording
• Music Player
• 4.3 inch Super Amoled Screen
• Dual Core Application Processor
• 3G
• Global Capable
• 4G with some plans
• 16 GB Internal Memory
• Up to 32 GB of memory can be added with an SD Card (totaling 48GB overall)
• 8 hours of talk time (battery life)
• 16 Days (about 384 hours) on standby (battery life)
• Can use voice and data simultaneously
• Android OS

In my opinion, the iPhone wins the competition for one main reason: the Galaxy S2 is not carried on Verizon. If the S2 were on Verizon, it would have 4G LTE which automatically gives it a leg up on the iPhone. Other than that the two phones are pretty similar. Two cameras with about the same megapixels, "facetime" capabilities, music, HD video, decent battery life, and 3G with WiFi as an option. The S2 has a larger screen, the ability to be rooted due to the Android Platform, and even a better front facing camera. The iPhone has Verizon, Siri, and the Retina Display even though the screen is smaller. The choice is really up to the consumer, but I feel that if the Galaxy S2 were to be brought to Verizon Wireless, the iPhone 4S would have some very stiff competition.