This week Samsung unveiled three Galaxy S20 phones – well, six models actually, as each phone has a 4G and a 5G version. If you think that’s a lot of models, then you don’t remember what happened when the Galaxy S II was unveiled.
The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II was announced nine years ago in February 2011 and released in April that year. It was the second edition of Samsung’s new flagship line, packing some of the best tech that the company had to offer, including a 4.3″ Super AMOLED Plus screen and Exynos 4210 Dual chipset.
The Galaxy S II display panel featured a full RGB stripe, which improved the sharpness even as the resolution remained the same (480 x 800px) compared to the original Galaxy S. It was a tad larger too, though 4.3″ is minuscule by today’s standards. But this was the phone that the original Galaxy Note was based on and it was the Note that kicked off the large screen madness.
Anyway, the Exynos was among the first generation chipsets with a dual core processor and it was among the fastest of its day. Motorola tried to advertise the Atrix as “the world’s most powerful smartphone”, but the UK Advertising Standards Authority found that the Atrix processor was not as fast as that of the Galaxy S II.
The latest TouchWiz 4.0 featured support for hardware acceleration, which made its (admittedly busy) graphics animate smoothly. The phone began life with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but it would be updated to 4.1 Jelly Bean before it bowed out.
Samsung Galaxy S II
The camera was upgraded to an 8MP back-side illuminated sensor. Thanks to the new chipset, the Galaxy S II could record 1080p video – with around 2MP resolution per frame, that was quite a feat back in the day. Then again, it’s only 1/16th of the 8K resolution that the Galaxy S20 trio can pull off. Things have changed a lot over the last 9 years.
The Galaxy S II proved to be a hit for Samsung and is one of the phones that helped propel the company to #1 manfacturer globally. The phone was selling like hot cakes, moving 3 million units in 55 days, 5 million in 85 days and going up to 10 million in the first 5 months of availability. In Q3 of 2011, Samsung overtook Apple in terms of smartphone shipments (the South Korean giant had doubled its market share compared to Q3 2010).
This is where things start to branch out. Samsung introduced the I9100G Galaxy S II relatively early – it was virtually the same phone, except the Exynos was swapped out for a TI OMAP 4430 (same CPU, but the Mali-400 GPU was replaced by PowerVR SGX 540).
Samsung Galaxy S II
The reason we wanted to focus on the Galaxy S II for this Flashback article is because it came out right around the time that carriers in North America and South Korea were starting to promote their newly activated next generation networks – 4G.
The Galaxy S II i777 for AT&T was essentially identical to the global S II and was a 3G-only phone. A few months later, the Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 came out. This one had a slightly larger screen, but more importantly it switched to a Snapdragon S3 chipset, which brought an LTE modem. The Skyrocket and the HTC Vivid were among the first 4G phones on AT&T brand new LTE network. It was so new that when we reviewed the Skyrocket, New York still didn’t have 4G coverage.
There was also this weird version – the Samsung i927 Captive Glide. It was technically part of the Galaxy S II family, but it was almost completely different. It had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a smaller 4.0″ Super AMOLED display and was powered by an Nvidia Tegra 2 (same chipset as the Moto Atrix).
Samsung Galaxy S II I777 • Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket i727 • Samsung i927 Captivate Glide • Samsung Galaxy S II LTE I9210
Telstra and Optus in Australia, Rogers in Canada, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile in the USA, even China Telecom all received custom versions of the Galaxy S II LTE I9210. T-Mobile (Galaxy S II T989) and Telus (Galaxy S II X T989D) received an interesting variation of this model, it used the Snapdragon S3 chipset, but featured only 3G connectivity. Qualcomm’s modem was still faster than the one in the Exynos, offering 42Mbps downlink, double what the vanilla Galaxy S II could pull down.
Samsung Galaxy S II LTE I9210 • Samsung Galaxy S II T989 • Samsung Galaxy S II X T989D
The likes of the Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint (US Cellular got a very similar device) stuck with the Exynos 4210 chipset but featured CDMA and EV-DO connectivity – this was a competing 3G standard that is now all but dead. KDDI in Japan and LG U+ in South Korea also received EV-DO phones.
Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch
There was a Galaxy S II HD LTE as well, which upgraded to a 4.65″ Super AMOLED screen with 720p resolution – this one one of the first HD panels by Samsung. AT&T was going to get this as the Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD i757 but the model was canceled before release.
Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE • Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD I757
The Samsung Galaxy S II is more than a phone – it’s about a dozen phones. S II branded devices used no less than four different chipsets and four different connectivity configurations. Actually more than that, there were revisions we didn’t even mention – the Japanese phones with i-mode.
Many of these variations were dictated by carrier needs. AT&T’s 4G network went live in September 2011 and needed compatible phones – with LTE phones in stores, it could promote blistering new download speeds and charge a small premium for both phone and contract. T-Mobile wouldn’t begin its LTE rollout until early 2013.
Samsung Galaxy S II LTE
Today, the situation is similar except 5G is the new buzzword. Some carriers already cover the busiest parts of major metropolitan areas and are boasting how fast their new network is. Those carriers are already at work promoting the 5G variants of the Galaxy S20.
The selection of chipsets has narrowed down to just Snapdragon and Exynos, but this time around they are virtually equal in terms of connectivity (both require an external modem). Besides the chipset and some variation in RAM/storage options, however, the Galaxy S20 phones are nearly identical around the world – and none of them have awkward names like “Epic 4G Touch”.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
