Galaxy S II vs LG Optimus 2X: Key Differences

The Samsung Galaxy S II and the LG Optimus 2X are two early-2011 Android flagships that differ mainly in processor generation, display technology, and build quality. The Optimus 2X was the first phone with a dual-core CPU, while the Galaxy S II refined that idea with a faster chip, a lighter frame, and a superior Super AMOLED Plus screen.

Background: The First Dual-Core Era

In early 2011, smartphone makers raced to move from single-core to dual-core processors. LG got to market first with the Optimus 2X (announced December 2010, released February 2011 in Europe), using NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 chip. Samsung followed a few months later with the Galaxy S II (released May 2011), which used its own Exynos 4210 processor. Both phones ran Android 2.3 Gingerbread at launch, but Samsung pushed updates faster and longer, eventually reaching Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. LG stopped at Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Hardware and Performance

The core difference is the chipset. The Optimus 2X’s Tegra 2 had two ARM Cortex-A9 cores at 1 GHz, while the Galaxy S II’s Exynos 4210 ran two Cortex-A9 cores at 1.2 GHz. In practice, the S II felt snappier in everyday use and in benchmarks because of the higher clock speed and a more efficient memory controller. The S II also had 1 GB of RAM versus the Optimus 2X’s 512 MB, which made a noticeable difference when multitasking or running heavier apps.

CPU: Optimus 2X – 1.0 GHz dual-core Tegra 2; Galaxy S II – 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos 4210
RAM: Optimus 2X – 512 MB; Galaxy S II – 1 GB
Storage: Both came with 16 GB or 32 GB internal, plus microSD slot
Battery: Optimus 2X – 1500 mAh; Galaxy S II – 1650 mAh (removable in both)

Display and Build Quality

The Galaxy S II had a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 480×800 resolution, while the Optimus 2X had a 4.0-inch IPS LCD with the same resolution. The AMOLED panel produced deeper blacks and more vivid colors, but some users preferred the LCD’s more natural whites. In direct sunlight, the S II was easier to read. The S II was also thinner (8.49 mm vs 10.9 mm) and lighter (116 g vs 139 g), making it feel more premium. The Optimus 2X used a plastic back with a brushed-metal look, while the S II had a textured plastic back that was easy to grip.

Camera and Multimedia

Both phones had an 8 MP rear camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording, but the Galaxy S II’s camera produced sharper images and better low-light shots due to improved software processing. The S II also added a 2 MP front camera, while the Optimus 2X had a 1.3 MP front camera. For video playback, the Optimus 2X supported 1080p playback on its HDMI output (via a separate MHL adapter), and the S II supported the same via MHL. Neither phone had a headphone jack issue, but the S II’s audio DAC was generally considered cleaner.

Software and Updates

At launch, both ran Android 2.3. LG’s custom UI (called Optimus UI) was heavier and slower than Samsung’s TouchWiz 4.0. The S II received Android 4.0.4 in mid-2012 and then Android 4.1.2 in early 2013, while the Optimus 2X got Android 4.0.4 in late 2012 but no Jelly Bean update. This meant the S II had a longer usable life and better app compatibility. Samsung also had a much larger developer community, so custom ROMs (like CyanogenMod) were available for the S II long after official support ended.

Common Problems and Issues

Both phones had their share of issues. The Optimus 2X suffered from:

Random reboots and Wi-Fi dropouts, especially after the ICS update
Poor battery life due to Tegra 2’s power management
Screen flickering on some units at low brightness

The Galaxy S II had:

GPS lock issues on some builds
Sudden death syndrome (a rare hardware failure that bricked the phone)
Touchscreen unresponsiveness after screen protectors with too much static

Neither phone was waterproof, and both used micro-USB for charging and data. The S II’s Super AMOLED Plus was more prone to burn-in over time, but the Optimus 2X’s LCD had no such issue.

How to Choose Between Them Today

If you are buying one of these as a vintage or budget device today, the Galaxy S II is the better choice because of its faster processor, more RAM, better screen, and longer software support. The Optimus 2X is only worth considering if you find it significantly cheaper or you specifically want the historical first dual-core phone. However, neither is practical as a daily driver in 2024 – they lack modern 4G LTE bands (both are 3G-only), have old Android versions that won’t run current apps, and their batteries are no longer widely available.

For collectors, the S II is easier to find in good condition and has more accessories. For tinkerers, the S II has a larger custom ROM community. If you just want a phone that works, any modern budget Android will outperform both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone has a better screen?

The Galaxy S II’s Super AMOLED Plus is generally better for color saturation and contrast, but the Optimus 2X’s IPS LCD has more accurate whites and better viewing angles for some users. If you prefer vivid colors, choose the S II; if you prefer natural colors, the Optimus 2X is fine.

Can I upgrade either phone to a newer Android version?

Officially, the S II stops at Android 4.1.2 and the Optimus 2X at Android 4.0.4. However, custom ROMs like LineageOS (formerly CyanogenMod) exist for both, allowing Android 7 or even Android 9 on the S II, but with unstable performance and no guarantee of safety. Installing custom ROMs voids warranty and can brick the phone.

Which phone has better battery life?

The Galaxy S II generally lasted longer on a charge because of its larger battery and more efficient Exynos chip. In real-world use, the Optimus 2X often struggled to get through a full day, especially with GPS or gaming.

Are these phones safe to use in 2024?

They are not recommended for anything sensitive like banking or social media because they lack security updates and use outdated encryption. They also don’t support modern LTE networks in many regions, so calls and data may not work. They are fine for offline use or as a music player.

Which one is more collectible?

The Optimus 2X is more historically significant as the first dual-core phone, so a mint-condition unit might appeal to collectors. However, the Galaxy S II is more widely recognized and has a larger fan base, so it often sells for higher prices on the used market.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →