Samsung GALAXY Ace 2 Pro Reviews

In this world you get what you pay for, a phenomena of which smartphones are a good example. The Ace 2 is a cracking little smartphone for the price, but if your budget will stretch the to the SIII you won't regret the extra expense. Choosing between the Note II and the SIII is a little more difficult. In essence, the former is a small tablet with phone capabilities. If you require a bigger, 5in screen you'll find the Note II is the best such device on the market. It comes with a stylus too, so you can definitely be more productive and creative on it than with a standard-sized smartphone: even one with a big screen like the SIII. However, its bulk won't be for everyone, and the SIII is a truly stand out Android phone.

We like the Ace 2 a lot. It's a sensibly priced phone that, while not overflowing with high-end features, holds its own in a busy market. The screen is good, the build quality is excellent, and as a phone, it excels at the phone tasks that often get forgotten in reviews. It's a good size too, you can operate it easily with one hand - all too hard on big-screen handsets - and it fits in pockets and bags without any problems. It's also sturdy enough to carry around without worrying you'll break it at a moments notice. Problems are, on the whole, minor too. The camera isn't brilliant, but it works well enough for tweeting, Facebook and other similar. Overall, we like the Ace 2, it's not as exciting as a flagship handset, but it's also more than half the price.

We really like the Galaxy Ace 2 and prefer it to the more expensive Galaxy S Advance. Yes, it has a smaller screen, but the Ace 2’s display is still big enough to watch video and browse the web comfortably. If we had to buy a new smartphone tomorrow, on a fairly tight budget, it would be the Galaxy Ace 2.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 isn't designed to be a world-beater; it's a budget smartphone that does the modern basics well. So bearing that in mind you have to say the Galaxy Ace 2 is a very good phone, that doesn't come up too short in any area, and one that deserves some serious thought if you're in the market for a cheaper phone.

Overall, Samsung have a winner in the Galaxy Ace 2. This is a very meaningful upgrade over the original and ticks all the right boxes to get in the running for midranger of the year. Now it's up to Samsung to release the ICS update (and if we dare dream, Jelly Bean after that). Anyway, the moment it gets the Ice Cream Sandwich, there will be just the Xperia duo between it and its goal.

A warning signal to its handset competitors, Samsung's reign of power is quickly moving away from the one-off flagship Galaxy S devices, with the Ace 2 firmly rooting itself as a mid-market challenger with a near budget price point that will appeal to many. Not the most media savvy of devices on the market, the Ace 2 makes up for small niggles and limited features by mastering what it offers. Exceeding expectation on multiple fronts, the second-generation would be a wise buy for any first time or returning smartphone owner.

The Galaxy Ace 2 could have become a bestseller for Samsung, with the notable exception of a more distinctive design. The compact size and good PLS LCD screen will be a boost for the everyday interaction with your smartphone, whether you are in or outside, and the dual-core processor under the hood will make sure you don't feel underpowered. Adding to these a decent 5MP shooter with 720p HD video capture abilities, and about the only things left to wish for in the category are at least Android Ice Cream Sandwich, and a less bland design. With the current price, however, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus costs only about $50 more (in the US), and offers HD display plus 1080p video, not to mention Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Granted, it is way bigger than the Ace 2, so if you are looking for a more compact Android, you might want to check out the Sony Xperia U, with its trendy and versatile design, or the Xperia sola.