Galaxy S II vs iPhone 5s: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2011

Galaxy S II

Galaxy S II
61/ 100
Launch price$600
Apple · 2013

iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s
61/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 7 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S II
Galaxy S II
0 wins
iPhone 5s
iPhone 5s
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S IIiPhone 5s
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    60
    60
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    32
    32
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S II has the bigger battery1,650 mAh vs 1,560 mAh
  • Galaxy S II has the bigger screen4.3" vs 4"
  • iPhone 5s is lighter112 g vs 116 g
  • Galaxy S II launched cheaper$600 vs $649
  • Galaxy S II has a sharper selfie camera2 MP vs 1.2 MP
  • iPhone 5s has newer Bluetooth4 vs 3
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S II
  • ✓$49 cheaper at launch ($600 vs $649)
  • ✓Bigger 1,650 mAh battery (+90 mAh)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone 5s
  • ✓4 g lighter (112 g vs 116 g), easier to hold
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓4" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S IIiPhone 5s
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLED PlusLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina
Screen Size4.3"4"
Resolution & Density800x480 (217 ppi)1136x640 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness500 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 2.3iOS 7
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory1 GB LPDDR1 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera8 MP, f/2.68 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.61.2 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 5s Lightest Chassis
Dimensions125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight116 g112 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity1,650 mAh1,560 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth3.04.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Lightning
NFCYesYes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$600$649
Our verdict

Galaxy S II and iPhone 5s are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S II for its bigger battery (1,650 mAh vs 1,560 mAh) and bigger screen (4.3" vs 4"), or the iPhone 5s for its lighter body (112 g vs 116 g) and newer Bluetooth (4 vs 3).

Buy Galaxy S II if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy iPhone 5s if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S II or iPhone 5s?

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S II for its bigger battery (1,650 mAh vs 1,560 mAh) and bigger screen (4.3" vs 4"), or the iPhone 5s for its lighter body (112 g vs 116 g) and newer Bluetooth (4 vs 3). BeastScore: Galaxy S II 60.8/100, iPhone 5s 60.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S II and iPhone 5s?

Galaxy S II has a 4.3-inch display and 1650 mAh battery. iPhone 5s has a 4-inch display and 1560 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S II and iPhone 5s compare for speed?

Galaxy S II scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 5s scores 60/100.

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