AI comparison report

Samsung Galaxy S II vs Htc Desire S

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-29 · How we compare

The Samsung Galaxy S II is the superior overall smartphone for performance, display quality, and storage, while the HTC Desire S is best reserved for those who…

Who wins: Samsung Galaxy S II or Htc Desire S?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S II first unless compact one-handed ergonomics and a metal unibody build are absolute top priorities.

Based on our analysis across 6 dimensions with 20 sources, Samsung Galaxy S II scores 8.5/10 overall while Htc Desire S scores 6.3/10 overall.

DimensionSamsung Galaxy S IIHtc Desire S
Processing Performance & Memory8.5/105.5/10
Display Technology & Screen Size8.5/106.5/10
Build Quality & Form Factor7.5/108.8/10
Camera & Multimedia Capabilities8.8/106.2/10
Internal Storage & Battery Capacity9/104/10
Software Interface & Upgrade Lifecycle8.5/106.5/10
Overall8.5/106.3/10

Should I choose Samsung Galaxy S II or Htc Desire S?

Verdict: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S II first unless compact one-handed ergonomics and a metal unibody build are absolute top priorities.

The Samsung Galaxy S II is the superior overall smartphone for performance, display quality, and storage, while the HTC Desire S is best reserved for those who prioritize a compact aluminum unibody design.

The Samsung Galaxy S II decisively outperforms the HTC Desire S across almost every technical benchmark. It features a dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor and 1 GB RAM versus the single-core 1.0 GHz processor and 768 MB RAM of the HTC Desire S, paired with a larger 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel against a 3.7-inch Super LCD screen. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy S II offers an 8 MP rear camera with 1080p video capture, 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage, and a 1,650 mAh battery in an 8.49 mm, 116 g chassis, alongside updates up to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. By comparison, the HTC Desire S offers a sturdy 130 g aluminum unibody, but is limited by 1.1 GB of internal storage, a 5 MP camera with 720p recording, a 1,450 mAh battery, and official software updates capping at Android 4.0.

Best for Samsung Galaxy S II

  • Users needing dual-core 1.2 GHz processing and 1 GB RAM for multitasking
  • Consumers wanting a vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display
  • Those requiring 1080p full HD video recording and an 8 MP rear camera
  • Users seeking ample 16 GB or 32 GB built-in flash storage
  • Buyers preferring a longer official upgrade path to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
  • Anyone prioritizing a larger 1,650 mAh battery capacity and slim 8.49 mm profile

Best for Htc Desire S

  • Users prioritizing a solid aluminum unibody build over lightweight plastic
  • Consumers wanting a compact 3.7-inch display optimized for one-handed use
  • Fans of the HTC Sense interface design and ergonomics

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly if the primary decision factor is strictly form-factor ergonomics, as the 3.7-inch aluminum HTC Desire S targets compact handling while the 4.3-inch Samsung Galaxy S II targets flagship multimedia and screen real estate.

What are the key differences between Samsung Galaxy S II and Htc Desire S?

  • Processing Performance & Memory

    The Samsung Galaxy S II provides faster speeds and better multitasking with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM compared to the single-core 1.0 GHz processor and 768 MB of RAM on the HTC Desire S.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II delivers superior processing and multitasking performance with its dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor and 1 GB of RAM.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S is powered by a single-core 1.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor paired with 768 MB of RAM, limiting its heavy multitasking capability.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 8.5/10, Htc Desire S: 5.5/10

    Determines system speed, multitasking capability, and graphical performance for running applications and media.

    Sources: Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II 技术规格, HTC Desire S 技术规格

  • Display Technology & Screen Size

    While the Samsung Galaxy S II provides superior vibrancy and visual real estate on its 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, the HTC Desire S offers a more compact 3.7-inch Super LCD panel tailored for one-handed use.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II features a larger 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with WVGA resolution, offering superior color vibrancy, deeper contrast, and higher power efficiency.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S is equipped with a more compact 3.7-inch Super LCD screen (WVGA resolution), prioritizing one-handed usability and pocketability over display size.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 8.5/10, Htc Desire S: 6.5/10

    Affects visual quality, contrast, color vibrancy, and one-handed usability.

    Sources: Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Desire S

  • Build Quality & Form Factor

    The HTC Desire S offers a sturdier aluminum unibody weighing 130 g, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S II prioritizes slim portability with a lightweight plastic chassis measuring just 8.49 mm thick.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II features an ultra-thin plastic chassis measuring just 8.49 mm in thickness and weighing a lightweight 116 g, prioritizing extreme portability over structural heft.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S utilizes a solid aluminum unibody construction measuring 11.63 mm in thickness and weighing 130 g, offering a more rigid and premium in-hand feel.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 7.5/10, Htc Desire S: 8.8/10

    Influences device durability, premium in-hand feel, ergonomics, and portability.

    Sources: HTC Desire S, Samsung Launches Faster, Clearer, and Thinner Galaxy S II

  • Camera & Multimedia Capabilities

    The Samsung Galaxy S II provides superior multimedia capture and clarity with an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1080p recording, whereas the HTC Desire S is limited to a 5-megapixel sensor and 720p video.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II offers an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of full HD 1080p video recording alongside a 2-megapixel front-facing sensor for sharper video calls and versatile multimedia playback.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S features a 5-megapixel rear camera supporting up to 720p HD video recording and is paired with a basic 0.3-megapixel VGA front camera.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 8.8/10, Htc Desire S: 6.2/10

    Essential for photo clarity, video recording resolution, and media playback versatility.

    Sources: Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II 技术规格, HTC Desire S 技术规格

  • Internal Storage & Battery Capacity

    The Samsung Galaxy S II offers up to 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage and a 1,650 mAh battery, heavily outclassing the HTC Desire S with its 1.1 GB internal storage and 1,450 mAh battery.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II comes equipped with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal flash storage and is powered by a 1,650 mAh battery, providing substantial local space for apps and media alongside longer endurance.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S offers a much more constrained 1.1 GB of internal storage and is backed by a smaller 1,450 mAh battery, limiting on-device app installation capacity without external storage.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 9/10, Htc Desire S: 4/10

    Directly impacts on-device application storage room without relying heavily on microSD, as well as overall daily battery endurance.

    Sources: Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Desire S

  • Software Interface & Upgrade Lifecycle

    The Samsung Galaxy S II provides a longer official upgrade lifecycle reaching Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, whereas the HTC Desire S only received official update support up to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

    Samsung Galaxy S II: The Samsung Galaxy S II launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and TouchWiz 4.0, providing extended official software support that upgraded the device through Android 4.0 up to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

    Htc Desire S: The HTC Desire S debuted with Android 2.3 Gingerbread alongside HTC Sense 2.1, receiving an official software upgrade lifecycle that concluded at Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

    Scores — Samsung Galaxy S II: 8.5/10, Htc Desire S: 6.5/10

    Shapes daily user navigation, proprietary widget integration, and long-term OS support.

    Sources: Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Desire S

What are the pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy S II vs Htc Desire S?

Samsung Galaxy S II

Strengths

  • The Samsung Galaxy S II delivers superior processing and multitasking performance with its dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor and 1 GB of RAM.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S II features a larger 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display offering superior color vibrancy, deeper contrast, and higher power efficiency.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S II prioritizes slim portability with an ultra-thin plastic chassis measuring just 8.49 mm in thickness and weighing a lightweight 116 g.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S II provides high-resolution imaging with an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of full HD 1080p video recording and a 2-megapixel front sensor.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S II comes equipped with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal flash storage and a larger 1,650 mAh battery.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S II received an extended official software upgrade path extending through Android 4.0 up to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Weaknesses

  • The Samsung Galaxy S II relies on a lightweight plastic chassis rather than a rigid metal unibody enclosure.

Htc Desire S

Strengths

  • The HTC Desire S utilizes a solid aluminum unibody construction weighing 130 g that offers a more rigid and premium in-hand feel.
  • The HTC Desire S features a compact 3.7-inch Super LCD screen that prioritizes one-handed usability and pocketability.

Weaknesses

  • The HTC Desire S offers limited multitasking and processing performance with a single-core 1.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 768 MB of RAM.
  • The HTC Desire S features a smaller 3.7-inch Super LCD panel with less visual real estate and vibrancy compared to Super AMOLED Plus displays.
  • The HTC Desire S has a thicker profile measuring 11.63 mm and weighs 130 g.
  • The HTC Desire S is limited to a 5-megapixel rear camera supporting 720p video recording and a basic 0.3-megapixel VGA front camera.
  • The HTC Desire S provides a constrained 1.1 GB of internal storage and a smaller 1,450 mAh battery.
  • The HTC Desire S has a shorter official upgrade lifecycle that concluded at Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Where does this data come from?

  1. 三星i9101
  2. HTC Desire S
  3. Samsung Galaxy S II
  4. HTC Desire S
  5. 三星S2
  6. HTC 渴望 S/Desire S
  7. Samsung Galaxy S II
  8. HTC Desire S
  9. Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II 技术规格
  10. HTC Desire S 技术规格
  11. Samsung Galaxy S II
  12. HTC Desire S
  13. Samsung Launches Faster, Clearer, and Thinner Galaxy S II
  14. HTC Desire S
  15. Samsung Galaxy S II
  16. HTC與遠傳電信攜手推出HTC DESIRE S兼具輕薄時尚與強大效能
  17. [SMNR] All About Galaxy S II – Faster and Stronger
  18. HTC Desire S Price in China
  19. 三星Galaxy S II
  20. HTC Desire S

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