Nokia X7 vs Samsung Galaxy SII – Symbian Anna vs Android Gingerbread
Smartphoneenvy has put up a couple of videos comparing the Nokia X7 against the Samsung Galaxy SII. The latter is Samsung’s flagship handset, arguably one of if not the best Android handset on the market. The X7, well no, that’s not Nokia’s flagship. It’s part of the ‘dilute all features, never amassing all strengths into one handset’ history.
Considering what Nokia’s put inside the X7 compared to the SGSII (internally, the X7 is identical to the mid-low end Nokia C6-01!), it doesn’t seem to fare all that badly. Asphalt 5 comparison is quite noticeable. Even on Gameloft’s official video, the game appeared to lag. The SGSII is really having none of that.
On Amazon, both can be found at similar prices, though if some sellers list the X7 as ‘low’ as 379.99. The SGSII about 429.
Sat Nav mode is interesting. Does Android do preloaded maps now? I can’t imagine zipping along the motorway and the phone having to download map data. It does look prettier somewhat with the satellite view on the SGSII (I find satellite view though a little distracting at times). Ultimately Ovi/Nokia maps has the nicest 3D but that’s limited to 20 cities and only not even available on phones. The 3D structures on Ovi Maps is ok, though limited, as is satellite view.
Just as pure navigation, getting A to B, Ovi/Nokia Maps is great, and has gotten even better with 3.08. GPS signal strength, locking speed is important. If SGSII is anything like my Omnia 7 on that front, then it’s a bag of crap.
Why does this X7′s Anna keyboard have no split screen? Does it do multitouch? I give up on the Symbian touch keyboard. Probably why I got along with E6 so much. Swype is a must install.
Browser comparison is slightly less embarrassing. I remember how MicroB used to whip all other browsers in comparisons. Engadget test was slightly unfair as he pressed the SGSII bookmark but longpressed on the X7, and did not restart the test. But even on identical footing (as with first test) the SGSII would have won anyway.
It PAINS me to see the slight lags in scrolling 
And the delay with chequer-boarding when zooming out.
Video samples
IMO Anna is good, it gets things done. I don’t think it’s as ‘pretty’ as Android though which is why the general response of the public is that it’s nicer and Symbian is old and dated. I think Anna Icons are nicer than Samsung’s. The default browser really does pale in comparison to SGSII.
Some other comparisons – camera UI, Music Player, video player, Email would have been cool.
Videos by Smartphoneenvy
Category: Nokia
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Hey, thanks for reading my post. My name is Jay and I'm a medical student at the University of Manchester. When I can, I blog here at mynokiablog.com and tweet now and again @jaymontano. We also have a twitter and facebook accounts @mynokiablog and Facebook.com/mynokiablog. Check out the tips, guides and rules for commenting >>click<< Contact us at tips(@)mynokiablog.com or email me directly on jay[at]mynokiablog.comSubscribe
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Sites That Link to this Post
- [Video Comparison] Nokia X7 vs. Samsung Galaxy SII - Symbian Anna vs. Android | Smartphone Geeks | July 10, 2011
- Nokia X7 vs Samsung Galaxy SII oder Symbian Anna vs Android Gingerbread | | July 10, 2011
- Symbian Anna vs Android Gingerbread: il Nokia X7 a confronto con il Samsung Galaxy S2 (video) | July 10, 2011
- Symbian Anna V.S Android Gingerbread, The Nokia X7 Compared With The Samsung Galaxy S2 (Video) | July 10, 2011
- Complete Information of Samsung Galaxy S2 : Release Date, Specs, Carrier And Review | October 3, 2011
- android tablet forums | October 20, 2011
That’s not a fair comparison… Should compare the S2 to the N9!
exactly. but that would be fair and unfair at the same time. fair if you consider that both are flagship products. unfair if you consider the prices
i tot they are in the same price range?
Considering they cost about the same (this is Nokia’s fault for overpricing the X7), it really IS fair.
Indeed!
OMG the browser really sucks!
To answer your question, I have heard you can now download google maps to android devices, in particular Samsung Androids. This is only a very new feature.
Yes now we can can download our favorite route map within the mobile. That’s a new facility in Android (selected) phone. X7 working speed is not upto SGS2, the galaxy can also handle multiple programs same time without any lag in the running applications. So I wish Nokia must produce a smart really smart phone to the market to compete these android sys…..Waiting for that Nokia announced N9 but still waiting for the competitor for SGS2.
well when i have a fovourite route i know how to drive and i don’t see a need to dowload it? I use navigation when i’m driving a route the first time or when i wan’t to get to a place where i have never been before. And actually on holliday i don’t even know what my next target would be.
Yes, within a 10 mile radius. That a step in the right correction.
That’s just pathetic. So basically Google navigation is still useless when you’re offline or abroad.
It’s soon 2012 and no proper offline navigation in Google. Why don’t they let you download country maps like what Nokia does?!
Thank god Nokia has Navteq and it’s excellent maps and navigation that work anywhere…for FREE.
The only time it would be worth comparing any nokia device running symbian ^3 is when it has belle update loaded on the devices. At the moment android is eating up every nokia device alive. Sure the nokias are efficient in battery, os is versatile and has more ability but it pales in comparison in 4 areas. That is browsing, gaming, eyecandy and lastly price. Now tell me those arent major selling points for users at the moment? In other areas nokia just rules barr the app market but ovi store isnt bad to tell you the truth. Now not every android device is great but this comparison between the sgs2 is ridiculous as price wise it just doesnt make sense choosing the x7 at all. X7 is born to be a failure unless it doesnt shed some cash off the price. Now lets hope that happens now and the N9 comes in at around the same price as the sgs2. Even with its dual core the N9 would be a better competition and should pull many buyers away from sammy including me. Well either way, i’m still getting that N9! Sgs2 can wait. The N9 would eat the sgs2 up alive. Just my thoughts.
+1
I disagree. It must be hard for a Nokia fanboy to accept, but right now, Samsung Galaxy S II is the best phone right now software and hardware wise.
definetly not. Pictures are oversturated and software ist as boring as the whole device. I have tried it for some minutes, it’s nothing special. But the n9 is going to kick ass. Samsungs and apples.
you’re right. Android is so boring, thought that several times while trying these phones. +1 for that.
Btw: during the last weeks i met several people using n8s. They looked happy with it, watched movies while traveling by train. So i guess people dont care about os, they care about style. And x7 is so stylish, it will sell like hell.
If Android is boring then so is Anna and so is Belle. What is the real difference (software wise that is) between Symbian and Android? Both are icon based and in a way work exactly the same.
The exterior is something different ofcourse, then it is the SGS that is boring.
Wathcing movies form YouTube is a pain in the ass on the N8. Nowhere near as fluid as on an Android device but that logic, Google will only give their own the best experience.
never had a problem watching and uploading vid on youtube from my N8 LOL and i’ve updated my phone to 2.0 which is even better than before :3……android and iOS still suffer from the download a millions apps just to do a few things that symbian can do out the box LOL
Wasnt talking about youtube. I believe they watched regular videos (like avi) on their phones…
But you’re right: Youtube experience isn’t great but ok.
Android Is a Good OS and So as Meego and symabin, all are at there places….
I m sure some features in Symabin Like Maps ,youtube, gmail apps are not so fast because it is Google Products and he Optimized Andriod accordingly.
I seen both android and Symabin nearly.
Many things are simple and easy IN Syambin and some In android
Like
1. Working with SMS is easier In symabin (can create Folders and save message and Kept Inbox empty (like outlook))
2. Music Player is also easier.
3 Can create folder In Symabin Menu.
4. In setting , i can get the Incoming and Outgoing Speed of data transfer and the in and out data In MB. (can manage the connection easily like Windows)
While In Android , its Maps , its Browser and app store are very Nice .
it totally depend on the use and need of a person..
I agree, Android has become boring imo. So has iOS. That pretty much happened when I saw N9 and it’s MeeGo/Harmattan. I just love N9 and it’s OS. Nothing else really interests me anymore. Symbian Belle will be nice too, considering how rich an OS Symbian is, but that Swipe system is just so much above anything else in the smartphone OS world.
i found the iphone os boring as it only really had 1 screen.
Android slightly less boring but not quite that efficient.
N9 MeeGo UI is almost as boring as iOS in terms of looks, but more efficient than android .. putting it in the middle of the two
WP7 is a mixed bag, its kinda ugly, but at the same time kinda cool..
i might just wait for a WP& version of the SGS2 and give that platform a go.. specially if Ovi maps are dumped on it in an update, which it will be. Then why would i want a nokia? N9 doesn’t have flash either – which isn’t a game changer – but it’s annoying to say the least.
flash is not an impossibility for n9.
there are a couple of avenues that will probably make it an option, officially or unofficially.
Do some reading around, particularly in the maemo forum.
Not that I care personally because html5 is become the de-facto standard everywhere on the interwebs LT.
But it’ll be nice to haveit there as a back-up.
+1
You disagree about what exactly?? Nobody said that the sgs2 is bad. It is just that this comparison just doesn’t make any sense. The sgs2 is a great device but the build quality of samsung phones leaves something to be desired and their phones just seem to be rushed to market as they are just trying to stay ahead of the chasing pack on android. It is a good phone but I have used android devices and they are laggy and battery life sucks. I’d rather have a device that is a little slower than the brute power of the sgs2 but not freeze and hang every so often. To me the dual core shindig that every manufacturer is boasting about is just a hype that is just not used properly at the moment. Samsung on the sgs2 uses the dual cores the best at the moment than the rest but it is still far from where it should be at. Maybe with future updates we shall see some improvements but we shall wait and see. Oh and by the way being a fanboy has nothing to do with my thoughts. If it is my money that is in question here then I would want to choose something that works flawlessly and gives me value for money as well. If I had a choice between the x7 and sgs2 I’d choose the latter. If I had a choice between the n9 and sgs2 then the n9 would be my 1st choice based on what I’ve seen thus far. I would nevertheless still wait for it to come out before making that final assessment as we have not seen a full review and the glitches will be evident when it is released, if there is any. Being a fanboy is fine but at least I’m not a blind one!!
I would love to see the comparison of N9 with dual core SGS II…
Damn wait is killing me… When will I get my N9
4/5 years depending on delays
oh well, at least with no nokia retail stores left then they can’t shaft me with their pre-ordering system again!
I think the N9 LOOKS like a kick ass device, but it disturbs me how people are putting the cart before the horse. Nobody know much about the N9′s performance. What I mean by this is that it appears today the most important features in a modern smartphone are the browser, email, and social networking. How are these on the N9? More importantly, are they RELIABLE?
Until we get a proper review, I wouldn’t say the N9 is gonna wipe the floor w/ the SGS II quite yet. It’s one thing to LOOK nice (which the N9 definitely does), but it’s an entirely different thing to PERFORM well. It is known that the SGS II performs pretty well. The jury is still out on the N9.
It’s the effect of desire that is in play here. A lot of Nokia fans want to see a top end device from Nokia. While they may hail that Symbian is great and all secretly they know Symbian isn’t the high end product they want to see Nokia put out.
Hence the all hail N9 attitude without it even being properly reviewed.
I share your thoughts, especiallu considering Nokia’s track record lately.
after the N900 we knew that symbian was gonna be for mid market and maemo was gonna be the new OS for the Nseries
Agreed. Its the desire of the Nokia fans that are pining for a flagship that just eats every other phone up on its path but its not just that. Its also due to the good vibes that the n9 has been getting from the media such as big haters like engadget and others. The hype built around this phone is phenominal and that has been a main contributor for this perception created around the n9. Whether its good or not we have yet to see but one has to be very wary about why there is so much hype with this phone. It is either that brilliant or there may be some hidden agenda here. To me it could be to do with trying to negatively affect the introduction of wp7 devices running mango by certain sites hating Microsoft or something bigger here like trying to create tension within Nokia by creating distrust in Elops decisions. Whatever it is the media has a big part to the thoughts on the n9 but if all this hype is indeed true, we could have a device that is awesome and hence would be warranted for being the competitor for other phones or OS’s. I for one have just seen what the media has had to say and the perception has been created by them. Had it been negative I wouldn’t bother looking at getting this phone. Nevertheless, I will wait for its launch to see whether all this hype was just blowing smoke by the media or if it trully is that good before settling my mind to get one. Obviously I would like to try one by myself too!!
Have you watched any of the N9 videos? It’s good already. No. It’s great. The only real question is reliability. We’ll just have to wait, when the finished version gets to reviewers and they use it a few weeks, to find out.
But regardless of the reliability, when you see the Swipe UI in action, it’s just pure engineering beauty how fluently and efficiently it works. It’s simplicity in it’s best. It makes multitasking fast and easy. And no other OS has anything like that. It’s new innovation that we really haven’t seen lately. That’s what makes N9 so exciting and hyped. And WP7 doesn’t come even close. WP7 doesn’t even have REAL multitasking, much less is it’s use fast and easy. It’s clumsy compared to N9. And add to that the horrible UI, the missing features and the fact that WP7 is just a wannabe iPhone that’s worse than the real thing. And people usually want the real thing anyway, instead of a poor copy.
Reading comments here it seems, that the ones doubting N9 tend to be WP7 “fans”. I can understand that. N9 has totally taken the air out of WP7. There’s even less interest in it now. Suddenly WP7 has pretty much nothing to offer, when it’s only plus, the relatively easy (albeit ugly as hell) UI has been overtaken by N9 and it’s Swipe UI.
And one more thing, when pretty much every reviewer thinks that N9 is great (even the Nokia haters), there’s gotta be something to it. Of course there will be people that don’t like it. There are people who don’t like iPhone and still it’s a huge success. Or Android and it’s still a big success. N9 is a phone that appeals to Symbian/open source crowd AND the iPhone users. That’s quite unusual, for Nokia anyway, since iPhone users tend to hate anything Nokia.
Yes I’ve seen lots of videos for the n9. What I’ve seen has blown my mind away thus far. The only comparison for this phone is the iPhone due to the fact that everything works so seamlessly. Nokia have created a great device and for 1st impressions it is awesome. I’m sure that they’d Polish it up even further before it is released but I’m impressed with what I’ve seen! I hope it performs as we’ve seen on videos. Just iron out the minor glitches and include what’s been left out at 1st then we could be seeing a phone that has the ability to take on just about any phone out there. The only concern would be with regards to gaming as certain games are designed for dual core phones. That isn’t a biggie for me though. What I’ve seen makes this phone perfect for my Everyday use and has the ability to do much more as well if needed. Lets hope Nokia polishes the phone before launch.
“…it appears today the most important features in a modern smartphone are the browser, email, and social networking. How are these on the N9? More importantly, are they RELIABLE? ”
Every N9 preview video that I’ve seen so far (and I’ve seen about 20 different ones) shows that all those important features you mention work fluently already. Only question is reliability. And that is impossible to assess now without having N9 to use daily for a few weeks.
We just have to wait until it comes out to see what the reliability is. What I’ve heard though is that N8 was much less reliable at this point last year than N9 is now.
I agree w/ everything you say. I’m eager to see the reliability of the N9. My caution derives from the fact that when Symbian ^3 videos were being shown before release, they all looked pretty good. But these videos only showed that the newer Symbian devices had the capabilities (push email, browser, social networking). After release, we found out capability does not equal reliability. Push email is not reliable and the browser and social networking client isn’t very good. I don’t want to repeat that experience should I decide to get the N9.
He had a lot of apps running in the background on the X7 though
even Maps
yes people in the video pointed that out , what the hell ? , how is that fair if the he is running some of the heavyest apps in on the X7 in the background
Isn’t it the same for the GS2? Though I dont see why you’re so upset. It was pretty damn obvious that the (arguably) best phone in the world right now would win hands down.
That right there is why the iOS style multitasking with tombstoning works so well for the masses. There are so many example out there of video’s that reviewers leave all kinds of apps open while doing the review.
That would happen with the normal user as well thus making the feeling with the device laggy. IF background processes are managed better they won’t have that.
However I still prefer Symbian multitasking over iOS style I can see how iOS multitasking style is far better for the masses.
Nice Information thanks for sharing this info
Ow yeah let’s do speed comparisons on a phone with a Dual-core 1.2ghz CPU vs. on that has a 680mhz CPU. It’s pretty fucking obvious who would win. This vs. test is frankly moronic and the X7 is an overpriced phone as is.
Allright than, why nokia don’t create phones with 1 ghz or dual core or something else ?.
Now Nokia fan boys say; “Symbian don’t need 1 ghz process, it can make more with lower process.” haha.
. Where is this “more” ? I can’t see ?. It can’t even open a Web Page proper ? .. This is symbian’s “more.”
I can laugh this with my ass.
Why is there no Ghz Symbian device? I honestly belive it has to do with profit margins inside Nokia. Sell yesterday’s parts for tomorrow’s money will always get you a bigger profit margin.
Simple sum; Ghz SoC costs $50 per phone and a 680Mhz one costs only $20 that’s $30 per phone more and with N8 sales being around 4-5?? million that’s 120 to 150 million more in profit.
The sum is an example btw.
it’s not just that. A phone has also to ve durable, has to have good loudspaekers for car navigation, a good gps receiver etc.
In my point of view a typical android phone has a strong cpu and a good screen and the rest is……
Nevertheless i wouldn’t buy a x7. My girlfriend is getting a n8 simply because of camera and navigation. Games and surfing are not the most used features by her.
LOL at comparing Galaxy S II with anything from Nokia…
It’s like comparing a Lada with Porsche 911 Turbo.
There is simply no comparison, Galaxy S II just wipes floor with anything from Nokia.
It’s also funny how you guys say “Uuh, just wait till Belle comes out, blah, blah, blah”… guess what!? Belle is not here, and probably will not be till H2 2012, Galaxy S II is here and now, and in 2012 there will be Galaxy S III and a new Android, which again will wipe floor with Nokia.
I’m sure I will also get the usual “But, but, but Nokia has an FM transmitter” Well boohoo, FM transmitter is terrible, especially with modern, well insulated cars, nobody who likes music will consider an FM transmitter.
Android and iOS do well what matters to people everyday, browsing, email, twitter/facebook, texting, jotting down notes, calendar… everything Nokia sucks at!
But you have an FM TRANSMITTER!!! LOL!
N9 could’ve been great but Nokia it again, N9 won’t have any support or any applications, it’s remote, isolated unmanned island.
And by the time the N9 comes out there will be a new Samsung Nexus phone, iPhone 5, new HTC flagship.
As for the X7, paying more than 200 euros for it would be a waste of money, I would not even pay 150 for it.
meh i play with a , Galaxy S II everyday, still like my n8 more.
better built, better camera, usb on the go,
better hdmi experience,
better battery life and better call quality.
so to me its a better phone.
Better HMDI experience? How so? Is it because of Big Screen? They both fucntion the same apart from that I presume?
basically yes , big screen and its easy to use the wii mote as remote, good codec support too.
So I guess that’s all you do with the phone?
If you had a Galaxy S II as YOUR phone, you’d also discover browsing, emails, texting, …
yea with my opera brower does on my N8 does browsing and email great. And never had a problem sending text on my n8.
when it comes to real work i of course have a nice computer in work, at home i have top desktop and i have laptop and a tablet for extended travel.
so when it comes down to it , i need my phone to be a good phone , and the N8 is what i need.
have you watched initial D…….don’t underestimate the crappy looks
85 tureno beat every car in the series cause the drive knows the car in and out and with little boost and wicked driving skills TAK(main character) murked everyone in the series ……
it’s not how fast and how good it looks…it’s how well it’s been built and how well the user knows how to use it
samsung phone’s are poor crappy pieces of plastic design copy of iphones. nokia are beautifully crafted and “disruptive” designed phones. this gigahertz race is just stupid. this is only marketing shit for mass market. it has a larger screen it has more powerful processor so it is better. easy to understand for small brains. yes you will gain 10s at the end of the day with your plastic crap gigahertz cpu. what a big deal. so what will come next samsung will release 2ghz phone in 6months. fuck you have only 1,2ghz you’re a fucking loser you have to buy the new samsung QUICK or you won’t be able to get any girls anymore. this way of thinking is ruining the planet. sure samsung will make a lot of money with their cash cow customers. ok it’s a good phone but please stop touching yourself while playing with it. when i read that kind of comments i understand why the world is going straight into the wall…
Better comparison of Nokia vs Galaxy S II
Haha LOL
I don’t think anybody here cares about you.
Yes yes, Nokia phones have better build quality and are a bit more difficult to use, but to liken them to tanks, although fair, is just a little over the top
LOL! I was expecting another comparison video.
Problem with SGS2 is that you can’t play(some games) for very long since the damn thing overheats so much you can’t touch the screen anymore
Lol!! That’s nice. At least when I get hungry I can fry an egg on that screen!!
Or just put in your pants to get warm, always better than to pee yourself.
+1 LOL
+1
If u want A tea/ coffee or omellate , u Need a SGS 2 with a charger !!!
ha ha ha its very Hot Phone !!! ( By a cheap and Copy cat Company)
what’s this I don’t even
Problem with Nokia is that there is nothing worse playing at all.
hey jay block his comments. i dont know what he wants.
haha
. You look asshole, Bilal. 
lol
Thenkou find ovi Vedio system service . Find my nokia E63 web internet conected problem Recoset .
Ya sure compare a dual core 1.2Ghz phone with a 680Mhz phone. Stupidity has no bounds for comparisons. Why cant they compare a android phone running on 680mhz phone with nokia phone. I assure you Nokia will kick their asses and way better than android running on a 680mhz processor. They should compare Nokia N9 with Samsung galaxy 2. I wounder who will win even with nokia running a mere 1ghz processor.
ya sure, put the x7 in the same price range as the sgs2. smart move from nokia. :/
+1
This site really needs a comment voting system.
Why do they even bother. It’s 2 totally different level of device.
I hate Samsung, because it reminds me of home appliances.
“The X7, well no, that’s not Nokia’s flagship. It’s part of the ‘dilute all features, never amassing all strengths into one handset’ history.”
Seriously right, why is it that the N8 is still Nokia’s best phone, its a year old!
It’s wrong comparision
Not fair to compare cheap recycled plastic with beautiful metal body, it’s like comparing Hyundai with Bentley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XanU150CPdk
Jay,is every think ok with your head ? Maybe you starting compare N95 with SGS II ? Do you think we are an idiot’s ?
@ hmm, is everything OK with your comprehension skills? Did you read this post? Did you see it was not I who compared these two and I’ve described how the SGSII is Samsung’s Flagship while X7 is not Nokia’s?
I didn’t think so.
hello..nice demontration..but from where i can buy online ? did you know the best online shop with the lower price ?
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You post sucks