• 1/3.2 inch 15.5mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 30.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Samsung Galaxy S II advantages over Nikon 170

  • More telephoto lens reach
    30 mm vs 15 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    10 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    1152k vs 345k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

Nikon 170 advantages over Samsung Galaxy S II

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3.2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.61 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    15 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    1/2 vs 1/15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon 170
NIkon KeyMission 170
All 170 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Amazing screen; Good image quality; Offers more control; Virtual half-press on shutter if desired; easy uploads to social media.

  • Occasional signal trouble; Banding in Macro mode; Design is so slim it's sometimes hard to hold; Muted color.

  • Read our Samsung Galaxy S II Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung NV30
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Samsung NV30

Nikon 170
Samsung NV30
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung NV30

Compared to Canon SD1100 IS

Samsung Galaxy S II
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Canon SD1100 IS

Nikon 170
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon 170 vs Canon SD1100 IS

Compared to Nikon S520

Samsung Galaxy S II
Nikon S520
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Nikon S520

Nikon 170
Nikon S520
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger sensor
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nikon S520

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Samsung Galaxy S II
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon 170
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon 170 vs Canon SD1200 IS

Compared to Nokia N8

Samsung Galaxy S II
Nokia N8
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Samsung Galaxy S II vs Nokia N8

Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nokia N8

Compare Other Cameras?