Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Tackling the space between the entry- and mid-market handsets

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review
The Galaxy Ace is reborn, but how does it match up to the original?

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Exceeding the expectations laid out by its on-paper specs, the 5-megapixel rear-mounted camera found on Galaxy Ace 2 offers hugely impressive results with the integrated autofocus features, inbuilt LED flash and smile detection shooting further bolstering the handset's impressive bag of tricks and allowing for simple image capturing in all conditions.

With a shutter speed that can live up to more static panoramic shots, an attribute that is errant from a number of smartphone integrated cameras, users can also opt to activate the camera's autofocusing abilities simply by tapping on a desired area of the screen, a handy feature that works well to ensure your desired content is always in focus.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Although the handset struggles with Macro shooting, not liking exceedingly close focal lengths, a strong collection of shooting modes counteract this niggle as the standard collection of scene modes (portrait, landscape, night, sports, fireworks, etc) are joined by the more advanced, an entry-level market breeching shooting modes.

Whilst the 'cartoon' option offers little in terms of impressive results, the Ace 2's 'panorama' features are some of the best on the market despite not functioning well off a steep incline, stitching images together perfectly to form impressive, expansive shots.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

For those wanting even more control over their handset's photographic capabilities, simplistic alterations can be made to the device's white balance, exposure value and ISO settings. Although only small customising changes can be made, it is easy to do and requires little faff or fuss.

Whilst shooting from dark into light can have mixed results, the Ace 2's integrated 5-megapixel camera is largely impressive with its light management skills with indoor use of the integrated LED flash not proving over powerful and simple whiting out snaps.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

The Galaxy Ace 2 manages to produce vivid colours

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

The camera can cope with detail in the foreground and distance

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Lovely landscape shots a totally possible here

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Panorama works well, stitching images together perfectly to form impressive shots

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

The Galaxy Ace 2 struggles a little in macro mode

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

The Galaxy Ace 2 can take decent landscape shots

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Although the 'cartoon' option offers little in terms of impressive results

Click here to see the full resolution image

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Even in uneven light the Ace 2 manages to cope ok

Click here to see the full resolution image