Samsung phone wins endurance test

The Samsung Galaxy S II has come out on top in an independent test that saw a range of smartphones subjected to subzero conditions.

An endurance challenge carried out by Finnish technology publication MikroPC saw 15 leading handsets placed in freezing temperatures at a scientific lab at the VTT Technical Research Centre, with the device said to be the only one to "run smoothly" at -30 degrees C.

The product also continued to function until the lab further reduced the temperatures to -35 degrees C, at which point it stopped.

Scientists note that in extremely low temperatures, phones will register that the battery is empty, even if it is actually fully charged, and as such will not switch on.

"For those willing to brave the cold, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the smartphone of choice for the arctic climate," the firm notes, with four other models shown to survive in temperatures below -20 degrees C.

In addition to being capable of withstanding the cold, the Samsung Galaxy S II has a non-slip battery cover, HyperSkin - which provides a premium metal look - and a 4.3-inch screen.