My contract is up, currently got a Galaxy S 1 (16gb model sim unlocked)

Currently Vodafone have some epic deals through a well known high street retailer

Galaxy SII: £0 (white) or £40 (black) upfront
Galaxy Nexus: £100 upfront

12 month contract, 300 mins, 3000 texts, 500mb web £36 a month

So I'm looking at £432-532 for 12 months inc cost of the phone (minus cashback and selling the phone)

Anyone have any idea which is better? The Galaxy Nexus has 'iffy' reviews but is newer and obviously getting ICS sooner being the new 'google' phone

I'm confused, the Galaxy Nexus isn't "getting" ICS sooner, it ships with it.

That is newer, as opposed to waiting a month or so for it

If staying current is the issue, I'd go with the Nexus.

I don't like the build quality of the Galaxy SII, it is too plasticy. I prefer my Sensation, the metal and rubberised surface surface make it feel more solid.If the Galaxy S is still in working order, I'd hold off until after CES and Mobile World, as the new phones for 2012 will be introduced there.

Also, I tend to buy the phones and not get them on a contract, it is often cheaper than using the contract to subsidise the phone and you don't get the carrier junk pre-installed on the phone.