Both the Cubot J20 and the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) represent the extreme lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very affordable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the better experience for basic tasks and limited app usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance in everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) edges out the Cubot J20. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, despite being a similar generation chipset, offers a marginally better CPU clock speed and potentially more optimized software support, leading to a more responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2020, April 27. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 126.3 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.97 x 2.39 x 0.5 in) | 143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.65 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~57.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WA (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 2350 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) |
Cubot J20
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer more storage options
- Simple Android experience
- Slightly slower CPU clock speed
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)
- Qualcomm chipset with potentially better optimization
- More recognizable brand
- Potentially better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar limitations in camera and display quality
- Still a very basic smartphone experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are unavailable, but we can assume both target 720p or lower. The real-world impact will be similar – adequate for basic viewing, but lacking vibrancy and sharpness compared to higher-end displays. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate is not a priority here.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be low. Both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but will suffer significantly in low light. The focus should be on capturing basic memories, not high-quality photography. Any marketing around 'macro' capabilities should be viewed with extreme skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Cubot J20 utilizes the Mediatek MT6739WA, while the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) employs the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425. Both are quad-core Cortex-A53 processors fabricated on a 28nm process. However, the Snapdragon 425 has a slight clock speed advantage at 1.4 GHz versus the MT6739WA’s 1.3 GHz. While seemingly minor, this can translate to slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Qualcomm’s historically better driver support and optimization for their chipsets may also contribute to a more stable experience. Both phones will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage (calls, texts, light browsing). Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely to be slow, utilizing standard Micro-USB charging. The focus here isn't on fast charging, but on maximizing longevity on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J20 if you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are comfortable with potentially less frequent software updates. Its appeal lies in its ultra-budget price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) if you prefer a more recognizable brand, potentially better software optimization, and a slightly more fluid experience when navigating the interface and using basic apps. It's a small premium for a potentially more polished experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) receive Android updates?
Samsung's update policy for the J2 Core (2020) is limited. It likely shipped with Android 8.1 (Go Edition) or 9.0 (Go Edition) and may have received one major update. Expect security patches to be infrequent or non-existent. The Cubot J20's update situation is even less certain.
❓ Can either of these phones run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, both phones can run WhatsApp and Facebook, but the experience won't be lightning fast. Expect some lag when opening the apps or scrolling through feeds. These phones are best suited for basic usage of these apps, not heavy multitasking or video calls.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 425 in the Samsung J2 Core (2020) significantly better than the MT6739WA in the Cubot J20 for gaming?
Not significantly. Both chipsets are entry-level and will struggle with most modern games. You might be able to play very basic 2D games, but don't expect a playable experience with demanding titles like PUBG or Fortnite. The slight clock speed advantage of the Snapdragon 425 might offer a marginal improvement, but it won't be substantial.
