The Lenovo A7 and Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime represent a fascinating intersection of budget-friendly smartphones. Released in different eras, they both aimed to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the most compelling package for today's user, focusing on the critical differences in their chipsets and overall performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and potentially longer software support (given Lenovo's current trajectory), the Lenovo A7 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its newer Unisoc SC9863A chipset, built on a smaller 28nm process, offers improved power efficiency, though at the cost of raw processing power compared to the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime’s Exynos 7870.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2016, September 01. Released 2016, November 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 151.7 x 75 x 8 mm (5.97 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 167 g (5.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (market dependent) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/1.9 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 84 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | L19111 | SM-G610F, SM-G610Y, SM-G610M, SM-G610 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A7
- More power-efficient chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Potentially longer battery life
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Lower raw processing power compared to Exynos 7870
- Smaller screen size may not suit all users
Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime
- Slightly larger display for media consumption
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially better image processing (Exynos ISP)
- Less power-efficient chipset (Exynos 7870)
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Limited software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics like brightness nits and color accuracy are unavailable, but given their market segments, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The J7 Prime’s slightly larger screen size (typically 5.5 inches vs. the A7’s 5.0 inches) may be preferable for media consumption, but the A7’s smaller form factor could appeal to users seeking a more pocketable device. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their release timelines.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera. The J7 Prime often included a 13MP rear camera, while the A7 typically features an 8MP sensor. The Exynos 7870’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. However, the A7’s newer chipset could potentially offer improved low-light performance through software optimizations. Both devices likely include basic features like HDR and panorama modes, but advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) are unlikely.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime’s Exynos 7870, fabricated on a 14nm process, features eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. While offering decent performance for its time, the older architecture is less efficient than the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A. The A7 utilizes a combination of four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz, built on a 28nm node. Although the A53 cores in the Exynos are clocked higher, the A55 architecture is more modern and efficient. This translates to potentially better sustained performance and less thermal throttling on the A7, despite the larger process node. The A7’s chipset is likely to handle everyday tasks smoothly, while the J7 Prime might show slight advantages in older, less optimized applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial factor in this segment. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, the Unisoc SC9863A’s superior power efficiency in the Lenovo A7 suggests it will likely deliver longer battery life than the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime, despite potentially having a smaller battery. The Exynos 7870, being a less efficient chip, will consume more power under load. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you need a device for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light multimedia consumption, and value battery life and potential for future software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime if you prioritize slightly more responsive performance for multitasking and older, less demanding games, and appreciate Samsung’s established brand reputation, understanding that software support may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7870 in the Galaxy J7 Prime tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7870, being a 14nm chip, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles will likely result in noticeable performance drops as the chip heats up. The Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite being on a 28nm node, benefits from a more modern architecture and may exhibit less throttling.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones capable of taking good photos in low-light conditions?
Low-light performance will be limited on both devices. Neither phone features optical image stabilization (OIS), and their sensors are relatively small. The Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime’s Exynos 7870 might offer slightly better image processing, but expect noise and a lack of detail in challenging lighting scenarios. Software optimizations on the A7 could potentially mitigate this, but don't expect flagship-level results.
❓ Will either of these phones receive Android updates beyond their initial release versions?
Software support is a significant concern. The Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime is likely nearing the end of its software update lifecycle. Lenovo, while historically inconsistent, has shown a renewed commitment to updates with some of its recent devices. The A7 has a higher probability of receiving at least one major Android update, but long-term support remains uncertain for both.
