Remember the LG Optimus Black, a flagship from a bygone era? Now, let's pit it against the Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime, a budget-friendly device that aimed for accessibility. This comparison explores how these phones stack up today, considering their age and intended markets.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime wins overall. While the Optimus Black boasts a superior display contrast, the J2 Prime's newer chipset and quad-core processor provide significantly better performance and longevity. It's a clear victory for modern efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G532F, G532G |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 12 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - G532F |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, January. Released 2011, May | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 122 x 64 x 9.2 mm (4.80 x 2.52 x 0.36 in) | 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | · Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| | Optimus UI 2.0, Gesture UI 2.0 | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 3630 | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX530 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 2GB (1GB user available), 512MB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP4/DivX/Xvid/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Document viewer
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 59 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 375 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h | Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, Silver, White, Brown | Black, Gold, Silver, Pink |
| Models | - | SM-G532G, SM-G532M, SM-G532G, SM-G532F, SM-G532MT |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.27 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -64.5dB / Crosstalk -66.8dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1161:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 82dB
| - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -64.5dB / Crosstalk -66.8dB | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1161:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 82dB | - |
LG Optimus Black P970
- Excellent contrast ratio display
- Compact size
- Sleek design (for its time)
- Outdated processor
- Limited app compatibility
- Lower camera quality compared to modern phones
- Smaller battery
Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime
- Faster processor
- Better multitasking
- More modern software support
- Larger display
- Improved camera (likely)
- Basic design
- Limited storage (likely)
- Not a flagship device
Display Comparison
The LG Optimus Black shines here. Its 1161:1 contrast ratio was impressive for its time, offering deeper blacks and better image quality than the J2 Prime's likely lower contrast display. However, the J2 Prime likely has a higher resolution, potentially making images sharper. Screen size is also a factor; the Optimus Black had a 4.0-inch display, while the J2 Prime had a 5.0-inch display.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is difficult to definitively declare a winner without detailed testing. Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the J2 Prime likely has a more modern sensor and image processing. The Optimus Black's camera was adequate for its time, but likely struggles compared to the J2 Prime in low-light conditions. Expect the J2 Prime to produce more detailed and vibrant images.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime takes a commanding lead. Its 1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 processor is significantly faster and more efficient than the Optimus Black's 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience. The J2 Prime's 28nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life is a tricky comparison due to differing battery capacities and usage patterns. The Optimus Black likely had a smaller battery, but its older processor might have been more power-efficient in some scenarios. The J2 Prime's newer chipset and potentially larger battery likely give it an edge in overall battery endurance, especially with modern app usage.
Buying Guide
The LG Optimus Black P970 is for nostalgia enthusiasts or those seeking a very basic, compact phone with a decent screen. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime is ideal for first-time smartphone users, those on a tight budget, or anyone needing a reliable, simple device for calls, texts, and basic apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG Optimus Black still usable in 2024?
It can be used for basic tasks like calls and texts, but app compatibility and performance will be severely limited. Don't expect it to run modern apps smoothly.
❓ Which phone is better for social media?
The Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime is significantly better for social media due to its faster processor and more modern software.
