Released in similar timeframes and targeting the ultra-budget smartphone market, the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 and Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) represent attempts to deliver smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the better experience for users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) edges out the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+. Its slightly faster 1.5 GHz CPU and Spreadtrum chipset offer a marginal performance boost, making it more responsive for everyday tasks, despite both phones being limited by their hardware.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 40 - India |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, October. Released 2015, November | 2016, July. Released 2016, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 142.4 x 71.1 x 8 mm (5.61 x 2.80 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 138 g (4.87 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) | Spreadtrum SC8830 |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 54 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 500 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h | Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Silver, Black, Gold |
| Models | - | SM-J210F, SM-J210G, SM-J210H, SM-J210GU |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 406Basemark X: 1419 |
Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394
- Potentially longer battery life due to the power-efficient Mediatek chipset.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Focus on core functionality for basic users.
- Slower processor compared to the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016).
- Likely lower build quality.
- Less brand recognition.
Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016)
- Slightly faster processor for a more responsive experience.
- Samsung brand recognition and software optimization.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Likely shorter battery life compared to the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by its low-end hardware.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this price point). The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. The absence of information regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) or brightness nits makes a direct comparison difficult, but both will struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP sensor on either device is largely marketing fluff; its image quality will be minimal. Image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will be poor. The Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) *may* have a slight edge due to Samsung's generally more refined image processing algorithms, but expectations should remain low.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) utilizes the Spreadtrum SC8830, paired with a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU, while the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 features the Mediatek MT6582M with a 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the 200 MHz clock speed advantage of the Spreadtrum chip translates to slightly snappier performance in app loading and multitasking. The Mediatek MT6582M, built on a 28nm process, is a known power-efficient chip, but the performance difference is noticeable. Neither chipset is suited for demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
The Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 is marketed around its battery life, and the Mediatek MT6582M's power efficiency contributes to this. While the exact battery capacity isn't provided, it's likely larger than the Galaxy J2's. The Spreadtrum SC8830, while slightly faster, consumes more power. This means the Juice 3+ will likely offer longer screen-on time and overall battery endurance. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, given the lack of fast charging support.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 if your absolute priority is maximizing battery life and you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience for basic tasks like browsing and social media, and value the Samsung brand recognition, even within this budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Galaxy J2 (2016) is slightly more powerful than the Micromax, it will still exhibit lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps like WhatsApp and Facebook simultaneously. The Spreadtrum SC8830 is a basic chipset, and these apps are not optimized for such low-end hardware. Expect longer loading times and occasional freezes.
❓ Is the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 suitable for watching videos on YouTube?
The Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 can play YouTube videos, but the experience will be limited by the display resolution and processing power. Expect buffering, lower video quality, and potential stuttering, especially with higher resolution content. It's best suited for short video clips rather than extended viewing sessions.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
No. Neither the Micromax Canvas Juice 3+ Q394 nor the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) have the processing power or graphics capabilities to run PUBG Mobile or similar demanding games. Attempting to do so will result in extremely low frame rates and an unplayable experience.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Both phones likely offer limited internal storage (8GB or 16GB is typical for this segment) and support microSD card expansion. This is crucial, as the limited internal storage will fill up quickly with apps and media. Check the specifications carefully to confirm the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
