Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 vs. Galaxy Core Prime: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy Ace 3 and Core Prime were popular budget options. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Core Prime generally edges out the Ace 3 thanks to its quad-core processor and newer Snapdragon chipset. While the Ace 3 boasts impressive battery endurance, the Core Prime's improved performance and slightly more modern features make it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versionsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100 - S7270, S7272HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - G360F
4G bands3, 7, 8, 20 - S72751, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28 - G360G
SpeedHSPA 42.2(14.4 - 3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - S72752, 4, 12 - G360T (T-Mobile)
Launch
Announced2013, June. Released 2013, July2014, November. Released 2014, November
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions121.2 x 62.7 x 9.8 mm (3G) / 121.2 x 62.7 x 10 mm (LTE)130.8 x 67.9 x 8.8 mm (5.15 x 2.67 x 0.35 in)
SIMSingle SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight115 g (3G) / 119.5 g (LTE) (4.06 oz)130 g (4.59 oz)
Display
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density)
Size4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio)4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTTFT
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 (3G) / Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait (LTE)Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetBroadcom BCM21664 (3G) / Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) (LTE)Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm)
GPUBroadcom VideoCore IV (3G) / Adreno 305 (LTE)Adreno 306
OSAndroid 4.2 (Jelly Bean)Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal4GB 1GB RAM (3G), 8GB 1GB RAM (LTE)8GB 1GB RAM
 eMMC 4.5eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaLED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.6, AF5 MP, f/2.6, AF
Video720p@30fps720p@30fps
Selfie camera
SingleVGA2 MP
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP4.0, A2DP
NFCYes (LTE model only)Yes (LTE models, except SM-G360BT)
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity
 -Digital TV (SM-G360BT)
Battery
Music play-Up to 60 h
Stand-byUp to 370 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 8 h (3G)Up to 13 h (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 1800/1500 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Dark RedBlack, White, Gray
ModelsGT-S7272, GT-S7275, GT-S7275R, GT-S720, GT-S7270, GT-S7278, GT-S7270LSM-G360T, SM-G3606, SM-G3608, SM-G3609, SM-G360BT, SM-G360F, SM-G360FY, SM-G360G, SM-G360GY, SM-G360H, SM-G360H/D, SM-G360BT, SM-G361, SM-G361H, SM-G361F, SM-G360HU, SM-G360T1, SM-G360M, SM-G360P, SM-G360V, SM-S820L, SM-G360AZ, SM-G361HU
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 150 EUR
SAR0.67 W/kg (head)     0.45 W/kg (body)0.70 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.47 W/kg (head)     0.35 W/kg (body)0.60 W/kg (head)     0.40 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 34h -
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 879:1 (nominal) / 1.622:1 (sunlight)-
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB -
Performance- Basemark X: 1895

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Good sunlight display contrast
  • Compact and lightweight

  • Outdated processor
  • Lower performance
  • Limited features compared to newer phones

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime

  • Improved performance with quad-core processor
  • More modern chipset (Snapdragon 410)
  • Slightly more contemporary design

  • Battery life not as impressive as Ace 3
  • Camera quality is average
  • Limited storage options

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) with decent contrast ratios. The Ace 3's 1.622:1 sunlight contrast is noteworthy, suggesting better visibility outdoors. However, resolution and screen size are likely comparable, with neither offering a particularly high-quality viewing experience by today's standards. Expect standard LCD color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are sparse for both devices. Both likely offer standard photo and video capabilities for their time. Image quality will likely be similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light. The Core Prime's newer chipset *might* offer slightly better image processing.

Performance

This is where the Core Prime shines. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 processor provides a significant performance boost over the Ace 3's dual-core Cortex-A9. The Snapdragon 410 chipset in the Core Prime is also more modern and efficient. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Core Prime.

Battery Life

The Ace 3 holds a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an impressive 34-hour endurance rating. This is a significant benefit for users who need a phone that can last through a full day or more on a single charge. The Core Prime's battery life is likely still respectable, but not as exceptional as the Ace 3.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 is a good option for users prioritizing long battery life and who don't need the latest performance. The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, a slightly more modern design, and a more capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy Core Prime is significantly better for gaming due to its quad-core processor and more modern chipset. The Ace 3 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Is the Galaxy Ace 3 still worth buying?
Only if battery life is your absolute top priority and you're on a very tight budget. Otherwise, the Core Prime offers a better overall experience.
❓ What year were these phones released?
The Galaxy Ace 3 was released in 2014, while the Galaxy Core Prime came out in 2015.