Choosing between mid-range Samsung phones can be tough. The Galaxy C7 (2017) and Galaxy J7 (2018) both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy C7 (2017) generally edges out the J7 (2018) thanks to its slightly faster processor and brighter display. However, the J7 (2018) boasts a more efficient chipset and potentially better software support. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - SM-J737U |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 66 - SM-J737U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14 - SM-J737A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, October | 2018, June. Released 2018, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 74.7 x 7.9 mm (6.00 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 153.2 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.03 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.7 GHz) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T830 MP1 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.7, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF or 13 MP, f/1.7, AF (operator dependent) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP / 13 MP, f/1.7 (operator dependent) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1/4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (operator dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (SM-J737T1 only) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Pink | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | SM-C710F, SM-C7100, SM-C7108 | SM-J737F, SM-J737V, SM-J737T, SM-J737A, SM-J737P, SM-J737T1, SM-J737U, SM-J737S, SM-J737R4 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017)
- Faster Processor
- Larger Display
- Vibrant Colors
- Premium Build Quality (Metal Frame)
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Older Software Updates
- Slightly Higher Price (when new)
Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018)
- Better Battery Efficiency
- Potentially More Software Updates
- More Affordable
- Slightly Better Low-Light Camera Performance (potentially)
- Slower Processor
- Smaller Display
- Less Premium Build Quality (Plastic)
Display Comparison
The C7 (2017) features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The J7 (2018) also has a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, but the C7's larger size and potentially higher brightness give it a slight edge in visual appeal. Both offer good viewing angles and resolution for their class.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 13MP main camera and a 13MP front camera. The C7 (2017) often produces slightly more vibrant images, while the J7 (2018) might offer better low-light performance due to software optimizations. Video recording capabilities are comparable.
Performance
The C7 (2017)'s octa-core processor (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.7 GHz) provides a noticeable performance boost over the J7 (2018)'s Exynos 7870. Expect faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the C7. The J7's 14nm process is more efficient, though, potentially impacting battery life positively.
Battery Life
The J7 (2018) typically offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset. Both phones have a 3300mAh battery, but the J7's processor consumes less power under load. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017) is ideal for users who prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018) is a better choice for those seeking longer battery life and potentially more up-to-date software updates, especially if budget is a primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017) is generally better for gaming due to its faster processor.
❓ Will the J7 (2018) receive more software updates?
Likely, the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018) will receive more software updates as it's a newer model, although Samsung's update support can be inconsistent.
