Choosing between two mid-range Samsung phones can be tough. The Galaxy C7 (2017) and the J7 Prime 2 both offer a decent experience, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy C7 (2017) generally edges out the J7 Prime 2 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and larger display. However, the J7 Prime 2's Exynos 7870 offers good efficiency, and both provide a solid, reliable Samsung experience for the price.
| 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 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2017, September. Released 2017, October | 2018, March. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 74.7 x 7.9 mm (6.00 x 2.94 x 0.31 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (market dependent) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | PLS LCD |
| | 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 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.7, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | Up to 84 h |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Pink | Black, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | SM-C710F, SM-C7100, SM-C7108 | SM-G611F, SM-G611FF, SM-G611M, SM-G611MT, SM-G611K |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.61 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017)
- Larger Display
- Slightly Faster Processor
- Vibrant Super AMOLED Screen
- Premium Design (Metal Build)
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Older Model (Limited Software Updates)
Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2
- Good Battery Efficiency
- Clean Samsung Experience
- Reliable Performance
- Fingerprint Sensor (Improved)
- Slightly Slower Processor
- Less Immersive Display
- Plastic Build
Display Comparison
The C7 (2017) boasts a larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display compared to the J7 Prime 2's 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. Both offer vibrant colors and good viewing angles, but the C7's larger size provides a more immersive experience, especially for media consumption. Resolution is similar, both offering Full HD+.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 13MP main camera and a 8MP front camera. Image quality is generally comparable, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices. The C7 (2017) might offer slightly better color reproduction.
Performance
The C7 (2017) has a slight performance advantage with its octa-core processor featuring a mix of 2.4 GHz and 1.7 GHz cores. The J7 Prime 2 utilizes the Exynos 7870 Octa, clocked at 1.6 GHz. While the J7 Prime 2's 14nm process is more efficient, the C7's higher clock speeds generally translate to snappier performance in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The J7 Prime 2 typically offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and similar battery capacity (3300mAh vs 3300mAh). Both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017) is ideal for users who prioritize a larger screen and a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming. The Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2 is a good choice for those seeking a reliable, efficient phone with a focus on a clean user experience and good battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The J7 Prime 2 might receive slightly longer software support, although both are older models and updates are limited. Check Samsung's official website for the latest information.
❓ Is the C7 (2017) worth buying now?
If you can find it at a significantly lower price than the J7 Prime 2 and prioritize a larger screen and slightly better performance, it could be a good option. However, consider the limited software updates.