Choosing between older budget smartphones can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy Core II and Galaxy J3 (2017) both offer affordable options, but which one delivers the best experience? We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) is the clear winner. Its newer chipset, faster processor, and improved camera offer a significantly better user experience than the Galaxy Core II, despite both being budget-friendly devices. The J3's 14nm process also contributes to better efficiency.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, June. Released 2014, July | 2017, June. Released 2017, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 130.3 x 68 x 9.8 mm (5.13 x 2.68 x 0.39 in) | 143.2 x 70.3 x 8.2 mm (5.64 x 2.77 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 138 g (4.87 oz) | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | PLS |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 7570 Quad (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 7.0 (Nougat), 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 768MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/1.9, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (optional) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 30 h | Up to 61 h |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h (3G) | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | White, Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | SM-G355H, SM-G355HN, SM-G355M | SM-J330F, J330F, J330G, SM-J330G, SM-J330FN, SM-J3308, SM-J327F, SM-S337TL, SM-J3300, SM-J330L, SM-J327U, SM-J330N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 0.45 W/kg (body) | 0.66 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Core II
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Outdated processor
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017)
- Better performance
- Super AMOLED display
- Improved camera
- Slightly longer battery life
- Still a budget phone
- Limited storage
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Core II typically features a 4.5-inch display, while the J3 (2017) boasts a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display. The J3's AMOLED screen offers richer colors and better contrast, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience. Resolution is also likely higher on the J3.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have basic cameras, the J3 (2017) generally features a better camera sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, on the J3. The Core II's camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
The J3 (2017)'s Exynos 7570 chipset and 1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU provide a noticeable performance boost over the Core II's 1.2 GHz quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the J3.
Battery Life
The J3 (2017) typically has a slightly larger battery capacity (2400 mAh vs Core II's 2000 mAh), contributing to slightly longer battery life. However, the J3's more efficient chipset also plays a role in its better power management.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Core II is a viable option for users on an extremely tight budget who primarily need basic calling and texting functionality. The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) is ideal for those seeking a more responsive phone with a better camera and slightly longer battery life, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Core II still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and need a basic phone for calls and texts. Otherwise, the J3 (2017) offers significantly better value.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The J3 (2017)'s Exynos 7570 uses a 14nm manufacturing process, making it more power-efficient and faster than the Core II's older chipset. This translates to better performance and battery life.
