Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy Core Plus and Galaxy Fresh S7390 were popular budget options. But which one delivers the better experience? This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Core Plus edges out the Fresh S7390 thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better software support. While both are entry-level devices, the Core Plus offers a marginally smoother experience, making it the better choice for most users seeking a budget Samsung.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - G3500 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - S7390 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - S7392 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, October | 2013, October. Released 2013, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 129.7 x 66 x 9.5 mm (5.11 x 2.60 x 0.37 in) | 121.5 x 63.1 x 10.9 mm (4.78 x 2.48 x 0.43 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 132.5 g (4.66 oz) | 126 g (4.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | 1.0 GHz |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| Video | | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 40 h | Up to 42 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 320 h | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Pink | Black, White |
| Models | SM-G3502, SM-G350, SM-G352, SM-G3520, SM-G3502C, SM-G3502U | GT-S7392 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) | 0.28 W/kg (head) 0.27 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -91.8dB / Crosstalk -73.5dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB | - |
Samsung Galaxy Core Plus
- Faster Processor (1.2 GHz)
- Potentially Larger Screen
- Likely Better Battery Life
- Potentially Better Camera
- Limited Storage
- Outdated Software
- Low-Resolution Display
Samsung Galaxy Fresh S7390
- Lower Price Point
- Compact Size
- Basic Smartphone Functionality
- Slower Processor (1.0 GHz)
- Smaller Screen
- Shorter Battery Life
- Limited Camera Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, low-resolution displays typical of their era. The Galaxy Core Plus likely has a slightly larger screen (around 4.0 inches vs. 3.5 inches for the Fresh S7390), offering a marginally better viewing experience. Expect both to have TFT LCD panels with limited color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities were limited on both devices. The Galaxy Core Plus likely features a slightly better camera sensor (potentially 5MP vs. 3.15MP on the Fresh S7390), but image quality will still be basic. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The Galaxy Core Plus boasts a Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, giving it a noticeable advantage over the Galaxy Fresh S7390's 1.0 GHz processor. This translates to snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a generally more responsive user interface on the Core Plus. Both will struggle with demanding games or apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a key differentiator. The Galaxy Core Plus likely has a larger battery (around 2000mAh) compared to the Fresh S7390 (around 1500mAh). This should translate to longer battery life on the Core Plus, allowing for more usage between charges.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Core Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power and potentially longer software updates. The Galaxy Fresh S7390 is a good option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and basic smartphone functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age, finding these phones new is unlikely. If you absolutely need a basic phone and can find one used at a very low price, they might suffice. However, newer budget smartphones offer significantly better performance and features.
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones likely run Android 4.2 or 4.3 Jelly Bean. Software updates are highly unlikely at this point.