Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Samsung Galaxy Core Plus and Galaxy Star 2 Plus are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Core Plus edges out the Star 2 Plus due to potentially better RAM and storage options (though specifics are often variable). Both offer basic functionality, but the Core Plus's slightly more powerful processor and potential for more memory make it a marginally better choice for light usage and occasional multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - G3500 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, October | 2014, July. Released 2014, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 129.7 x 66 x 9.5 mm (5.11 x 2.60 x 0.37 in) | 129.7 x 65.9 x 9.4 mm (5.11 x 2.59 x 0.37 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) | 129 g (4.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 320p |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | No |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 40 h | Up to 32 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 320 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 17 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Pink | Black, White |
| Models | SM-G3502, SM-G350, SM-G352, SM-G3520, SM-G3502C, SM-G3502U | SM-G350E, SM-G350 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.49 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -91.8dB / Crosstalk -73.5dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB | - |
Samsung Galaxy Core Plus
- Potentially more RAM and storage
- Larger battery for longer life
- Slightly more powerful processor (dual-core)
- Generally more readily available (depending on region)
- Basic display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
- Outdated software
Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent battery life (though smaller than Core Plus)
- Limited RAM and storage
- Basic display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
- Outdated software
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 4.3-4.5 inches with resolutions around 800x480. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Core Plus *might* have a slightly higher resolution, but it's not a significant differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely have a basic 3.15MP rear camera. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect stellar results. Low-light performance will be poor on both. No front-facing camera is expected on either device.
Performance
While both have 1.2 GHz processors, the Galaxy Core Plus utilizes a dual-core processor, while the Star 2 Plus uses a Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A7 is generally more efficient. However, RAM and storage are crucial. The Core Plus *often* shipped with more RAM (512MB vs 448MB) and storage (8GB vs 4GB), expandable via microSD. This impacts multitasking and app usage.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Star 2 Plus typically has a slightly smaller battery (1500mAh) compared to the Galaxy Core Plus (2000mAh). This translates to potentially longer battery life on the Core Plus, especially with its slightly more efficient processor.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Core Plus is ideal for users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing, and might benefit from slightly better performance. The Galaxy Star 2 Plus is a great option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both the Galaxy Core Plus and Galaxy Star 2 Plus run on older versions of Android, typically Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean or 4.4.4 KitKat. Software updates are unlikely.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
