Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime and Oppo A74 are both contenders in the budget market, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A74 is the clear winner. While the Galaxy Core Prime is a very basic, older device, the A74 boasts a significantly faster processor, better camera, and much quicker charging. The A74 offers a modern experience at a competitive price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - G360F | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28 - G360G | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 12 - G360T (T-Mobile) | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, November | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 130.8 x 67.9 x 8.8 mm (5.15 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) | 160.3 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (LTE models, except SM-G360BT) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Digital TV (SM-G360BT) | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min |
| Music play | Up to 60 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gray | Prism Black, Midnight Blue |
| Models | SM-G360T, SM-G3606, SM-G3608, SM-G3609, SM-G360BT, SM-G360F, SM-G360FY, SM-G360G, SM-G360GY, SM-G360H, SM-G360H/D, SM-G360BT, SM-G361, SM-G361H, SM-G361F, SM-G360HU, SM-G360T1, SM-G360M, SM-G360P, SM-G360V, SM-S820L, SM-G360AZ, SM-G361HU | CHP2219 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Performance |
Basemark X: 1895 | - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Performance | Basemark X: 1895 | - |
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Simple interface
- Outdated processor
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
- Slow charging
- Limited storage
Oppo A74
- Fast processor
- Good camera
- Large battery
- Fast charging
- Modern design
- FHD+ Display
- Plastic build
- May lack premium features
Display Comparison
The Oppo A74 features a larger 6.5-inch display (likely IPS LCD) with a higher resolution (likely FHD+) compared to the Galaxy Core Prime's smaller, lower-resolution display. Expect better viewing angles, color accuracy, and overall clarity on the A74. The Core Prime's display is adequate for basic tasks but lacks the vibrancy and detail of the A74.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A74 likely has a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (ultrawide, macro, depth). Expect better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the A74. The Core Prime's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but struggles in challenging conditions.
Performance
The Oppo A74's Snapdragon 662 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Core Prime's Snapdragon 410. The A74's octa-core processor and 11nm manufacturing process provide significantly faster performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. The Core Prime can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Oppo A74's 5000mAh battery offers excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day. The 33W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for quick top-ups. The Galaxy Core Prime's battery is smaller and charging is much slower, resulting in shorter battery life and longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is best suited for users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light usage. It's a good option for someone on a *very* tight budget. The Oppo A74 is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, a better camera, and faster charging without spending a fortune. It's a great all-around budget phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and need a very basic phone for calls and texts. Otherwise, there are better options available for a slightly higher price.
❓ What is the biggest difference between the Oppo A74 and the Galaxy Core Prime?
The Oppo A74 offers significantly better performance, a superior camera, a larger and higher-resolution display, and much faster charging compared to the aging Galaxy Core Prime.
