The Samsung Galaxy Express series offered affordable Android options, but which model reigns supreme? We're pitting the Galaxy Express 2 against the Galaxy Express I8730 to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience for budget-conscious users. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Express I8730 edges out the Express 2 thanks to its more modern Snapdragon 400 chipset, slightly better efficiency, and impressive endurance rating of 59 hours. While both are aging devices, the I8730 offers a more compelling package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 20 | 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, October | 2013, January. Released 2013, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132.4 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.21 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 132.2 x 69.1 x 9.3 mm (5.20 x 2.72 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 134.2 g (4.73 oz) | 139.1 g (4.90 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 | Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM, 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h (3G) | Up to 586 h (2G) / Up to 581 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (3G) | Up to 19 h 23 min (2G) / Up to 11 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, White | White, Gray |
| Models | SM-G3815 | GT-I8730 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.70 W/kg (body) | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.36 W/kg (body) | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.35 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.5dB / Crosstalk -82.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 59h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.861:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Samsung Galaxy Express 2
- Potentially lower price (if found)
- Simple Android experience
- Older chipset
- Lower performance
- Likely shorter battery life
- Limited features
Samsung Galaxy Express I8730
- Better performance (Snapdragon 400)
- Excellent battery life (59h endurance)
- Slightly more modern design (likely)
- More efficient processor
- Still an older device
- Limited camera capabilities
- Outdated software
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 4.5-5 inches with standard resolution. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim is largely marketing and the 2.861:1 sunlight contrast suggests decent outdoor visibility, though both will struggle in direct sunlight compared to modern displays. No significant difference expected here.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are vague for both devices, simply listed as 'Photo / Video'. Both likely feature basic 5-8MP cameras capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. Image quality will be comparable, with limitations in low-light performance. Don't expect high-resolution video recording.
Performance
The Galaxy Express I8730's Snapdragon 400 (28nm) is a more efficient and slightly more powerful chipset than the Express 2's Snapdragon S4. While both have dual-core Krait CPUs, the I8730's 1.2 GHz clock speed and newer architecture provide a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and app loading times. Expect smoother multitasking on the I8730.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Express I8730 boasts a remarkable endurance rating of 59 hours, significantly surpassing what the Express 2 likely offered. This is a major advantage for the I8730, providing extended usage between charges. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the more efficient Snapdragon 400 contributes to the superior battery life.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Express 2 might appeal to someone seeking a very basic, older Android experience and finding it at a rock-bottom price. The Galaxy Express I8730 is a better choice for anyone prioritizing longer battery life and a slightly more capable processor, even within the budget phone category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
Highly unlikely. Both phones are quite old and have long since stopped receiving official software updates from Samsung. Security patches are also unavailable.
❓ Can I use a modern Android operating system on these phones?
Potentially, through custom ROMs. However, this requires technical expertise and voids any warranty. Compatibility is not guaranteed.
