Looking for a budget-friendly Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy Grand Prime Plus and Galaxy Core Prime were popular choices, but which one offers the better experience? We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Grand Prime Plus generally edges out the Core Prime thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better display. However, both are aging devices, and modern budget options offer significantly more power. Consider your needs and budget carefully.
| 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 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - G360F |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28 - G360G |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 12 - G360T (T-Mobile) |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, November. Released 2016, November | 2014, November. Released 2014, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 130.8 x 67.9 x 8.8 mm (5.15 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (LTE models, except SM-G360BT) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | - | Digital TV (SM-G360BT) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 59 h | Up to 60 h |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (3G) | Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Silver | Black, White, Gray |
| Models | SM-G532F | 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 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 1895 |
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus
- Slightly faster processor
- Potentially better display
- More modern design (generally)
- Aging hardware
- Limited storage
- Outdated software
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
- Very affordable (if found used)
- Compact size
- Simple and easy to use
- Slower processor
- Basic camera
- Outdated software
- Limited features
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, the Grand Prime Plus likely has a slightly better display due to potentially higher resolution or improved color reproduction. Both feature standard LCD panels typical of their era.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic photo and video capabilities. Image quality will be comparable, with limitations due to sensor size and processing power. Low-light performance will be weak on both.
Performance
The Grand Prime Plus boasts a Mediatek MT6737T with a 1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53, offering a small performance advantage over the Core Prime's 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410. Expect slightly smoother multitasking and app loading on the Grand Prime Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a key area where information is limited. Assuming similar battery sizes (around 2500mAh for both), battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Neither phone offers exceptional battery life by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Grand Prime Plus is a decent option for users prioritizing a slightly faster experience and potentially a better screen. The Galaxy Core Prime might appeal to those seeking a very basic, ultra-budget phone, but its age is a significant drawback. Both are best suited for light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
No, both the Galaxy Grand Prime Plus and Galaxy Core Prime are long past their software update cycles. Expect no further security patches or Android version upgrades.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is suitable for modern gaming. Their processors and graphics capabilities are too limited. Basic, older games might run, but performance will be underwhelming.
