Both the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus and the Galaxy J2 Core (2020) target the budget smartphone market, offering essential features at an affordable price. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Grand Prime Plus edges out the J2 Core (2020) due to its slightly better camera and potentially more RAM (though specifics vary by region). However, the J2 Core (2020)'s cleaner Android Go experience and potentially better software support make it a strong contender for users prioritizing simplicity and longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, November. Released 2016, November | 2020, April 27. Released 2020, April 27 |
| 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) | 143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.65 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 59 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Silver | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | SM-G532F | SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus
- Potentially better camera quality
- May have more RAM (region dependent)
- Front camera flash
- Older Android version
- Performance can feel sluggish
- Potentially less software support
Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)
- Android Go edition for smoother performance
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Potentially better software support
- More compact
- Lower camera resolution
- Less powerful hardware
- Basic features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, LCD displays, typically around 5.0-5.1 inches. The Grand Prime Plus might offer slightly better resolution (likely 720p) compared to the J2 Core (2020), but the difference is minimal. Viewing angles and color accuracy are typical for budget LCD panels on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The Grand Prime Plus generally boasts a better camera setup, often including a higher-resolution main sensor (typically 13MP) and a front-facing camera with flash. The J2 Core (2020) usually has a lower-resolution camera (typically 8MP rear and 5MP front). Image quality on the Grand Prime Plus is generally better in well-lit conditions, with more detail and better color reproduction.
Performance
Both devices are powered by quad-core Cortex-A53 processors. The Mediatek MT6737T in the Grand Prime Plus and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 in the J2 Core (2020) are comparable in performance. However, the J2 Core (2020)'s Android Go edition provides a smoother experience on this hardware, as it uses fewer resources. Expect basic multitasking and app usage on both, but demanding games are not recommended.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is typically around 2700-3000 mAh on both devices. Battery life is generally adequate for a day of light to moderate use. The J2 Core (2020)'s Android Go edition may offer slightly better battery efficiency due to its reduced resource consumption.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly better camera and are comfortable with a potentially older Android version. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) is a great choice for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use device with a focus on essential apps and Android Go's efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go edition?
Android Go edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited hardware resources. It uses fewer resources and is optimized for speed and efficiency.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos?
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus generally offers better photo quality due to its higher-resolution camera and potentially better image processing.
