Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy J2 Core (2020) and Grand Prime Plus are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Grand Prime Plus edges out the J2 Core (2020) due to its slightly better camera and potentially more readily available software updates. Both offer basic functionality, but the Grand Prime Plus provides a marginally more polished experience, especially considering its age.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| 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 | 2020, April 27. Released 2020, April 27 | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.65 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 154 g (5.43 oz) | 160 g (5.64 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 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% 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 | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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, Blue | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU | SM-G532F |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)
- Very Affordable
- Android Go Edition (optimized for low-end hardware)
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Older software
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially longer software support (though limited)
- More readily available (depending on region)
- Older model
- Lower performance compared to newer phones
- Limited storage
- Outdated design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, low-resolution displays. The Grand Prime Plus likely has a slightly brighter screen, but both are adequate for basic viewing. Expect limited color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Grand Prime Plus generally has a better camera setup, likely with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. The J2 Core (2020) camera is functional but produces less detailed images, especially in low light. Both lack advanced camera features.
Performance
Both devices are powered by quad-core Cortex-A53 processors, but the Snapdragon 425 in the J2 Core (2020) generally offers slightly better efficiency and potentially smoother performance in day-to-day tasks. However, don't expect blazing speeds from either phone; they're designed for basic usage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is similar on both devices, likely around 2600-3000 mAh. Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but both should provide a full day of moderate use. The J2 Core (2020)'s slightly more efficient chipset might give it a small edge.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) is ideal for users needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, prioritizing affordability above all else. The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus is a better choice for those wanting a slightly improved camera and a potentially longer software support lifespan, even if it's an older model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both typically come with 1GB of RAM, though variations may exist depending on the region and carrier.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for either phone?
Software updates are unlikely for either phone, as they are both older models. The Grand Prime Plus *might* receive slightly longer support, but don't count on it.
