Both the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) and J2 Prime represent entry-level Android options, targeting budget-conscious consumers. But with subtle differences in their specifications and features, which phone truly offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison will break down everything you need to know.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy J2 Prime edges out the J2 Core (2020) due to slightly better overall performance and a more refined software experience, despite both sharing similar chipsets. However, the J2 Core (2020) might be more readily available and potentially cheaper depending on your region.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G532F, G532G |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - G532F |
| 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) | · Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or 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) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | 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 |
| 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, Pink |
| Models | SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU | SM-G532G, SM-G532M, SM-G532G, SM-G532F, SM-G532MT |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) | 0.45 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)
- Highly Affordable
- Super AMOLED Display
- Android Go Edition (optimized for low-end hardware)
- Limited Performance
- Basic Camera
- Potentially Lower Availability
Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime
- Slightly Better Performance
- Refined Software Experience
- Good Value for Money
- Limited Performance
- Basic Camera
- May be Discontinued in Some Regions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and good contrast, typical of Samsung's displays. Resolution is likely to be similar (720 x 1280 pixels), providing adequate sharpness for everyday use. The J2 Prime might have slightly better color calibration, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The J2 Prime typically features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The J2 Core (2020) also has an 8MP rear camera, but the front camera might be slightly lower resolution (likely 5MP). Image quality on both is acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect exceptional results. Low-light performance will be weak on both.
Performance
While both devices utilize a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the J2 Prime's Mediatek MT6737T chipset often demonstrates slightly better real-world performance due to potentially more efficient thermal management and software optimization. The J2 Core (2020)'s Snapdragon 425 is perfectly adequate for basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 2600mAh battery. Battery life will be comparable, providing a full day of moderate use. However, the J2 Prime's slightly better efficiency could give it a marginal advantage.
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 Galaxy J2 Prime is a better choice for those seeking a slightly smoother experience and a more polished software feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited RAM and storage. It optimizes apps and system resources to provide a smoother experience on lower-end devices.
❓ Are these phones still available?
Availability varies by region. The J2 Core (2020) is more likely to be found, while the J2 Prime may be discontinued in some markets.
