Samsung Galaxy J2 Core 2020 vs. Galaxy J5 2017: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable Samsung phone? The Galaxy J2 Core 2020 and the Galaxy J5 2017 were popular budget options. But which one holds up best today? We'll break down their specs and features to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy J5 (2017) edges out the J2 Core (2020) thanks to its superior chipset, likely better camera performance, and a slightly more refined overall experience. While the J2 Core is incredibly budget-friendly, the J5 offers more value for the money.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)	Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2020, April 27. Released 2020, April 27	2017, June. Released 2017, June
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.65 x 2.84 x 0.35 in)	146.2 x 71.3 x 8 mm (5.76 x 2.81 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	154 g (5.43 oz)	160 g (5.64 oz)

Display
Resolution	540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio)	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	PLS LCD	Super AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)	Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 308	Mali-T830 MP1
OS	Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition)	Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	16GB 1GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.0	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.2, AF	13 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	LED flash
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	13 MP, f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	4.1, A2DP
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	ANT+

Battery
Music play	-	Up to 83 h
Talk time	-	Up to 21 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, Gold, Blue	Blue, Pink, Gold, Black
Models	SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU	SM-J530F, SM-J530Y, SM-J530FM, SM-J530G, SM-J530YM, SM-J530L, SM-J530S, SM-J530K, SM-J530GM
Price	About 130 EUR	About 130 EUR
SAR	0.99 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	-	0.35 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -85.0dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 97h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.599 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 82dB
Performance	-	GeekBench: 3667 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	-	Noise -85.0dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB
Battery (old)	-	Endurance rating 97h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.599 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 82dB
Performance	-	GeekBench: 3667 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)

Extremely affordable
Lightweight and compact
Android Go Edition (optimized for low-end hardware)

Slow performance
Low-resolution display
Basic camera
Limited storage

Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

Faster processor (Exynos 7870)
Likely better camera quality
More responsive user experience
Slightly better display

Older model (potential battery degradation)
May lack latest software updates
Larger than J2 Core

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar contrast ratios (Infinite nominal, 3.599 in sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the J5 (2017) likely has a slightly better display panel due to its age and potentially better color accuracy. The J2 Core (2020) likely has a lower resolution display, impacting sharpness.

Camera Comparison

While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', the J5 (2017) likely has a superior camera system. The Exynos 7870 generally paired with better camera sensors than those found in the J2 Core. Expect better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the J5.

Performance

The Galaxy J5 (2017) boasts the Exynos 7870 Octa chipset, a significant upgrade over the J2 Core's Snapdragon 425. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the J5. The J2 Core will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

Both phones claim an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours. However, battery health degrades over time, so the J5's battery may be significantly diminished. Assuming similar battery health, the J5 would likely offer slightly longer real-world usage due to its more efficient chipset.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) is ideal for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) is a better choice for those who want a slightly faster phone with a better camera and a more enjoyable user experience, even if it's a few years older.