Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) vs. J7 Prime 2: A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy J7 series was a popular choice for budget-conscious smartphone users. But with two iterations – the J7 (2016) and the J7 Prime 2 – which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The J7 Prime 2 edges out the J7 (2016) thanks to its improved security features (fingerprint sensor) and slightly more refined software experience. While the J7 (2016) boasts impressive battery life, the Prime 2's overall package makes it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)	Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40
Speed	HSPA, 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, March 29. Released 2016, April	2018, March. Released 2018, April
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	151.7 x 76 x 7.8 mm (5.97 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)	151.7 x 75 x 8 mm (5.97 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	170 g (6.00 oz)	170 g (6.00 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass (market dependent)
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio)	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED	PLS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 (28 nm)Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)	Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 405Mali-T830 MP1	Mali-T830 MP1
OS	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo)	Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)

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

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF	13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	LED flash	-
Single	5 MP, f/1.9	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	4.1, A2DP	4.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (market dependent for dual-SIM model)	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	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	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
	ANT+	ANT+

Battery
Music play	Up to 96 h	Up to 84 h
Talk time	Up to 23 h (3G)	Up to 21 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 3300 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	White, Black, Gold, Rose Gold	Black, Gold, Rose Gold
Models	SM-J710FN, SM-J710F, SM-J710H, SM-J710M, SM-J710GN, SM-J710MN, SM-J710K, SM-J7108, SM-J710FQ	SM-G611F, SM-G611FF, SM-G611M, SM-G611MT, SM-G611K
Price	About 230 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body)	0.61 W/kg (head)
SAR EU	0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body)	0.37 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -92.4dB / Crosstalk -92.3dB	-
Battery life	Endurance rating 101h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.902 (sunlight)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 68dB	-
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1007Basemark X: 11199	-

Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)

Exceptional battery life
Vibrant Super AMOLED display
Good sunlight visibility

Older software
No fingerprint sensor
Slightly dated design

Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2

Fingerprint sensor for enhanced security
More modern software experience
Potentially better camera processing

Shorter battery life than J7 (2016)
Similar performance to J7 (2016)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the J7 (2016) is reported to have a slightly better contrast ratio in sunlight (3.902) compared to the Prime 2, though this difference is likely minimal in real-world usage. Resolution is likely FHD on both.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are similar on paper, with both featuring a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. However, image processing and software enhancements differ. The J7 Prime 2 likely benefits from improved image stabilization and low-light performance due to software updates. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Exynos 7870 Octa-core processor. While the J7 (2016) had a Qualcomm alternative, the Prime 2 exclusively uses the Exynos. Performance is generally comparable for everyday tasks, but the Prime 2 might offer slightly smoother multitasking due to potential software optimizations.

Battery Life

The J7 (2016) is the clear winner in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours. The J7 Prime 2, while still offering decent battery life, doesn't quite match this longevity. Expect a full day of moderate use from the Prime 2, but heavy users might need to top it up.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)? Users prioritizing maximum battery life and are comfortable with a slightly older software experience. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2? Those seeking enhanced security with a fingerprint sensor and a more modern, streamlined Android experience.