The Samsung Galaxy J7 series was a staple in the budget smartphone market. Two popular iterations, the J7 Nxt and the J7 (2016), offer compelling features at affordable prices. But which one is the better choice for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) edges out the J7 Nxt primarily due to its exceptional battery life and slightly more refined overall experience. While the J7 Nxt boasts a newer chipset, the J7 (2016)'s longevity and sunlight display performance make it a stronger contender.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 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, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, July | 2016, March 29. Released 2016, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 78.6 x 7.6 mm (6.00 x 3.09 x 0.30 in) | 151.7 x 76 x 7.8 mm (5.97 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 (28 nm)Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T830 MP1 | Adreno 405Mali-T830 MP1 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/1.9 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market dependent for dual-SIM model) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 96 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 23 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | White, Black, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | SM-J701F, SM-J701F, SM-J701M, SM-J701MT | SM-J710FN, SM-J710F, SM-J710H, SM-J710M, SM-J710GN, SM-J710MN, SM-J710K, SM-J7108, SM-J710FQ |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 0.61 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 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 Nxt
- Slightly newer chipset (Exynos 7870)
- Potentially better thermal management due to 14nm process
- Modern design (likely)
- Battery life not as impressive as J7 (2016)
- Sunlight display performance not as well documented
- Performance gains over J7 (2016) are minimal
Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)
- Exceptional battery life (101h endurance rating)
- Excellent sunlight display visibility
- Reliable and proven performance
- Potentially better multi-tasking due to CPU configuration
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 617)
- Design may feel dated
- Performance limited for demanding games
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar displays, likely 5.5-inch Super AMOLED panels. The J7 (2016) is noted for its impressive contrast ratio, especially in direct sunlight, suggesting better outdoor visibility. The J7 Nxt's display is likely comparable but lacks the same documented sunlight performance advantage. Resolution is likely FHD (1920 x 1080) for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not fully detailed, but both phones feature standard camera setups for their time. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be average on both devices. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, offering 1080p recording.
Performance
The J7 Nxt utilizes the Exynos 7870, a 14nm chipset, which is theoretically more efficient than the J7 (2016)'s Snapdragon 617 (28nm). However, real-world performance differences are likely minimal for everyday tasks. The J7 (2016) has a slightly more complex CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz + 4x1.0 GHz) which could offer a slight edge in multi-tasking scenarios. Both phones will handle basic apps and browsing without issue, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
This is where the J7 (2016) truly shines. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, significantly outperforming most phones of that era. The J7 Nxt's battery capacity is likely around 3300mAh, which is respectable, but not in the same league as the J7 (2016)'s larger battery.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt? Users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and potentially better gaming performance (though limited) might lean towards the Nxt. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)? Those seeking incredible battery life, a bright display for outdoor use, and a reliable, long-lasting device will find the J7 (2016) more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the J7 Nxt worth the upgrade from the J7 (2016)?
Not significantly. The performance difference is minimal, and the J7 (2016)'s battery life is a major advantage. Unless you specifically need the slightly newer chipset, the upgrade isn't recommended.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The J7 Nxt *might* offer slightly better gaming performance due to its newer chipset, but both phones will struggle with demanding titles. Don't expect a smooth experience on either device.
