The Samsung Galaxy J7 series was a popular choice for budget-conscious smartphone users. The J7 Nxt and the J7 (2018) are closely related, but subtle differences can impact your user experience. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone is the better fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and CPU, resulting in similar performance. The J7 (2018) generally offers slightly improved camera capabilities and potentially a more refined software experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on price and availability, with the J7 Nxt often being the more affordable option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - SM-J737U |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 66 - SM-J737U |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14 - SM-J737A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, July | 2018, June. Released 2018, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 78.6 x 7.6 mm (6.00 x 3.09 x 0.30 in) | 153.2 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.03 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T830 MP1 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF or 13 MP, f/1.7, AF (operator dependent) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) | 5 MP / 13 MP, f/1.7 (operator dependent) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1/4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (operator dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio (SM-J737T1 only) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | SM-J701F, SM-J701F, SM-J701M, SM-J701MT | SM-J737F, SM-J737V, SM-J737T, SM-J737A, SM-J737P, SM-J737T1, SM-J737U, SM-J737S, SM-J737R4 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.61 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Super AMOLED display
- Potentially older software
- Less impressive camera
- Limited RAM options
Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018)
- Slightly better camera quality
- Potentially more refined software
- More RAM options available
- Higher price
- Similar performance to J7 Nxt
- Still a mid-range device
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and good viewing angles. While resolution is likely similar (likely 1080 x 1920), the J7 (2018) might have slightly improved brightness and color accuracy due to potential panel refinements. Expect a comparable viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
The J7 (2018) generally boasts a slightly improved camera setup. While both have a 13MP rear camera, the J7 (2018) often includes features like a wider aperture and potentially better image processing algorithms. The front-facing camera on the J7 (2018) is also likely to be higher resolution. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the J7 (2018).
Performance
The Exynos 7870 Octa chipset and 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU are identical in both phones. Expect similar performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games may struggle on both devices. RAM configurations likely vary (2GB/3GB/4GB), which will impact multitasking performance. The J7 (2018) might have a slight edge with more RAM options.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 3300mAh battery. Battery life should be comparable, providing a full day of moderate use. However, software optimization and usage patterns will significantly impact actual battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone owners or those needing a reliable device for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018) is better suited for users who value slightly better camera quality and a potentially more polished software experience, and are willing to pay a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the processors the same in both phones?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt and the Galaxy J7 (2018) utilize the Exynos 7870 Octa chipset with a 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018) typically offered more RAM configurations (up to 4GB) compared to the J7 Nxt, which often had 2GB or 3GB.