Both the Wiko Y50 and the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) represent the extreme lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for the price, focusing on real-world usability rather than raw specifications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset, built on a 28nm process, offers a modest performance advantage and better power management compared to the Wiko Y50’s Cortex-A7.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2020, April 27. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 146 x 73.5 x 8.7 mm (5.75 x 2.89 x 0.34 in) | 143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.65 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) (Go Edition) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Blue, Gold | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-J260GU, SM-J260GU/DS, SM-J260FU, SM-J260MU |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) | 0.99 W/kg (head) |
Wiko Y50
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May include features not found on the J2 Core (depending on regional variants)
- Older and less efficient Cortex-A7 processor
- Likely inferior battery life
- Potentially lower build quality
Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020)
- More efficient Snapdragon 425 chipset
- Better multitasking performance
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications for the Wiko Y50, we can assume it utilizes a basic LCD panel common in this price bracket. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) also features a basic LCD, but the focus here isn't on visual fidelity. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness, making outdoor visibility a challenge. The absence of any mention of protective glass on either device suggests a higher risk of scratches.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details for the Wiko Y50, it’s safe to assume a basic sensor. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) likely features an 8MP main sensor, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Expect washed-out colors, limited dynamic range, and poor low-light performance from both. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing gimmicks and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, built on a 28nm process. This is a significant advantage over the Wiko Y50’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A7 architecture is older and less efficient. The 28nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 425 allows for better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and less heat generation under load. While neither phone is a performance powerhouse, the J2 Core will handle basic multitasking and app launches more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but given their target market, both likely house batteries in the 2000-3000 mAh range. The Snapdragon 425’s superior power efficiency in the J2 Core will likely result in longer real-world battery life compared to the Wiko Y50, despite potentially having a similar capacity. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both, relying on micro-USB connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Y50 if you need a phone primarily for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) if you prefer a slightly more responsive user interface, better app compatibility, and a more established brand reputation, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (2020) struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Snapdragon 425 isn't a powerhouse, it's generally sufficient for running lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. The experience will be smoother than on the Wiko Y50 due to the more efficient processor.
❓ Is the Wiko Y50 a good choice for someone completely new to smartphones?
The Wiko Y50 can serve as a very basic introduction to smartphones, but its limited processing power may lead to a frustrating experience for new users accustomed to faster devices. The J2 Core offers a slightly more polished experience, making it a better starting point.
❓ Can either of these phones be used for mobile gaming?
Neither phone is suitable for serious mobile gaming. While simple 2D games might be playable at low settings, demanding 3D titles will likely be unplayable due to the limited processing power and graphics capabilities.
