Samsung Galaxy Core II Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Core II

The Samsung Galaxy Core II, announced in June 2014 and released in July 2014, was designed as a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at users seeking a balance between functionality and affordability. Although it has been discontinued, the phone remains a notable example of Samsung's mid-range offerings during that period. The device features a 4.5-inch display, dual-SIM capability, and runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Core II supports GSM/HSPA technology, allowing it to connect to standard 2G and 3G networks. It operates on GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots, and HSDPA 900/2100 for 3G connectivity. With HSPA speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps, users could enjoy relatively fast data services for browsing and social media at that time.

Design and Build

The phone has a straightforward design with dimensions of 130.3 x 68 x 9.8 mm and a weight of 138 grams, making it compact and easy to handle. The build includes a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, reflecting typical construction materials for smartphones in its price range. It also features Dual SIM support, using Micro-SIMs with dual standby capability, making it a convenient option for users needing to manage multiple lines.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Core II is equipped with a 4.5-inch TFT display, capable of displaying 256K colors. The screen resolution is 480 x 800 pixels with a 5:3 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 207 ppi. While this setup may not deliver the highest quality in terms of sharpness and color saturation compared to modern standards, it provided adequate viewing capabilities for basic smartphone tasks during its time.

Platform and Performance

Powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor and backed by 768MB of RAM, the Galaxy Core II was tailored for moderate performance. It ran on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, offering users a classic Android experience with access to a wide range of apps on the Google Play Store. The processing capabilities handled routine tasks well, such as messaging, light web browsing, and social networking, though it struggled with more demanding applications and multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the phone is 4GB, and while this was quite limited, the inclusion of a microSDXC card slot allowed users to expand their storage capacity to accommodate additional apps, photos, and media. The 768MB of RAM, while sufficient for general operation, did place constraints on the phone's ability to run multiple applications simultaneously or handle intensive tasks without performance hiccups.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Galaxy Core II features a 5MP sensor with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing basic photos and videos at 480p resolution at 30 frames per second. This camera setup was suited for casual photography and capturing everyday moments but lacked advanced features or high-quality imaging technology. The front-facing camera is a VGA sensor, mainly intended for video calls but not ideal for selfies or high-resolution imaging.

Sound and Audio Features

Audio performance on the Galaxy Core II includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring that users could listen to music and media content either through headphones or the device’s speaker. The ubiquitous 3.5mm jack provides compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio devices, a valued feature for many users.

Communication and Sensors

In terms of communication, the phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and a hotspot function, enabling users to connect to wireless networks and share mobile connectivity. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is available for connecting to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The device’s positioning system includes GPS and GLONASS, but it lacks NFC functionality. Additionally, the phone features an FM radio for terrestrial radio listening using connected headphones as an antenna. The single sensor, an accelerometer, gauges motion and orientation changes, aiding in screen rotation and basic gaming functionalities.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Core II houses a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. This battery size ensures a talk time of up to 7 hours on 3G networks and approximately 30 hours of music play, providing users with adequate use-time between charges. The removable battery also allows for easy replacement, a feature that has become less common in newer smartphone models.

Color Options and Pricing

Available in classic color options of white and black, the design of the Galaxy Core II appeals to users who prefer a simple, understated look. At launch, it was priced at approximately 130 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers or as a secondary device.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Core II serves as a representative of budget smartphones from the 2014 era, catering to users who required basic functionality without the premium features of high-end devices. Its balanced specifications make it suitable for everyday tasks, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable device reflecting the technological and market trends of its time.