Samsung Galaxy J2 Comprehensive Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy J2

The Samsung Galaxy J2 was a notable addition to Samsung's smartphone lineup when it was released in September 2015. Designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers, the Galaxy J2 offers a range of essential features packed into a compact design. Despite being discontinued, the device still garners interest for its affordability and functionality. This article dives into the detailed specifications and features of the Samsung Galaxy J2, examining aspects such as its network capabilities, build, display, performance, memory, camera functions, communication options, and battery life.

Network Capabilities

The Galaxy J2 supports multiple network technologies to ensure reliable connectivity. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing users to experience seamless internet browsing and communication. Specifically, the device operates on various bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, making it versatile enough for different regional requirements. The phone’s ability to support HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 speeds of 150/50 Mbps facilitates relatively fast data transfer rates, which was impressive for its time.

Launch and Production

Announced on September 11, 2015, and subsequently released later that month, the Samsung Galaxy J2 quickly became a popular choice among users seeking a cost-effective smartphone solution. Unfortunately, as technology rapidly advances, the Galaxy J2 has since been discontinued. However, its impact is still felt among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the device’s historical significance.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy J2 features a simple yet functional design, measuring 136.5 x 69 x 8.4 mm and weighing 129 grams, making it both compact and lightweight. The phone's body consists of a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, ensuring durability while maintaining a comfortable grip. Users have the option of choosing between single or dual SIM variants, with Micro-SIM slots catering to various preferences.

Display Characteristics

The device boasts a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and sharp imagery. Although the resolution sits at 540 x 960 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio (~234 ppi density), the screen quality is quite adequate for general usage, offering users an enjoyable viewing experience for its price range.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), the Galaxy J2 is powered by the Exynos 3475 Quad chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-T720 GPU, providing decent performance for daily tasks such as web browsing, social media, and basic gaming. Although not a powerhouse, the device is suitable for users with moderate smartphone needs.

Memory and Storage

With 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM, the Galaxy J2 caters to basic storage requirements. Additionally, it offers a dedicated microSDXC card slot, enabling users to expand storage capacity as needed, thereby alleviating potential limitations associated with the internal memory.

Camera Features

The Samsung Galaxy J2 comes equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera, featuring an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities. The inclusion of an LED flash ensures competent photo quality in various lighting conditions. Users can record videos at 720p resolution at 30fps, yielding decent results for casual photography and videography. The 2-megapixel front camera, while modest, is sufficient for video calls and basic selfies.

Sound and Audio

For audio output, the Galaxy J2 includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy media content with or without external devices. Though not particularly known for high-end audio, the basic sound capabilities suffice for everyday listening.

Communication and Connectivity

The device includes a range of communication features to facilitate connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot functionality, ensuring robust wireless internet access. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP is available for wireless data exchange, while GPS and GLONASS provide reliable positioning services. In some markets, NFC is also included. Additionally, the phone features an FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities for those who enjoy broadcasting media over the airwaves. The microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support completes the list of connectivity options.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Samsung Galaxy J2 is equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These ensure smooth device operation and enhance user interaction by adapting to physical movements and ambient conditions.

Battery Specifications

Powering the device is a removable 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery. Although seemingly modest by today's standards, it provides a suitable balance between battery life and device performance. Talk time on a 3G network is rated at up to 11 hours, while music playback can last up to 41 hours. The availability of a removable battery allows users to swap in a spare if needed, extending the phone’s usability during travel or extended periods away from charging facilities.

Miscellaneous Information

The Samsung Galaxy J2 was made available in several color options, including white, black, and gold, to suit personal style preferences. Known models of this device include the SM-J200F, SM-J200G, SM-J200H, SM-J200GU, SM-J200M, and SM-J200Y. Region-specific SAR ratings ensure that the phone meets international health and safety standards, with a price at launch estimated to be around 150 EUR.

Performance Benchmark

Performance tests, such as the Basemark X scored at 1683, indicate the device’s capabilities relative to other devices in its class at the time of release. Camera quality was rated reasonable for both photos and videos, while the loudspeaker performance is measured at voice 67dB, noise 64dB, and ring 75dB. The endurance rating for battery life is clocked at 67 hours, reflecting a balanced power efficiency.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy J2 offers a comprehensive package for users seeking affordability without sacrificing essential smartphone features. Its compact design, reliable performance, and adequate hardware specifications make it a noteworthy option within the budget smartphone market. While no longer available as a new purchase, the legacy of the Galaxy J2 continues to be appreciated by those who had the pleasure of using this versatile device.