Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016): A Comprehensive Review

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) offers a straightforward design that is both practical and appealing. With dimensions of 142.4 x 71.1 x 8 mm, the device manages to maintain a slim profile, ensuring ease of handling. The lightweight build, weighing just 138 grams, adds to the device's portability. The combination of a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame strikes a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. This design choice underscores Samsung's commitment to offering reliable devices at an affordable price point. Available in three colors—Silver, Black, and Gold—users can choose a finish that best suits their style.

Display

The Galaxy J2 (2016) features a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display, a highlight at this market segment. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, the screen produces vibrant colors and deep contrasts, attributes typical of AMOLED technology. The 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi ensure clear and sharp visuals, whether browsing content, playing games, or streaming videos. The screen-to-body ratio of around 68.1% indicates adequately reduced bezels, offering a modern look and immersive viewing experience for its users.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy J2 (2016) is powered by the Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The Mali-400MP2 GPU manages graphics processing, suitable for basic gaming and multimedia activities. With 1.5GB of RAM, the device handles applications and system processes efficiently, though it might struggle with more resource-intensive tasks. Nevertheless, the performance benchmarks (Basemark OS II 2.0: 406, Basemark X: 1419) reflect its capability within its category.

Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be somewhat limiting for users who wish to store many applications, photos, and videos. However, Samsung offers a solution through a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand storage capacity and accommodate more content as needed. This flexibility ensures that the device can meet various storage needs over time.

Camera

The Galaxy J2 (2016) is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.2 aperture, autofocus, and an LED flash, enabling users to capture quality images in various lighting conditions. Additional features like HDR and panorama enhance the photo-taking experience further. While the rear camera supports video recording up to 720p at 30fps, it provides satisfactory video quality for social media sharing and casual use. The 5 MP front camera also with f/2.2 aperture, although not exceptional, suffices for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery. This capacity should be adequate for a full day of average use, which includes calling, messaging, browsing, and media consumption. Samsung estimates up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 54 hours of music playback, promising substantial stamina for most user needs. The removable aspect of the battery is a significant advantage, as it allows users to replace the battery easily, potentially extending the device's lifespan.

Software and Features

Running on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), the device benefits from the user-friendly interface and features that come with this operating system version. Despite being out of date compared to newer software versions, Marshmallow was known for its improved battery management and app permissions controls, enhancing overall usability. The device includes basic sensors like accelerometer and proximity, which contribute to a satisfactory user experience for daily activities.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy J2 (2016) supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity across different regions and network conditions. Specifically, it supports multiple bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G, enhancing its compatibility with various carriers. Connectivity options also include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS support, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. However, the device lacks NFC functionality, which might be a downside for users who prefer contactless payment features.

Pricing and Availability

Initially launched in July 2016, the Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) was positioned as an entry-level smartphone targeting budget-conscious consumers. Priced at around 120 EUR at launch, it offered considerable value for the specs provided. However, it is essential to note that the device has been discontinued, limiting availability to certain regions and mostly through second-hand markets today.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) captures the essence of affordable technology, providing essential features and performance at a reasonable price. While it may not stand out in a market flooded with advanced technology and features, it manages to hold its ground with a practical design, quality display, and competent performance for everyday users. Its value proposition suits individuals looking for a straightforward device without the frills of high-end models. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a topic of interest for those exploring cost-effective smartphone solutions from well-established brands like Samsung.