Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro 2016 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2016)

The Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro, released in July 2016, is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a balanced mix of features aimed at entry-level users. With its sleek design and essential functionalities, the device caters to those looking for a reliable everyday phone without the high-end price tag.

Design and Build

The Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) features a compact design with dimensions of 142.4 x 71.1 x 8 mm, making it easy to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing 138 grams, it is lightweight and portable. The device's build includes a glass front, plastic back, and a plastic frame, which contributes to its affordability while maintaining a decent level of durability. The phone supports Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), providing flexibility for users who need to manage personal and work numbers from one device.

Display

One of the standout features of the Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) is its 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp images, making it suitable for viewing photos, videos, and browsing the web. The Super AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, enhancing the overall visual experience despite its budget-friendly nature.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) is powered by a Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset alongside a Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. This configuration provides adequate performance for basic tasks such as calling, messaging, browsing, and multimedia consumption. With 2GB of RAM, the device can handle light multitasking, although more memory-intensive applications may experience some lag.

Operating System

The phone runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, offering a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps through Google Play Store. The OS provides essential features and functionality, although it lacks the advanced features found in newer Android versions.

Storage

For storage, the Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) comes with 16GB of internal memory, which is relatively modest by today's standards. However, it includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot that allows for expandable storage, ensuring users have the flexibility to increase storage capacity as needed for additional apps, photos, music, and other media.

Camera

The device is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, capable of capturing decent quality images for social media sharing and everyday photography. The main camera also features an LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, enhancing its versatility. It supports video recording at 720p@30fps. The 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture allows for basic selfies and video chatting.

Battery Life

The Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) is powered by a removable 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery. It offers up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 54 hours of music playback, making it capable of withstanding a full day of average use without frequent recharging. The removable battery design is a practical feature, allowing users to replace it when it wears out or carry a spare to extend usage time.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy J2 Pro supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring reliable communication across various network bands. It offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS, FM radio with RDS, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG capabilities. However, it lacks NFC, which limits its potential for mobile payments and other NFC-based services.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering satisfactory audio quality for calls and media playback. FM radio capability provides an additional source of entertainment, especially useful in areas with limited internet access.

Sensors and Features

The phone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which support essential functionality without the advanced sensor suite available in higher-end models. These sensors help in enhancing user experiences in terms of screen adaptation to environmental conditions.

Miscellaneous Features

The Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) was available in several colors, including Silver, Black, and Gold, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences. Various model numbers, such as SM-J210F, SM-J210G, SM-J210H, and SM-J210GU, indicate slight regional variations, primarily in terms of network compatibility.

Price and Market Segment

The Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) was priced at approximately 140 EUR at launch, positioning it in the budget segment of the smartphone market. Its combination of affordability, adequate performance, and essential features made it an attractive option for users looking for a reliable yet cost-effective smartphone solution at the time of its release.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2016) serves as a practical choice for consumers seeking a basic smartphone with a focus on essential functionalities without breaking the bank. While it does not compete with more recent high-end models regarding advanced features and performance, it provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks such as communication, media consumption, and basic photography.