Samsung Galaxy J7 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and Features

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy J7, released in 2015, features a sleek design with dimensions of 152.2 x 78.7 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 171 grams. The front is made of glass, while the back and the frame are constructed from plastic, giving the device a solid yet lightweight feel. The device is available in several colors: white, black, and gold, which offer users a choice to match their personal style.

Display

The J7 sports a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which provides bright and vibrant colors with deep contrasts. The screen resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. This resolution, combined with the Super AMOLED technology, ensures that users experience clear and vivid visuals, whether they are watching videos or playing games.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy J7 is powered by either the Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 or the Exynos 7580 Octa chipset. It comes with an Octa-core CPU setup, with one configuration featuring 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, and another with an Octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The graphics are handled by the Adreno 405 GPU in the Snapdragon model and the Mali-T720MP2 GPU in the Exynos model. Although the device only comes with 1.5GB of RAM, it handles day-to-day tasks and moderate multitasking efficiently.

Storage

The device offers 16GB of internal storage, which might seem limited by today's standards, but it includes a dedicated microSDXC slot for expandable storage. This allows users to add additional space for more apps, photos, and media files as needed, addressing the potential constraints of the built-in storage.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy J7 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring an f/1.9 aperture and 28mm wide lens for capturing wide-angle shots. The camera supports autofocus and includes features like LED flash and panorama mode. It can record videos at 1080p at 30fps, offering decent quality for video recording. The front houses a 5 MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture, also accompanied by an LED flash, making it capable of snapping selfies even in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

The Galaxy J7 includes a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. This sizeable battery offers impressive performance, with up to 18 hours of talk time on a 3G network and up to 76 hours of music playback. The ability to remove the battery also offers convenience for users who like to carry a spare battery for extended use without access to charging facilities.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 5.1 Lollipop, the J7 is upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. This upgrade brings enhanced features and improved performance compared to its initial OS. While it might not run the latest Android version available, the Nougat update offers a user-friendly experience with added functionalities that enhance the device's usability.

Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy J7 supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, offering wide coverage for users. It comes equipped with dual SIM capabilities (in the dual stand-by model), allowing users to manage two numbers on one device. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS, NFC (Snapdragon model only), FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio

This device comes with a loudspeaker that provides decent sound quality. It also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones or external speakers for private listening or enhanced audio output.

Sensors

The J7 is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors enable a range of functionalities such as automatic screen rotation and power-efficient display activation.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy J7 was available for around 200 EUR at launch. Despite being discontinued, it might still be sourced from certain retailers or second-hand markets, at variable pricing depending on the condition and availability.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy J7 offers a balanced combination of features suitable for users looking for a mid-range device with reliable performance. Its large display, decent camera capabilities, and long battery life make it a compelling choice for multimedia consumption. While it may not compete with flagship devices of its time, it stands out as a robust smartphone with practical features that meet the needs of everyday users.