The 2018 Galaxy J2 Pro is now available. Also known as the Grand Prime Pro, this budget smartphone retails for around $200 AUD. But how does it compare with the competition? Especially when the media world is hyping up exciting flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S9? Is the Galaxy J2 Pro a smartphone you should consider purchasing? We break it down for you.
The Specs:
First, let’s look at exactly what this device offers:
- 5” touchscreen super AMOLED display with 960 x 540 resolution
- 1.4GHz quad-core processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 425)
- 1.5 Gb RAM
- 16 Gb internal storage, expandable up to 265 Gb with microSD card
- 2600mAh battery
- Dimensions: 143.80 x 72.30 x 8.40
- Weight: 153 grams
- OS: Android 7.0
- 8-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front-facing camera
- Colours: black, blue, gold
- Micro USB charging slot
The Look:
This is a straightforward smartphone. There is a home button at the bottom front of the screen. The device has no fingerprint scanner, which is to be expected with a lower-cost device. Overall, the phone has a nice clean look, and could be compared (in appearance) to a cheaper version of the Galaxy S7.
The bezels on the cover and front are quite visible, which may not bother some users, but in a world where our phones are becoming increasingly streamlined and bezel-free, this could be a drawback.
For the first time in the J2 series, the device is coming with an aluminium frame, however, the back cover is plastic, lending the phone a less ‘elite’ feel than something like the glass-composed Galaxy S9.
The Performance:
For a highly-affordable smartphone, the J2 Pro performs quite well. It can handle most of the everyday actions that you might want from your phone. On the back of the phone, you’ll find a decent 8-megapixel camera, plus a 5-megapixel selfie camera in front.The rear-facing camera can record a fairly impressive 1080p video, and the screen resolution on the display is passing.
The device supports dual SIM cards. Instead of using a hybrid microSD/SIM card slot, Samsung included dedicated slots for both, which means you can expand your storage and use dual SIM cards at the same time.
The 2600 mAh battery is a solid addition, providing a long-lasting battery life and up to 60 hours of audio playback.
One unique and beneficial feature of this phone is the Samsung Secure Folder. On your phone, you can create a private, secure space to store hidden content (documents, images, etc). Fully encrypted, you can feel confident that your private items are safely stored away under an additional protective layer only you have access to.
How it Compares with the Galaxy J2 2017
The 2018 J2 Pro is the updated version of the 2017 J2. How do the two devices compare?
The 2017 version was built with a fully-plastic body, while the J2 Pro 2018 has an aluminium frame. This adds a premium quality to the device for sure. The 2018’s screen is slightly larger (5” compared with 4.7”).
While the display is somewhat bigger on the new model, both phones have the same resolution.
Storage on the 2018 is 16 Gb---twice as much as the 2017 J2. The RAM also has a slight increase, so you can depend on slightly faster processing.
The larger battery on the 2018 J2 Pro means increased battery life for the phone. You’ll have to be patient when charging, however. Unfortunately, neither of the phone models support fast-charging, but this is typically a feature found on higher-end smartphones and flagship devices.
Who is this Phone Right For:
The 2018 J2 Pro doesn’t really compare with something at the opposite end of the phone spectrum. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is designed for the serious smartphone aficionado, who wants all the premium features, the highest levels of security, and fantastic camera capabilities. Of course, the pricing reflects this.
If you’re looking for a budget phone with no flagship features, the J2 Pro could be absolutely perfect for you. Samsung is known for producing quality devices at every price point. This could be an excellent first smartphone for your young teen or is a nice option for a senior who wants a basic, functional phone without all the bells and whistles.