Table of Contents
amazon Samsung Galaxy Core Prime reviews
Design and build
- 4.5-inch screen, resolution 800×480
- Density of pixels: 207 pixels / inch
- Size: 5.2 inches; 2.7 inches; 0.35 inch
- Weight: 130 grams
Overall, in terms of design, the machine possesses much of the same detail as most of Samsung’s predecessors (except for the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S6): Home button, rounded corners, battery slot and memory card MicroSD. The camera is equipped with 5MP rear camera and flash, while the front camera is only 2 megapixel support selfie shooting.
The 4.5-inch display screen makes the device easy to handle. However, the resolution of 800×480 pixels makes viewing the screen outdoors difficult.
Interface and applications
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is only running Android 4.4.4 KitKat, not the latest version of Android 5.1 Lollipop. However, Samsung said, the device will be quickly upgraded to Android M.
Like other Samsung product lines, the TouchWiz interface and many additional applications and settings (such as the Ultra Power Saving Mode) are also installed. In addition, the home screen is set up quite simply, making use easier.
Display
4.5-Inch PLS TFT Display
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime features a 4.5-inch PLS TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 207 pixels per inch (PPI). While this resolution is quite low by today’s standards, it was typical for budget smartphones at the time of the Core Prime’s release. The display is capable of displaying decent colors and brightness levels, but it is far from the sharp and vibrant displays found on higher-end smartphones.
Viewing Experience
The PLS (Plane to Line Switching) TFT display technology used in the Galaxy Core Prime offers some advantages over traditional TFT displays, such as better viewing angles and improved color reproduction. However, the display still falls short in terms of contrast and black levels when compared to AMOLED or IPS panels. The screen is also not as bright as more premium devices, which can make it challenging to view the display in direct sunlight.
The low resolution means that text and images may appear slightly pixelated, especially when zooming in on photos or reading small text. However, for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps, the display is adequate and gets the job done.
Touch Sensitivity
The touch sensitivity of the Galaxy Core Prime’s display is generally good, and the screen responds accurately to taps and swipes. The device supports multi-touch gestures, allowing for pinch-to-zoom and other common touch-based interactions. However, the display is not as responsive or smooth as those found on more expensive smartphones, and there may be some slight lag when performing certain actions.
Durability
The display of the Galaxy Core Prime is not protected by Corning Gorilla Glass or any other high-strength glass technology, which means it is more prone to scratches and cracks. It is recommended to use a screen protector and a protective case to keep the display in good condition. The plastic construction of the device also means that the screen is more susceptible to pressure marks if subjected to heavy impacts.
Camera
- The rear camera: 5 megapixel (default is 3.9)
- Front camera: 2 megapixels
- 720p video recording
Users can freely choose the mode: Auto, Panorama, Beauty Face, …. To take photos easily. In addition, you can manually set the machine through the Setting menu: image resolution, ISO, metering, white balance and exposure, …
The rear camera brings brilliant color pictures when shooting outdoors. However, in low light conditions, the image quality will be lower. Users can increase the brightness of the photo using the flash. Video on the machine capable of 720p HD video recording at a decent level, audio recording is normal. Outdoor video recording will produce clearer images and clearer sound.
Performance hardware
- Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
- Memory: 8GB; RAM 1GB
- Extended storage: 128GB
- Battery: 2,000mAh (removable)
Equipped with the quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, Samsung Galaxy Core Prime has the same power as other midrange smartphones. Navigation on the machine is quite stable.
Through testing, the transition of videos and songs is pretty fast, the device takes a few seconds to initialize the camera. Despite its poor screen resolution and fast touchscreen performance, the Core Prime delivers smooth gaming experience.
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Samsung Galaxy Core Prime SM-G360T1 (Metro PCS) – White: Buy it now
Battery life and connection
Samsung says the Core Prime’s 2,000mAh battery can last up to 10 hours on 3G, 9 hours on video and up to 11 hours on Wi-Fi internet.
The device supports LTE network connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n. The download speed of the machine usually ranges from 30 to 40Mbps and the upload speed is usually in the range of 20Mbps. Through the actual test, the product supports a lot of applications, downloading pages over the LTE network very fast.
Samsung’s Galaxy Core Prime is a fairly simple smartphone with a very attractive price.
In the same segment, the LG Lucid 3 ($ 200- $ 4.34 million) has much the same specs as the Core Prime but has a larger screen (4.7 inches), higher resolution (960×540-pixel) And larger capacity battery (2,440mAh). In addition, this competitor outperformed Samsung’s product thanks to 1080p HD video recording and integrated wireless charging. The only downside of the device is that the front camera only gets 0.3 megapixels.
On the other hand, if you own the Microsoft Lumia 735 ($ 192), you’ll experience a clearer screen (1,280x720p resolution) and a “top” camera (6.7MP at Back, 5MP on the front). This device will give users a lot of benefits when regularly using Google services.
Another option that comes with Core Prime is Motorola’s Moto E 4G LTE. This smartphone has a starting price of less than $ 150 but has similar specifications to Core Prime. However, the 2 megapixel camera in front of Core Prime easily “beat” completely selfie camera of Moto E 4G LTE (0.3 megapixel).
Multimedia and Audio
Multimedia Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime offers a basic multimedia experience, with support for standard audio and video formats. The device comes with Samsung’s stock music and video players, which provide a straightforward interface for playing media files. Users can also download third-party apps from the Google Play Store for a more customized experience.
The 4.5-inch display is adequate for watching videos, but the low resolution means that high-definition content will not look as sharp as it would on higher-end devices. Streaming videos from services like YouTube or Netflix is possible, but the viewing experience is best suited for short videos rather than extended viewing sessions.
Audio Quality
The Galaxy Core Prime features a single rear-firing speaker, which delivers average audio quality. The speaker is loud enough for listening to music or watching videos in a quiet environment, but the sound can become distorted at higher volumes. The speaker’s placement on the back of the device also means that the audio can be muffled when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
For a better audio experience, users can plug in a pair of headphones or external speakers using the 3.5mm headphone jack. The device does not include advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos or equalizer settings, so users looking for enhanced audio customization will need to rely on third-party apps.
FM Radio
One of the features that some users may appreciate is the inclusion of an FM radio. The Galaxy Core Prime allows users to listen to FM radio stations without requiring an internet connection, which can be a useful feature for those who prefer traditional radio over streaming services. However, the FM radio requires a wired headset to be plugged in, as it uses the headphone cable as an antenna.
Value Proposition
Affordability and Accessibility
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime was positioned as an affordable smartphone option for users who needed basic smartphone functionality without the premium price tag. At the time of its release, it was priced competitively against other budget smartphones, making it an attractive option for first-time smartphone users or those looking for a secondary device.
Long-Term Viability
While the Galaxy Core Prime offered good value at the time of its release, its long-term viability is less certain. As technology rapidly advances, devices that were considered budget-friendly just a few years ago can quickly become outdated. The Galaxy Core Prime, with its limited specifications and outdated software, faces challenges in remaining relevant in today’s smartphone market.
Performance Over Time
Over time, the performance of the Galaxy Core Prime can deteriorate due to several factors. The 1GB of RAM and older Snapdragon 410 processor may struggle with newer apps and updates, leading to slower performance and potential lag. The device’s limited internal storage can also become an issue as apps and system updates consume more space. Users might find themselves running out of storage or experiencing reduced performance as the device ages.
Software Support
Another major concern is software support. The Galaxy Core Prime shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat, and the device has not received updates beyond this version. This limits access to newer apps, features, and security patches. Without regular software updates, users may face security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with modern applications.
Battery and Hardware Durability
The removable 2000mAh battery is a strong point, but over time, battery performance will naturally degrade. While users can replace the battery, finding compatible replacements can become increasingly difficult as the device ages. Additionally, the physical hardware, including the display and buttons, may show signs of wear and tear with prolonged use.
Market Position
In the current market, the Galaxy Core Prime faces stiff competition from newer budget smartphones that offer better specifications, more advanced features, and up-to-date software. Many of these newer devices come with improved cameras, higher-resolution displays, and faster processors, making the Galaxy Core Prime seem outdated in comparison.
User Experience in the Modern Context
For users who are still using the Galaxy Core Prime, it may serve well for basic functions such as calling, texting, and light web browsing. However, those who seek a more robust smartphone experience with better performance, modern software, and enhanced features will likely find the Galaxy Core Prime lacking. Upgrading to a more recent device might offer a significant improvement in terms of functionality and overall user experience.
Conclusion
Strengths
- Affordability: The Galaxy Core Prime was priced competitively for a budget device, offering good value for those who needed basic smartphone functionality.
- Removable Battery: The 2000mAh removable battery is a standout feature, allowing users to replace the battery if needed and providing a degree of flexibility.
- Dual SIM Support: For regions where it’s available, the dual SIM capability offers added convenience for managing multiple phone lines or carriers.
Weaknesses
- Outdated Specifications: The 1GB of RAM and Snapdragon 410 processor limit the device’s performance, making it struggle with modern apps and multitasking.
- Limited Storage: The 8GB of internal storage is insufficient for users who install many apps or store a significant amount of media.
- Old Software: Android 4.4 KitKat is outdated, with no official updates beyond this version, leading to potential security risks and compatibility issues.
- Basic Camera: The 5MP rear and 2MP front cameras provide basic photo and video quality, lacking the advanced features found in newer devices.
Overall Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, while a solid budget device at the time of its release, faces significant limitations in the modern smartphone landscape. It is best suited for users who need a basic phone for fundamental tasks and are not concerned with having the latest features or software. For those seeking better performance, more advanced features, and up-to-date software, upgrading to a newer device would be a more suitable option.
In summary, the Galaxy Core Prime served its purpose as an entry-level smartphone but now stands as a relic of a bygone era in mobile technology. It highlights the rapid pace of innovation in the smartphone industry and serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolves.
