Table of Contents
amazon Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime reviews
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime sports a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for its price range. It features a metal unibody design, which gives it a premium feel that is not often found in budget smartphones. The metal back not only adds to the durability of the phone but also gives it a sleek and polished look. The front of the device is covered with a 2.5D curved glass that enhances the overall design, making the edges feel smooth and seamless.
The phone measures 142.8 x 69.5 x 8.1 mm and weighs 143 grams, making it compact and easy to handle with one hand. The slim profile and lightweight design contribute to its overall portability, which is ideal for users who prefer smaller, more manageable devices.
On the front, the J5 Prime has a physical home button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner, a feature that was becoming increasingly common in smartphones at the time but was still a notable inclusion in a budget device. The scanner is fast and accurate, allowing for quick and secure access to the phone.
The power button is located on the right side of the device, along with the speaker grille, which is an unusual placement but one that helps prevent sound from being muffled when the phone is placed on a flat surface. The volume buttons are on the left side, along with the SIM card tray and a separate microSD card slot, which supports expandable storage up to 256GB.
At the bottom of the device, you’ll find the micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microphone. While the use of micro-USB instead of the more modern USB Type-C might be seen as a drawback, it was still a common standard at the time of the phone’s release.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime are impressive for a budget smartphone. It feels solid in hand, with a design that wouldn’t look out of place alongside more expensive models. However, the choice of materials and the absence of features like water resistance remind users that this is still a mid-range device.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime features a 5.0-inch PLS TFT display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 pixels per inch (PPI). While this resolution is not as sharp as the Full HD or Quad HD displays found on higher-end devices, it is sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and watching videos.
The PLS TFT panel used in the J5 Prime offers decent color reproduction and brightness levels, though it lacks the vibrant colors and deep blacks that are characteristic of Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays. The viewing angles are adequate, but the display tends to wash out slightly when viewed from extreme angles. Outdoor visibility is acceptable, thanks to the display’s relatively high brightness, but it may still struggle under direct sunlight.
One of the advantages of the J5 Prime’s display is its size. At 5 inches, it’s compact enough to allow for easy one-handed use, which is a plus for users who find larger smartphones cumbersome. The 2.5D curved glass on the front also adds a nice touch to the overall look and feel of the device, making swiping gestures feel smoother.
However, the display’s 720p resolution may not be ideal for users who consume a lot of multimedia content. While videos and images still look decent, they lack the sharpness and detail that higher-resolution displays offer. This might not be a deal-breaker for users who prioritize other features, but it’s something to consider for those who are particular about screen quality.
In summary, the display on the Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime is adequate for its price range. It offers decent color accuracy, good brightness, and a compact size that is comfortable to use. However, it falls short in terms of resolution and vibrancy compared to more expensive models with Super AMOLED displays.
Notable
J5 Prime is also a monolithic metal design, finishing on the back and bending to the same border as the J7 Prime. This design is not new since Samsung has applied it to many of their J-series devices in recent times. For my personal, the overall design of this front is pretty boring as Samsung applies it from the high end to the mid-range (of course, I’m not talking about the finish: D). But in general, this design will be very stable and suitable for all users.
If there is a point that I do not like on the J5 Prime (not just this machine but most Samsung machines before) is the speaker. It continues to be the most ungrateful and unlucky factor.
Performance:
For configuration Samsung has cut quite a lot on J5 Prime, from 8-core chip to Exynoss 7570 4-core, 3GB to 2GB RAM. Frankly, J5 Prime has a configuration that does not outstrip many rivals in the $220. Antutu Benchmark scores only bring about 35-36 thousand points. As for the GeekBench software, the single and multiplayer scores are 595 and 1695 respectively, which is quite low.
However, my actual experience is not bad. The operation is still quite good, you can still play fairly quite heavy games like Asphalt 8 or FIFA 16, of course the load will be quite long. The ability to multitasking is moderate, I wish it had 3GB of RAM as J7 Prime would be a lot better because at present, an Android machine with 2GB will find very shortage.
As for popular tasks like Facebook or the web, this machine is still responsive. On Samsung machines recently installed with Android 6.0, TouchWiz interface is made closer to the original Android so it is quite light, removing unnecessary presets as before. I highly appreciate this work as it helps to make the user experience better, which also somewhat improves the performance of J5 Prime even if the configuration is not high.
Fingerprint:
If previous Samsung products, including your flagship, need to light up the screen, the new fingerprint sensor will work. J7 Prime became the company’s first smartphone with one-fingerprints and that was brought down to J5 Prime. You just put finger on the fingerprint sensor is unlocked, the speed of identification is very good, I estimated it 0.3-0.5 seconds depending on the case. This is a very commendable improvement by Samsung.
One thing I’m not happy about with this fingerprint is that it does not identify well in many different angle settings. This fingerprint sensor feels difficult when you place your hand at other angles with the registration, or will not receive or take longer to unlock successfully.
Screen:
If the TFT on Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime was improved by Samsung with PLS technology for better image quality, then on Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime continue to inherit that feature. With the PLS TFT LCD screen, the poor viewing angle is well resolved, the color shown on the J5 Prime will not be too bright, more comfortable expression. With AMOLED users like me, looking at this screen is clearly lighter.
HD resolution for the 5″ screen at the present time will indicate shortage compared to competitors in the price range of 5 million. With a 294ppi pixel density, you can still see the porosity of the image at a distance that is relatively close, but this is probably not an important criteria for users in this segment.
Camera
The camera is one of the key features of the Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime, especially considering its price range. The phone is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture and an LED flash, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
Rear Camera
The 13-megapixel rear camera on the J5 Prime is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. The f/1.9 aperture allows for more light to enter the lens, which helps in low-light situations, though it’s not as effective as the larger apertures found on flagship models.
In daylight, the camera performs well, producing images with good color accuracy and detail. The autofocus is generally fast and reliable, though it can occasionally struggle in challenging lighting conditions. The camera app is user-friendly, offering various modes such as Panorama, Continuous Shot, HDR, and Night mode. There’s also a Pro mode that allows users to manually adjust settings like ISO, white balance, and exposure, giving them more control over their shots.
In low-light conditions, the camera’s performance is acceptable, but it’s clear that this is a mid-range sensor. Images tend to have more noise and less detail, and the autofocus can be slower. The LED flash helps in very dark environments, but it can sometimes cause overexposure in close-up shots. Overall, while the camera isn’t exceptional, it is more than capable for casual photography, especially when compared to other devices in its price range.
The rear camera also supports Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps. Video quality is decent, with good color reproduction and detail in well-lit environments. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means that videos can appear shaky, especially when recording while moving. The microphone captures clear audio, but it’s prone to picking up background noise.
Front Camera
The 5-megapixel front-facing camera is geared towards selfies and video calls. In good lighting, it produces satisfactory results, with decent detail and color accuracy. However, like the rear camera, it struggles in low-light conditions, with increased noise and reduced sharpness.
The front camera comes with a Beauty Mode that smoothens skin tones and applies other enhancements to improve the appearance of selfies. While this feature can be fun to use, it can sometimes make images look overly processed. There’s also a wide selfie mode, which is useful for capturing group selfies or more of the background in a shot.
Video calls are clear and smooth, as long as there’s enough ambient light. The 5-megapixel resolution is sufficient for most video chatting applications, and the front camera performs well enough for casual users.
where can you get a Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime online
Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime G570M/DS 16GB White Gold, Dual Sim, GSM Unlocked US & Latin Model, No Warranty: Buy it now
Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime 16GB – Factory Unlocked Phone – Black Retail Packaging: Buy it now
New Samsung J5 Prime Unlocked Dual SIM- Finger Print Scanner- 2GB RAM- 4G VoLTE-: Buy it now
Software and User Interface
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI layered on top. At the time of its release, this combination was typical for Samsung’s mid-range and budget devices, offering a mix of Google’s Android features and Samsung’s custom enhancements.
TouchWiz UI
TouchWiz has been known for its customization options, vibrant icons, and added functionality. On the Galaxy J5 Prime, the UI is relatively smooth and user-friendly, designed to cater to a broad range of users, from tech-savvy individuals to those new to smartphones.
The home screen offers several customization options, including widgets, app folders, and themes. Samsung’s Theme Store allows users to download and apply different themes, changing the overall look and feel of the interface, including icons, wallpapers, and fonts. While some users may find TouchWiz visually appealing, others may consider it too colorful or cluttered compared to the more minimalist stock Android experience.
One of the standout features of TouchWiz is the “Smart Manager” app, which provides an overview of the device’s battery, storage, RAM, and security. Users can quickly free up space, manage app permissions, and check for malware using this app, making it easier to maintain the phone’s performance over time.
Software Features
The Galaxy J5 Prime comes with a number of pre-installed Samsung apps, including Samsung’s Internet browser, S Health, and S Voice. While some of these apps are useful, others might be considered bloatware, taking up valuable storage space. Fortunately, many of these apps can be disabled or uninstalled if not needed.
A notable software feature of the J5 Prime is “Ultra Power Saving Mode,” which is designed to extend battery life by limiting the phone’s functionality to essential tasks. When activated, this mode restricts background data, reduces screen brightness, and disables unnecessary apps, allowing the phone to last significantly longer on a low charge.
Another useful feature is “S Bike Mode,” which is aimed at motorcyclists. When enabled, this mode silences notifications and automatically sends a text message to callers, letting them know that the user is currently riding and cannot answer the phone. This feature also includes an “urgent call” option, allowing callers to bypass the block by pressing 1 if the call is urgent.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy J5 Prime launched with Android Marshmallow and was later upgradable to Android Nougat, but it did not receive further major Android updates, leaving it behind on some of the newer features and security updates that newer versions of Android would provide.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime is equipped with a non-removable 2400mAh battery. Given its modest hardware specifications, this capacity is adequate for most users, providing a full day of usage on a single charge under normal conditions.
In real-world usage, which includes a mix of calling, texting, browsing the web, checking social media, and streaming videos, the J5 Prime manages to last from morning until evening. Users with lighter usage patterns, such as those who primarily use the phone for calls and texts, can even stretch the battery life into a second day.
The battery’s performance is enhanced by the phone’s power-efficient Exynos 7570 processor and the 720p display, both of which consume less power compared to higher-end components. Additionally, the Ultra Power Saving Mode and the battery optimization settings in Smart Manager help extend battery life when it starts running low.
Charging the J5 Prime, however, is not the fastest experience. The phone does not support fast charging, and with its micro-USB port, it takes approximately two to two and a half hours to charge the battery from 0% to 100%. While this may not be a major issue for users who charge their phones overnight, it can be inconvenient for those who need a quick boost during the day.
Overall, the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime is one of its stronger points, offering reliable all-day performance for most users. However, the lack of fast charging and the relatively small battery capacity compared to more modern smartphones are limitations to consider.
Connectivity and Network Performance
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime supports a variety of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and GLONASS. It also features dual SIM support, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on the same device, which is particularly useful for those who need to balance work and personal lines.
In terms of network performance, the J5 Prime handles 4G LTE well, providing fast download and upload speeds where network coverage is strong. Call quality is clear, with good noise cancellation on both ends, making it reliable for voice communications.
Wi-Fi performance is stable, though the phone only supports the 2.4GHz band and not the faster 5GHz band, which limits its potential for faster wireless internet speeds. Bluetooth 4.2 works well for connecting to wireless peripherals like headphones and speakers, though it lacks some of the newer features found in Bluetooth 5.0, such as increased range and speed.
The phone’s GPS performance is accurate, with quick lock-on times, making it suitable for navigation using apps like Google Maps. The inclusion of GLONASS support helps improve location accuracy, particularly in urban environments where tall buildings can interfere with GPS signals.
One downside in the connectivity department is the absence of NFC (Near Field Communication). This omission means that the J5 Prime does not support mobile payments via Samsung Pay or Google Pay, which might be a drawback for users who have grown accustomed to this convenience.
Audio and Multimedia
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime’s audio performance is decent for a mid-range smartphone. The speaker, located on the right side of the phone, produces clear and loud sound, though it lacks the depth and richness found in devices with stereo speakers or higher-end audio components. The placement of the speaker is somewhat unusual, but it helps prevent the sound from being muffled when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
For users who prefer using headphones, the J5 Prime includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become less common in more recent smartphone models. Audio output through the headphone jack is adequate, delivering a balanced sound profile that is suitable for casual listening.
When it comes to multimedia consumption, the J5 Prime’s 720p display is sufficient for streaming videos and viewing photos, though it doesn’t offer the same level of detail or vibrancy as higher-resolution displays. Watching videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming services is a pleasant experience, with smooth playback and decent color reproduction.
However, the phone’s limited internal storage can be a constraint for users who like to store a lot of media on their device. The 16GB of onboard storage fills up quickly, especially when apps, photos, and videos are taken into account. Fortunately, the microSD card slot allows users to expand storage, making it possible to store more music, videos, and photos without running out of space.
Competitors and Alternatives
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime was launched into a competitive mid-range market, where several other manufacturers offered devices with similar or even better specifications at comparable prices. Here are a few competitors and alternatives that potential buyers might consider:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Around the same time as the J5 Prime, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4 was making waves for its excellent value proposition. It offered a higher resolution Full HD display, a more powerful Snapdragon 625 processor, and a larger 4100mAh battery, making it a strong alternative for users who needed more power and endurance.
- Moto G5 Plus: The Moto G5 Plus was another strong competitor, offering a near-stock Android experience, a superior Snapdragon 625 processor, and a better camera experience, particularly in low-light conditions. Its cleaner software experience and more powerful hardware made it a compelling option for users who prioritize performance and camera quality.
- Huawei Honor 6X: The Honor 6X featured a dual-camera setup, which was a unique selling point in the mid-range segment at the time. It also offered a Full HD display, a slightly larger 3340mAh battery, and Huawei’s EMUI software experience. The dual-camera feature allowed for better portrait shots with a bokeh effect, which was a draw for photography enthusiasts.
- Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: For those who preferred to stick with Samsung but wanted a bit more power, the Galaxy J7 Prime was a logical step up. It offered a larger 5.5-inch Full HD display, a slightly more powerful Exynos 7870 processor, and a bigger 3300mAh battery, making it a better option for users who wanted more screen real estate and longer battery life.
- Lenovo K6 Power: Lenovo’s K6 Power was another strong competitor, offering a Full HD display, a Snapdragon 430 processor, and a massive 4000mAh battery. It also included Dolby Atmos audio enhancements, making it a good choice for users who value multimedia consumption.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of design, performance, and features at an affordable price. Its metal unibody design gives it a premium feel, while its compact size makes it comfortable to use with one hand. The inclusion of a fingerprint scanner, decent camera performance, and reliable battery life make it a solid choice for users who need a dependable daily driver without breaking the bank.
However, the J5 Prime is not without its limitations. Its performance can be sluggish when handling more demanding tasks, the 720p display is not as sharp or vibrant as more modern alternatives, and the lack of features like NFC and fast charging are noticeable omissions. Additionally, with only 16GB of internal storage, users may quickly find themselves needing to rely on a microSD card to store their apps and media.