Android Go devices are the most interesting smartphones in the lowest price range. Thanks to an enlightened version of Google’s operating system, they can provide a good level of performance even though they have outdated hardware or components which would be obsolete with a normal version of Android. Today, Samsung launched its second Android Go phone: the Galaxy J4 Core. In this article, we compared it with two other interesting Android Go devices: Nokia 2.1 and Motorola Moto E5 Play.
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core vs Nokia 2.1 vs Motorola Moto E5 Play
| Samsung Galaxy J4 Core | Nokia 2.1 | Motorola Moto E5 Play | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 161.4 x 76.9 x 7.9 mm | 153.6 x 77.6 x 9.7 mm, 174 grams | 151 x 74 x 9 mm, 150 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6 inches, 720 x 1480 pixels, 274 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 5.5 inches, 720 x 1280p (HD), 267 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 5.2 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels, 282 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Samsung Exynos 7570, quad-core 1.4 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, octa-core 1.4 GHz or Snapdragon 427 |
| MEMORY | 1 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD slot | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 2 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go | Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go | Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | 8 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
8 MP 5 MP front camera |
8 MP f/2.0 5 MP front camera |
| BATTERY | 3300 mAh | 4000 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Hybrid Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Hybrid Dual SIM slot |
Design
You can not expect the best look from a phone that costs less than $150, and indeed, all of these devices feature a not exciting polycarbonate design. The most beautiful is the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core as it boasts thinner bezels and a higher screen-to-body ratio. Further, it is also way thinner than its opponents. On the other hand, Moto E5 Play is more interesting in terms of build quality as it is splash resistant.
Display
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core and Nokia 2.1 have the most interesting displays. They are very wide (6 inches 18:9 vs 5.5 inches 16:9) and they feature an HD resolution. The best phone for multimedia use is Nokia 2.1 because it has more powerful stereo speakers.
Specs
With its 2 GB of RAM making the difference, Moto E5 Play is the phone with the best hardware department. It can provide better performances, especially in multitasking. Further, it exists in a variant with the Snapdragon 427 SoC which is even better than Snapdragon 425. Nokia 2.1 has the worst hardware side with just 8 GB of internal storage, but it is the only one to have a micro SD dedicated slot which matters if you are planning to use the dual SIM functionality.
Camera
Motorola Moto E5 Play is the one I prefer even when it comes to cameras. Indeed, it has a rear camera with a brighter aperture than its opponents: f/2.0. You will still get disappointing photos if we compare this device with actual mid-rangers, but with its bright aperture and a nice pixel size, the final result is slightly better.
Battery
Nokia 2.1 has the biggest battery with a capacity of 4000 mAh which is huge for an entry-level device. Indeed, it can last two full days even with a very stressed use, thanks to both the capacity and the very efficient components. Samsung Galaxy J4 Core takes the second place with its 3300 mAh unit which is all but disappointing for the same reasons.
Price
You can get these devices for a very affordable price thanks to Android Go. Nokia 2.1 costs about €100/$113, Moto E5 Play carries a price tag of about €80/$90, while the price tag of Samsung Galaxy J4 Core is not known yet. I would personally pick Nokia 2.1 because of its bigger battery and stereo speakers.
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core vs Nokia 2.1 vs Motorola Moto E5 Play: PROs and CONS
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core
PROs
- Wide display
- Thinner bezels
- Affordable price
- Front-facing LED flash
CONS
- Potentially higher price
Nokia 2.1
PROs
- Big display
- Biggest battery
- Affordable
- Stereo speakers
- Micro SD dedicated slot
CONS
- Worst hardware
Motorola Moto E5 Play
PROs
- Best hardware
- Compact dimensions
- Splash resistant
- Front-facing LED flash
- Affordable
CONS
- Worse cameras
