In our opinion, Android Go smartphones are currently the best alternative for people who are in search of the cheapest devices. Thanks to an enlightened version of Google’s operating system, they are able to provide smooth performance even with an entry-level or outdated hardware department. The newly-announced Huawei Y5 Lite, Nokia 2.1 and Samsung Galaxy J4 Core are among the latest devices with Android Go inside, and this is a comparison between their specs that we published to clear your ideas about these very affordable handsets.
Huawei Y5 Lite vs Nokia 2.1 vs Samsung Galaxy J4 Core
| Huawei Y5 Lite | Nokia 2.1 | Samsung Galaxy J4 Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm, 142 grams | 153.6 x 77.6 x 9.7 mm, 174 grams | 161.4 x 76.9 x 7.9 mm |
| DISPLAY | 5.45 inches, 720 x 1440 pixels, 295 ppi, 18:9 ratio, LCD | 5.5 inches, 720 x 1280p (HD), 267 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 6 inches, 720 x 1480 pixels, 274 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Mediatek MT6739, quad-core 1.5 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz | Samsung Exynos 7570, quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| MEMORY | 1 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 1 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 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | 8 MP f/2.0 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
8 MP 5 MP front camera |
8 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
| BATTERY | 3020 mAh | 4000 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Hybrid Dual SIM slot |
Design
With its narrow bezels and its sleek body, Samsung Galaxy J4 Core looks like the handset with the most modern and good-looking design. Huawei Y5 Lite is more compact and lightweight, so there is surely someone who will like it more. But Nokia 2.1 does not convince me at all due to its thick bezels and a high thickness. However, it has some advantages under other points of view. But if you want the most beautiful phone, you should go for Samsung Galaxy J4 Core or Huawei Y5 Lite. Nokia 2.1 has the best build quality thanks to an aluminum frame, the Gorilla Glass protection by Corning for the display, and it even has stereo speakers.
Display
All these devices have sufficient displays, but they are not so exciting due to their low HD+ resolution. But considering that many handsets in their price range have even worse displays, we can call them acceptable. If you are seeking the best display quality you should go for the Nokia 2.1 or Samsung Galaxy J4 Core, but I would choose Nokia 2.1 because of its stereo speakers that represent an added value when it comes to multimedia. Note that it has a 5.5-inch display with the 16:9 aspect ratio, so it offers more or less the same surface as the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core equipped with a 6-inch 18:9 panel.
Specs
The hardware department is superior on the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core thanks to the Snapdragon 425 SoC performing better than the MediaTek MT6739 found on the Nokia 2.1. Nokia 2.1 has a Snapdragon 425 as well, but it only offers 8 GB of internal storage, while Samsung Galaxy J4 Core has 16 GB. All the devices feature expandable storage thanks to a micro SD slot, but Samsung Galaxy J4 Core supports up to 512 GB more, while Nokia 2.1 and Huawei Y5 Lite stop at 128 and 256 GB, respectively. On the other hand, they have a micro SD dedicated slot, unlike the Galaxy J4 core which uses the dual SIM slot.
Camera
I do not like any of the cameras mounted on these handsets, they are only good for emergency shots in very good light conditions. But if I had to make a choice, I would choose Huawei Y5 Lite judging from its specs on the paper. It comes with an 8 MP f/2.0 main sensor and a secondary 5 MP camera for selfies which is equipped with a LED flash just like the main camera. But Samsung Galaxy J4 Core should not be far from its camera performance. However, do not choose by basing on the cameras as they are not their strong point.
Battery
A 4000 mAh battery mounted on a low-end phone can provide an outstanding battery life which can even pass two days. That is exactly the case of the Nokia 2.1 which would make every user forget the wall charger at home. The second place goes to Samsung Galaxy J4 Core with its well-optimized energy consumption and a satisfying 3300 mAh battery. Huawei Y5 Lite is still sufficient, but it is not able to compete with its rivals due to its smaller 3020 mAh battery.
Price
With the exception of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core launched with a price tag of about €150, you can find both Nokia 2.1 and Huawei Y5 Lite for about €100. Nokia 2.1 wins this comparison because of its huge battery making the difference, as well as a great build quality and its stereo speakers.
Huawei Y5 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy J4 Core vs Nokia 2.1: 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
- Bezels
Huawei Y5 Lite
PROs
- Compact dimensions
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Front-facing LED flash
- Affordable
CONS
- Smaller battery
