Samsung Galaxy A2 Core Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core was launched in April 2019 and has been available to consumers since then. This affordable smartphone is designed to offer a decent performance at an affordable price. The A2 Core is part of Samsung's Galaxy A series, which is known for providing budget-friendly options for those who are not looking to spend a lot of money on a new phone.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core, released in April 2019, boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that is both compact and lightweight. The phone's dimensions are 141.6 x 71 x 9.1 mm, and it weighs just 142 grams, making it easy to handle and carry around. The device's build quality is decent, with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. Although the phone's construction may not be as premium as some of its high-end counterparts, it still feels sturdy and durable in the hand.

In terms of ergonomics, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is comfortable to hold, with smooth curves that fit naturally in the palm of your hand. The power and volume buttons are conveniently placed on the right side of the device, making them easily accessible. The phone's back panel has a textured finish, which provides a good grip, preventing accidental slips and falls.

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core's durability is commendable, with the phone being able to withstand day-to-day wear and tear. However, the plastic construction of the device may not be as resistant to scratches and cracks as glass or metal devices.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core's design and build quality are satisfactory, with a compact and lightweight design that is comfortable to hold and use. While the phone's construction may not be as premium as some of its high-end counterparts, it still feels sturdy and durable in the hand.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core comes equipped with a 5.0-inch PLS LCD display, which boasts a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. While the display may not be the most high-end in terms of resolution, it still offers a decent viewing experience with crisp and clear visuals.

The PLS LCD technology used in the display provides a brighter and more vibrant viewing experience compared to traditional LCD displays. The colors are accurate and vivid, making for an immersive viewing experience.

The brightness levels of the display are sufficient for indoor use, but outdoor visibility can be difficult at times, especially under direct sunlight. The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are adequate for everyday use.

Overall, while the display may not be the standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core, it still offers a satisfactory viewing experience with decent color accuracy, brightness, and clarity.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is powered by an Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) chipset, an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, and Mali-T830 MP1 GPU. It comes with two RAM and internal storage configurations, 1GB RAM with 8GB internal storage and 1GB RAM with 16GB internal storage. The device also features a dedicated microSD card slot that can support up to 256GB of additional storage.

In terms of multitasking and app performance, the Galaxy A2 Core can handle basic tasks with ease, such as browsing the web, sending emails, and streaming videos. However, it may struggle with more demanding apps and games, as the 1GB RAM may not be sufficient.

When it comes to gaming, the Mali-T830 MP1 GPU provides decent graphics performance, but it may not be enough for more demanding games. The device also lacks a gyroscope, which may affect the gaming experience for certain titles.

In benchmark tests, the Galaxy A2 Core scored low compared to other devices in its price range. However, real-world usage may vary, and the phone's performance is acceptable for its intended use as a budget device.

Overall, the Galaxy A2 Core's performance is decent for its price range but may not be suitable for heavy users who require more power and speed. For basic smartphone tasks, however, the device performs well and is a good option for those on a budget.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core runs on Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition), a streamlined version of the OS designed specifically for low-end devices. While the device doesn't come with Samsung's One UI, the phone still offers a user-friendly interface. Users can customize the home screen with app shortcuts and widgets, and the app drawer can be accessed by swiping up from the home screen.

One of the advantages of the Go edition of Android is that it comes with fewer pre-installed apps, which helps to keep the device running smoothly. However, the device still comes with Samsung's suite of apps, including Samsung Health, Samsung Members, and Samsung Max. While these apps are useful, some users may find them unnecessary and prefer to use Google's apps instead.

The software on the Galaxy A2 Core is optimized for performance, with features like Data Saver, which reduces data usage by restricting background data for apps. Additionally, the device comes with Google's suite of Go apps, including Google Go, Gmail Go, and YouTube Go, which are designed to be lighter and more data-friendly than their full-featured counterparts.

One downside of the software on the Galaxy A2 Core is that it's not the latest version of Android, and it's uncertain if the device will receive future updates. This may be a concern for users who want the latest features and security updates.

Overall, the software and user interface on the Galaxy A2 Core are user-friendly and optimized for performance, but the device may not receive future updates. Users who want the latest version of Android and timely updates may want to consider other devices.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is equipped with a single 5-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities. The camera app comes with a range of features, including LED flash and HDR mode, enabling users to capture decent photos in different lighting conditions. The video recording feature also offers 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, which is quite impressive for a phone at this price point.

In terms of image quality, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core camera performs reasonably well. The images captured by the rear camera are generally sharp and detailed with accurate colors. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, as images appear to be grainy and blurry. The front-facing 5-megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture is adequate for taking selfies and video calls but nothing particularly noteworthy.

The camera app interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to switch between different modes and settings. The phone also offers a range of creative modes, including panorama, beauty, and pro mode, which enables users to adjust the camera settings manually.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core camera is suitable for casual photography and everyday use. However, if you are looking for a phone with advanced camera features and capabilities, this may not be the best choice.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity and networking, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core offers a range of options that are sure to meet the needs of most users. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it a versatile device that can be used in a variety of locations.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Galaxy A2 Core supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, providing fast and reliable internet access. It also features Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE, allowing for easy file sharing and device pairing. However, it is worth noting that NFC is not supported on this device, which may be a deal breaker for some users who rely on this feature for wireless payments.

The Galaxy A2 Core also comes equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS positioning, ensuring accurate location tracking. The device also features an FM radio, which is a nice bonus for those who enjoy listening to the radio on-the-go.

In terms of sensors, the Galaxy A2 Core comes with an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which are essential for a range of apps and features.

Overall, while the Galaxy A2 Core may not have all of the latest and greatest connectivity options, it offers a solid range of features that are sure to meet the needs of most users.

Additional Features

The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core comes with a few additional features that make it stand out from other budget-friendly smartphones. Firstly, the device has a dedicated microSDXC slot for expandable storage, which is a great advantage for users who require extra storage space for their files, photos, and videos.

Moreover, the Galaxy A2 Core is equipped with a headphone jack that allows users to connect their favorite headphones or earphones without the need for a dongle or adapter. The audio quality is also decent, making it a good option for music lovers who are on a budget.

Another notable feature of the Galaxy A2 Core is its loudspeaker, which delivers clear and loud sound, making it ideal for watching videos or listening to music without headphones. Additionally, the device has an FM radio, which is a rare feature in modern smartphones.

Lastly, the Galaxy A2 Core features a set of basic sensors including accelerometer and proximity sensors. While it may not have advanced features such as a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition, these sensors are adequate for everyday use.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core's additional features are practical and useful, especially for users who are looking for a cost-effective smartphone with essential features.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core to other related phones, it's important to consider its market positioning and competitor analysis. One phone that is often compared to the A2 Core is the Nokia 1.4. Both phones are budget-friendly devices with similar specs, such as a 5.0-inch display and 1GB of RAM. However, the A2 Core has a slightly better processor and a higher resolution camera than the Nokia 1.4. Another phone to consider is the Xiaomi Redmi 7A, which has a larger battery capacity and a better camera than the A2 Core. However, the A2 Core has a slightly more responsive touchscreen and a more user-friendly interface.

In terms of pricing, the A2 Core is comparable to the Moto E6s and the Realme C2. While the Moto E6s has a larger display and more storage options than the A2 Core, it has a lower resolution camera and a less powerful processor. The Realme C2 also has a larger display and a better camera than the A2 Core, but it has less RAM and a lower resolution display.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core offers a good balance of features and affordability when compared to other related phones in the budget-friendly market segment. It's important to consider individual needs and priorities when selecting the best phone for your specific use case.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is a budget smartphone that offers a decent set of features for its price point. Its compact design and lightweight build make it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. The PLS LCD display produces accurate colors and offers adequate brightness for indoor and outdoor use.

The Octa-core processor and 1GB RAM handle basic tasks and light multitasking with ease, but heavy usage may cause lag and slowdowns. Additionally, the 5MP rear and front-facing cameras produce acceptable image quality under ideal lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light environments.

The device's 2600mAh battery provides a decent amount of screen-on time and standby time, but lacks fast charging capabilities.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is a good choice for those who are in search of a budget phone with basic features and a clean user interface. However, it may not be the best option for those who require more advanced features and higher performance capabilities.