Samsung Galaxy Core (2013)
This phone boasts a 4.3 inch TFT display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play MSM8225 chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.
Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- Samsung Galaxy Core specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy Core smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Samsung Galaxy Core specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Name | Galaxy Core |
| Model | I8260 |
| Release date | 2013 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.37 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.09 x 2.66 x 0.35 inch |
| Colors | chic white, metallic blue |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of the Samsung Galaxy Core is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play MSM8225 |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 |
| GPU | Adreno 203 |
The Samsung Galaxy Core comes with Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | TFT |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.3 inch |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
This 4.3 inch smartphone comes with a TFT display. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Galaxy Core (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | VGA |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Galaxy Core smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v3.0, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes, with RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. This Samsung phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Galaxy Core smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. We can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by ourselves.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- TFT display
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.