Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Core: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play MSM8225
Adreno 203
1 GB / 8 GB
4.3 inch (480 x 800 px)
5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus

Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy Core smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.3 inch TFT display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play MSM8225 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system. This phone uses a 4.3 inch TFT display. This phone has only one rear-camera (5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

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. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Samsung Galaxy Core / 1

Samsung Galaxy Core specifications

BrandSamsung
NameGalaxy Core
ModelI8260
Release date2013

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.37 oz
Dimensions5.09 x 2.66 x 0.35 inch
Colorschic white, metallic blue
SIM typeMicro 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.

Samsung Galaxy Core / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play MSM8225
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5
GPUAdreno 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.

Samsung Galaxy Core / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeTFT
Screen size4.3 inch
Resolution480 x 800 px
Multitouch supportyes

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.

Samsung Galaxy Core / 3

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Galaxy Core (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy Core / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie cameraVGA

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. 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 bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv3.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes, with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 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. You can use Bluetooth to connect your 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 you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-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. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, proximity
SpecialsDual 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
Add Samsung Galaxy Core to your comparison

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Lucas Bradley 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.
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