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Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
...


5.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime currently has an Informr score of 5.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 12 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Decent camera
  • 4G support
  • NFC support
  • Great battery life
  • Removable battery
  • MicroSD support

What's bad

  • Price
  • Weak processor for more than basic use
  • Limited internal storage
  • Washed out, low-resolution display

While making a budget phone requires compromises, the increasing market competition has lead to major advances in features in recent years. Does the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime make the right compromises to stand out?

Let’s see what reviewers are saying!

The Core Prime takes the typical Samsung design and converts it into an all-plastic affair. However, reviewers didn’t mind the plastic shell. GSM Arena noted, “It's shiny, but not glossy and glistens under the light. It hides fingerprints quite well.” The plastic shell also means a removable back for swapping batteries on power-hungry days.

Coming around front, you’re greeted with a 4.5-inch, 800-by-480 TFT panel. Unfortunately, reviews weren’t stellar. TechRadar said, “With today's HD-optimised web content, browsing the web on the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime shows up some unsightly artifacts and leaves a generally drab impression.” Many reviewers also noted that the screen’s colors were dull and visibility in sunlight was difficult.

Powering the phone, you’ll find a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor. PC Advisor UK summed performance up well, saying, “In general use the phone feels fairly zippy but there's the occasional slowdown and also slight delays when launching apps.” However, don’t expect 3D games to run smoothly.

Media lovers will find the phone’s support of microSD cards essential for enjoying their favorite movies and music on the go. The phone only offers 8GB of internal storage, with roughly 3GB taken up by the OS and pre-installed apps. As the phone runs Android 5.1.1, there’s no support for Android Adaptable Storage to help things out either.

The battery life was a popular point among most reviewers. While the battery is only 2000mAh, the phone's relatively low specs offer plenty of use on a single charge. GSM Arena noted, “The phone will last you three days of use, two if you push it harder.”

The camera was equally well received. The 5MP rear camera includes a flash and autofocus. There’s also a 2MP front-facing lens for selfies and video chat. Expert Reviews UK put the camera to the test and said, “While its resolution isn't as high as other budget smartphones it produced some remarkably decent shots when I took it outdoors, as colours were rich and vibrant with very little noise on show.”

Overall, the biggest problem most reviews pointed out about the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is the price. TechRadar summed up opinions on the phone well, saying, “In an increasingly competitive low-end smartphone field, the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime fails to stand out or excel in any way. It will meet your day-to-day demands, but you can do better for the money.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Know Your Mobile
Know Your Mobile

For the price, the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime delivers a lot of value. It’s small, packed with useful features, thanks to its Android OS, and possesses excellent call quality as well as decent battery life.

- Richard Goodwin, Know Your Mobile
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

The main problem with the Core Prime, though, is its age. When it first came out in 2014, it had fewer handsets to compete with, but ever since Motorola completely rewrote the rulebook on what we should expect from cut-price smartphones with its Moto G and Moto E handsets, the Core Prime just can't...

- Katharine Byrne, Expert Reviews
TechRadar
TechRadar

It's busy at the bottom, and the Core Prime struggles to stand out.

- Jon Murdy, TechRadar
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

If you love Samsung Android phones then you'll like the Galaxy Core Prime. It does lack a few features, but the missing ambient light sensor is one cut corner too far. For only £79, we prefer Vodafone's Smart Prime 6. It has a 5in 1280x720 screen, better cameras and an ambient light sensor. Pl...

- Jim Martin, Tech Advisor
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

An updated handset that improves upon its predecessor's specs while maintaining a low price point.

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Samsung backs up the Galaxy Core Prime with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Core Prime has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




Resources


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Quick view

Screen Size
4.5"

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2000 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 9 days standby time, 780 minutes, 720 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Core Prime Specs

Overview
Release Date December 8, 2014
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.53 W/kg
Body: 0.54 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, Metering, Exposure value
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 207 pixels
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 600 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 720 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 780 minutes
Standby Time Up to 9 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.1 x 6.8 x 0.9 cm (5.2 x 2.7 x 0.4 in)
Weight 130 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung Galaxy Prevail LTE, SM-G360

Also available in a dual-SIM model.
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
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