By creating a little confusion both with the labeling and with the content of its devices, which are one step lower than the flagship S-series, Samsung did a disservice to both itself and customers. After all, now only inexperienced phone users will be able to blindly buy models that are clearly overpriced and not as rich in functions as competitors for the same money. But some things that have been haunting the Korean giant for several years now can sincerely interest a potential buyer of budget phones from it. About them and why the device should have cost and looked differently in the review of the Samsung Galaxy J4 (2018) smartphone.
Specifications
- Processor: Exynos 7570 – 4 cores with a frequency of up to 1.4 GHz.
- GPU: MALI-T720 MP
- Screen: 5.5 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD+ (1280 x 720), 16:9, pixel density – 267 ppi.
- RAM: 2 or 3 GB.
- Permanent memory: 16 – 32 GB.
- Main camera – 13 MP, focal length f/1.9, flash.
- Front camera – 5 MP, f/2.2.
- Battery: Li-ion, 3000 mAh.
- OS version: Android 8.0.
- SIM card slots: 2 x microSIM.
- Network specifications: Bluetooth 2, GPS, Wi-Fi standard 802.11.
- Mobile communications: up to 4G LTE.
- Connectors and interfaces: microUSB.
- Physical dimensions: 151.7 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm.
- Weight: 175 g.
Equipment
- Telephone.
- Power supply 5V/2A.
- Headset.
- Instructions.
Design and ergonomics
The device is very different from the preliminary renders with which it was presented. The fingerprint scanner, which was supposed to be located below the camera, disappeared, and the body began to look more like old Samsung devices. But in return, the hardware has grown significantly - RAM from 2 to 3 GB and ROM - from 16 to 32. 
The case is standard for older devices of this brand, the previous and the generation before last budget phones. There are physical buttons, and the display format and bezels already look outdated. Completely plastic, the tactile sensation does not evoke any delight at all, as it repeats the mistakes of previous years. It feels bulky, too much width against the background of insufficient height. 
The button layout is normal - on the left there are two separate volume keys, on the right - power and lock in one key. At the bottom are all available connectors – 3.5 and microUSB, along with a single microphone. The front panel is home to a 16:9 screen and three function buttons - one mechanical and two touch, on either side of it.
Four colors will be available. Display
The proprietary SuperAMOLED matrix is not equipped with automatic brightness adjustment, which means... There is no light sensor on the front panel. Although you can adjust it manually, it is not enough to simply lower the curtain - you have to go into the menu, which will negatively affect the overall impression of the device for those who are accustomed to such trifles that are common today. 
The readability and visibility of elements does not depend on the weather; everything will be displayed just as well regardless of the intensity of natural light. The color temperature is selected manually, but here you can choose anything and fine-tune the phone to suit your needs. Despite the low resolution, all elements and text on the screen look good, smoothing out correctly and appearing as sharp as possible. Viewing angles do not change anything in the picture, so you can be sure that nothing will escape the eye, no matter how the owner holds the phone. The only thing that makes a depressing impression is the appearance of the screen itself. It's not FullView like most others today, without rounded corners and thin bezels on all sides. This is a real blast from the past, looking at which people who are even slightly familiar with technology will not be able to say anything good. The Always On Display function is not here; it was cut out for pricing reasons. This is the only model in the line that lacks on-screen quick notifications.
Performance and benchmarks
The proprietary Exynos processors used by Samsung for most of its devices are somewhat inferior to their Qualcomm counterparts, but the difference is not entirely critical and is expressed only in the degree of software optimization for these chipsets. The 7570, equipped with 4 cores and operating at 1.4 GHz, is capable of handling any task. It is helped in this by 3 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of permanent memory. It can be expanded using memory cards, the capacity of which can reach 256 GB. 
Hardware tests produce results comparable to Qualcomm's mid-range 400 series. The most popular testing applications:
In games, the phone will not show the same agility as its neighbors in the price range from other companies. It will be possible to play some hits of the past normally, but you shouldn’t even dream about modern representatives - at minimum settings, some will slow down very much, while others simply won’t start.
Cameras and photos
Like all other features of this device, the camera is also average. It has a 13-megapixel sensor resolution, but its small pixel size prevents it from having enough aperture to capture most of the details in the photos the owner will take. However, in bright weather it can take photos no worse than more expensive and famous models. The pictures will be very clear and without blurring. Processing after shooting can be done either manually, in a special application, or automatically. The latter can not only significantly improve the result, but also worsen it by noise reduction going through the smallest details. 
In night mode 
At night with HDR. The camera software is simpler than others. It's missing a lot of useful options, and others aren't presented or implemented very well. In fact, you can only change the following options:
All these options are grouped depending on the camera you are using. Separately, you can change the image capture parameters from both the main and front cameras.
Interface and features
Along with Android version 8.0, the proprietary Samsung Experience shell works, which is famous for its gluttony and somewhat unstable operation. However, no such things were noticed, which may be explained by regularly released patches for all models of the company. Applications from the Samsung App Store, which are not installed here by default to save space, can be delivered manually by launching the corresponding icon on the home screen. The Knox protected folder will allow you to work with two copies of the same application at the same time, which can be useful when you have two Viber or WhatsApp accounts linked to both SIM cards. The sound can be adjusted flexibly, the device inherited this from more expensive devices, but it is still mediocre due to the use of low-quality equipment - a chip that, however, supports Dolby Atmos, and the speaker itself, which is unable to reproduce high-quality sound due to its cheapness. There is an FM radio that is easy to set up and works flawlessly with a wired headset.
All the necessary options can be configured, but many things are still missing that have long become familiar to owners of other phones. Widgets, which were also made specifically for this shell, do not have many different variations and do not provide a galaxy of functions, as others do. They simply do what they're supposed to do—display the weather, schedule, or next alarm. There are also dedicated buttons for managing tracks in the music player.
Autonomy and battery
Thanks to SuperAMOLED, the 3000 mAh battery lasts longer than on similar IPS devices. The competent work of the scheduler of the latest version of Android also contributes to this indicator, as does the low resolution of the display itself. As a result, any buyer can safely count on the following indicators:
As you can see, the figures are more than impressive. Not every manufacturer can guarantee a similar result, even on their models designed for long battery life. In theory, if you correctly configure the energy consumption profile, you can go 2-3 days without problems and never need to recharge. A detailed item in the settings will help with this, providing an intuitive interface.
Results, advantages and disadvantages
This is a smartphone that lives up to its brand and shows that even by sacrificing some hardware delights, for a not-too-affordable price, Samsung is able to make it unattainable for competitors in other areas. An excellent screen, as always, is not capable of causing irritation from use, and the battery, which performs much better than its counterparts in terms of capacity in other models, can be the final argument that convinces the future owner of the need to purchase. Otherwise, this is a very budget phone, the price of which most people consider unfairly overpriced. But paying for quality and good hidden features should not confuse those who have firmly chosen Samsung for themselves.
Advantages:
- Great screen.
- Big battery.
- High-quality firmware.
Flaws:
- Poor performance.
- High price.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
| Dimensions and weight | 151.7 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm, 175 grams |
| Housing materials | Plastic |
| Display | 5.5 inches, 1280x720 pixels, 16:9, SuperAMOLED, 267 ppi |
| operating system | Google Android 8.0 |
| Platform | Exynos 7570, 4-core up to 1.4 GHz (Cortex A53), MALI-T720 MP2 |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, microSD memory card up to 256 GB (2/16 GB in other markets) |
| Wireless interfaces | Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Net | 2G: 850/900/1800/1900 3G: 850/900/1900/2100 4G: 1/3/5/7/8/20 Dual SIM cards, microSIM |
| Navigation | GPS/GLONASS/Beidou |
| Sensors and connectors | microUSB (USB 2.0) Accelerometer, proximity sensor |
| Main camera | 13MP, f/1.9, LED flash, 1080p video recording (30 fps) |
| Front-camera | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, talk time up to 11 hours, standby time up to 500 hours |
| Degree of protection | No |
| Colors | black and gold |
| Sound | FM radio |
| Peculiarities | No |
Contents of delivery
- Smartphone
- Charger 5V/2A
- Wired stereo headset
- Instructions
Positioning
I won’t repeat that in 2018, Samsung’s entire line of smartphones is unbalanced, the models are selected in a strange, illogical way, and often the identity of one series is transferred to another. So, the same A8/A8+ is clearly a J-series; outwardly they do not resemble the A-series in any way. There is also a pattern in the J-series; J4 and J6 2018 are being released at the same time, which differ radically from each other; these are different generations of devices, both in approach and in filling and capabilities.
I originally had the J4, which is a prototype and different from what's on the market. It had a fingerprint sensor, which was successfully removed, but the memory capacity was increased from 2 to 3 GB, and the built-in memory was increased from 16 to 32 GB. In appearance, this is still a device from the past, this is the geometry of the screen, large frames around the display, a physical key on the front surface. The device is quite large, which is also a sign of models from the 2016-2017 season in this price category, but not modern smartphones.
The positioning of this model looks simple; it is intended for those who do not follow the market at all, do not evaluate the offers of other companies and choose the Samsung brand. This device also acts as an offer from sellers who can force its purchase. In terms of price/quality ratio, it is very far from what is profitable in this price segment, and advantages such as NFC and, accordingly, Samsung Pay have been removed from it. Therefore, we have before us a smartphone with a high cost, which has the advantage of a display, as well as excellent operating time on a single charge. But the model is not very balanced, and therefore you need to carefully evaluate what exactly will suit you and what will not, before deciding to buy.
Design, dimensions, control elements
Color options for the J4 on the Russian market are limited to two options - black and gold.
The dimensions of the device are 151.7 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm, weight - 175 grams. It is potbellied, it does not have the thinness of modern smartphones, in which the screen is usually elongated in height. Some may find this interesting, a kind of classic, but most still look towards modern solutions. It’s even more curious that the J6 has an elongated screen; these two models differ in almost all solutions.
The case material is plastic, and the case is collapsible, it is not a candy bar (another hello from the past), the back cover is easy to open, inside you will see slots for SIM cards (microSIM), as well as memory cards.
On the left side there are two volume buttons, on the right side there is an on/off key. The central key is made mechanical (there is no fingerprint sensor), and there are touch keys on the sides.
At the bottom there is a microUSB connector, as well as a 3.5 mm jack. There is one microphone right there, it is the only one in this device.
The smartphone is assembled perfectly, in terms of assembly there is not a single complaint. This is the usual Samsung quality, you get exactly the device that can be considered long-lasting, it won’t fade over time, won’t get a lot of scratches, and so on.
Display
The technical characteristics of the screen are as follows: 5.5 inches, 1280x720 pixels, 16:9, SuperAMOLED, 267 ppi. It’s a pity, but this device does not have automatic brightness adjustment, the function is cheap, but they didn’t add it. It’s hard for me to remember a large number of smartphones costing up to 10,000 rubles that don’t have such an option, but this device costs more, and the fact that it doesn’t have automatic brightness adjustment is shocking. It is not right.
Since the screen is SuperAMOLED, it remains readable both in the sun and in other conditions, the picture is juicy and beautiful, you can customize the screen to your preferences, choose one color temperature or another.
I like SuperAMOLED screens, after them it is impossible to comfortably use other displays, since with proper brightness they work well outdoors. Inside buildings, all screens, plus or minus, are the same for users. There is also an “Outdoor” operating mode, which improves the readability of the screen, but since it needs to be turned on by hand, its convenience is questionable. One of the advantages of the screen is that it gives a high operating time of the device as a whole. This device does not support AlwaysOn Display; this was done for marketing reasons.
Battery
The battery can be replaced, which is rare for current models and gives the device an old design. The Li-Ion battery capacity is 3000 mAh; according to the manufacturer, it is capable of providing:
- up to 11/20 hours of talk time (3G/4G);
- up to 18 hours of video playback at maximum brightness;
- up to 13 hours of network work (Wi-Fi or LTE);
- up to 80 hours of music playback.
Not bad indicators, they demonstrate the advantages of the SuperAMOLED screen and its low power consumption. For its class, the J4 2018 has outstanding battery life characteristics, it easily lasts two to three days with 5-7 hours of screen time, however, you can achieve better results, it all depends on your usage profile. Perhaps the operating time is one of the main advantages of the device compared to its competitors.
The device also has an energy saving mode, in which the operating time is dramatically increased. This also happens largely due to the display.
Memory, RAM, performance
The device has 3/32 GB of memory, which is not bad, but there is nothing outstanding about it; many models in the segment under 10 thousand rubles offer a similar amount of memory. Memory cards up to 256 GB, you have no special restrictions here. The device uses the Exynos 7570 chipset, 4-core up to 1.4 GHz (Cortex A53), MALI-T720 MP2. This is quite enough to ensure fast operation in all standard operations, there are no lags or anything like that, plus this is Android 8.0.
In synthetic tests we get average results.
Communication capabilities
Everything is quite typical, USB version 2, there is no support for NFC or Ant+, but Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, BT 4.1, the built-in LTE modem supports LTE Advanced Cat.4.
Camera
The front camera is 5 megapixels, it is quite simple, although it takes pictures normally.
The main camera is 13 megapixels (f/1.9), there are additional modes, but they are very simple. Look at examples of pictures and videos (maximum resolution FullHD, 30 frames per second). You can also take a look at the camera interface. The pictures taken in bright weather are quite good, but competitors' ones are noticeably worse.
Software
This model is built on Android 8.0 and Samsung Experience 9.0, that is, this is the most modern shell from Samsung.
Unlike top models, there is a built-in FM radio, which looks like a nice bonus.
This device can be downloaded from the Samsung App Store such applications as S Health, children's mode and others, even if they are not pre-installed initially.
When using a protected folder, you can install any program in two copies, for example, install two WhatsApp messengers on one device and use them for each SIM card (two numbers, two messengers). You can even correspond with yourself. Exactly the same trick can be done with any software; not a single phone allows you to simultaneously work with two instant messengers on the same device with different numbers.
From a multimedia point of view, the device is simple, there are a bunch of equalizers and settings, but the sound is ordinary and cannot be compared with flagships.
Impression
The call quality is excellent, the call volume is above average, you can hear it from your clothes or bag. The vibration alert is average in strength.
Among the most obvious advantages of the model, I would like to note a long operating time on a single charge, a high-quality screen, the disadvantage of which is the lack of automatic brightness adjustment. The memory capacity and configuration are normal, and the cameras are not bad for this class. But then there are continuous disadvantages, for example, the lack of a fingerprint sensor, face unlock (the J6 has it, as well as a sensor), the materials used for the case, here one could expect at least a metal candy bar.
For certain scenarios, this device is quite acceptable, but its cost of 12,990 rubles looks too high even for the Samsung brand; a level two thousand lower can be considered an adequate cost. There are many models on the market that act as competitors, for example, Honor 8 Lite offers a smaller screen diagonal of 5.2 inches, but more memory (4/32 GB plus memory card), and a more interesting design. These are devices of different levels, Honor looks more advantageous. The new versions even added an oleophobic coating, which was not there initially, which spoiled the impression of the device.
You can also look at Xiaomi Redmi 5 (2/16 and 3/32 GB options), you can get them at a comparable PCT price or buy them much cheaper. The characteristics of the devices are comparable, but these ones have a fingerprint sensor.
As you can see, there are plenty of competitors on the market; there is no need to list them all; I noted only the most notable models. And here the solution from Samsung is not the most optimal; the main complaint is the lack of a fingerprint sensor (as well as face unlocking) and automatic brightness adjustment. Plus this is the operating time and the screen. Over time, when the cost of the model decreases, this device may become an interesting offer that will take a significant share in sales. For now, this is an assortment smartphone; you shouldn’t expect sales records from it. We'll be looking at the 2018 J6 soon, and I like it significantly better for a variety of reasons.
We should start our review of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 smartphone with its appearance. The design of the phone is classic for the Korean giant, with rounded edges and a matte back surface.
When turned off, the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is no different from similar sized products from the company. The thin side frames do not affect the ergonomics at all, but they are noticeable.
The side rockers are very ordinary, there is no play, but it could have been adjusted better. The layout of the device is somewhat archaic today. There is a removable cover and a replaceable battery. The cover is plastic, imitating rough polished metal, strong, but not very impact resistant.
Design and ergonomics
Samsung's unified design involves the use of an oval “hardware” (physical) button in the center. As with similar models, it has a certain tendency to get dirty from dirty and greasy fingers. But the screen is good in this regard - oleophobicity is excellent. However, the material of the button is not a problem: in order to save money, they neglected the fingerprint scanner. The cameras are well positioned and cannot be grabbed by fingers. When placed in your hand, the edges do not rest, everything fits comfortably.
The rounded body of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 has average slipperiness. It can fall out of your hands, but this happens relatively rarely. The narrow frames do not interfere with grip at all. What is important: the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 phone is of considerable size, after all, 5.5 inches, and weighs 175 grams.
The device is weighty, but not heavy; the only problem in this regard is placement in a pocket. But this is a common feature of all phablets: there is either a large screen or compactness; it won’t work at the same time.
Display
Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is a budget model, it received a full-fledged organic Super-AMOLED. The screen of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018, of course, is not 2K, its native resolution is 720p, but in this format it is more than enough. The surface is oleophobic, has good scratch resistance and has been tested against drops from low heights. But what the developers should definitely be praised for is color. Bright, rich palette, natural colors.
The main advantage of Samsung displays is the almost unsurpassed brightness and clarity of the picture. In this model it was preserved, the colors were rendered as correctly as possible, and in bright sunlight the screen performs much better than most niche competitors.
In addition, organic LED technology greatly conserves battery power. There is no automatic brightness adjustment here. This is strange, at least - a budget function that has been available for many years even in the cheapest modifications, standard Android functionality.
Equipment
Like other relatively inexpensive solutions, the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is equipped modestly. A standard branded cardboard box with the phone itself in a niche. A stereo headset with vacuum plugs that sound good, but nothing more.
A proprietary two-amp charger with such a battery capacity seems unnecessary, but on the road it is a nice bonus. Domestic power grids sometimes throw up unpleasant surprises regarding real and rated current. Two amps is just enough so you don't have to wait long.
Also in the box is a booklet with a brief manual on how to use it. All additional software and system updates are proposed to be downloaded directly via Wi-Fi.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy J4 2018
Competitors of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 can sleep peacefully for now. This smartphone doesn’t offer anything revolutionary, but it doesn’t lower the quality bar at all. An average model, packaged “on the edge of what is acceptable” for today’s market, and the price tag is far from the best, and there is some visible overpayment for branding.
The specifications are:
- 3/32 GB memory as standard
- external memory cards up to 256 GB; Processor - in-house design, Exynos 7570, four cores, 1.4 GHz (Cortex A53);
- GPU chip used in SoC – MALI-T720 MP2
This filling copes well with the proprietary Samsung shell and the vast majority of applications. No obvious lags were identified in the combination used. Tests in demanding games, however, show slightly below average results: the video adapter is not very powerful. But power consumption is relatively well balanced, the phone does not heat up even after many hours of operation.
In benchmarks, the device shows on average four times less performance than the top Galaxy. This is completely adequate to both the price niche and the corporate positioning of this smartphone on the market. Not a gaming model, but it is more than enough for everyday needs. The problem is that this situation lasts for a maximum of a year and a half.
Cameras
Photo
The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is 13 megapixels, there is a completely standard module available on most of its classmates. The matrix used is, however, slightly better than comparable models. This mainly results in less noise in low light, but the difference in quality is small.
Video
The Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 can shoot in native 1080p resolution at 30 frames. Video recording is at a decent level, the load on the processor and video accelerator during processing is balanced. Actually, with such a selection of hardware, this is the largest possible picture in size and resolution without compromising the phone’s performance.
Taking into account the removable video card, this smartphone could even be a good help in amateur blogging - but the battery is still too small for this task, it is guaranteed to last for several hours of recording. There is a timer and the ability to carry out initial correction of both videos and photographs directly from the gadget.
Front-camera
Front camera - 5 megapixels, can shoot in native Full HD resolution without upscaling, the picture is clear, does not blur the edges, does not distort colors. For selfies and other everyday needs, this is the de facto modern standard. In intense lighting you can take very decent pictures.
In general, for everyday photography, the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is no better or worse than its analogues, everything is in place, the image is processed much better than that of Chinese state-of-the-art devices, but don’t expect stunning quality. A solid mid-range for everyday shots, and if you need to capture an ad in a dark hallway, the main camera does a surprisingly good job.
Sound and music playback quality
The call is very loud and clear, the device has proven itself to be excellent as an alarm clock. The vibration signal is average, but for a phone weighing 175 grams more is not required. The speaker is good, does not wheeze, it is possible to tune the sound with an equalizer. At this point, the J4 outperforms many competitors, not counting specialized gadgets with more advanced player functions. A large capacity SD card allows you to carry a complete media library with you.
In addition to standard capabilities, there are hardware and codec extensions for Dolby Atmos. According to the company, they significantly expand the volume of sound and its depth - and it’s true, the phone has proven itself to be an excellent player. In terms of codecs, you can install everything that is available for Android, the chip allows it.
Communication capabilities
A gentleman's set for a budget smartphone (at a not-so-budget price). Two slots for SIM cards are not very conveniently located, since they have an old layout, with a hinged lid. The configuration type with a monolithic body and a retractable console is much more convenient in practice. LTE, 3G and all available GSM bands are supported.
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 with its competitors in terms of online transactions is, alas, sad. From here NFC was removed, citing the “starting line”. Xiaomi has already done and is doing similar things in younger models - only Xiaomi Redmi with any filling is almost two times cheaper than J4, or even more. Samsung Pay is also not present at the hardware level, so all lovers of new payment methods simply will not buy this device.
LTE reception is clear, there are many bands, it’s only a pity that some of them are missing, but this mainly concerns “exotics”. The radio module does its job very well, the signal is clear, there are no complaints about its functioning.
Wi-Fi is the standard b/g/n range for today, it picks up instantly, the latest updates for WPA2 encryption are pre-installed on board.
operating system
Android version 8, Oreo, which will be updated for quite some time. The shell is not “pure”, since it contains the Samsung Experience 9.0 graphics add-on.
It’s difficult to say whether this was of any definite benefit to the device. Of the branded additions to Android, only MIUI from Xiaomi frankly does not freeze when we are talking about budget and mid-price smartphones. The characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 are not so outstanding that it can handle it without problems in any situation, but the system generally handles everyday processes correctly.
The positive part of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 shell is its ecosystem and reliability. Unlike Theisen, Experience is still closer to pure Android, with a nice design and quite convenient icons.
The ecosystem integrates the phone with all Samsung services, thereby simplifying the use of both tablets and older versions of Korean equipment. From the official website you can almost immediately download a bunch of additional software for smart watches, fitness bracelets and other consumer electronics. All these applications are well tested for compatibility and do not cause any bugs or lags.
Autonomy
The autonomous mode is not the worst by modern standards, but rather mediocre. The reason is the battery is only 3000 milliamps. Yes, there is only a quad-core processor, not the most powerful graphics chip; there are much larger phablets. But the problem is that AMOLED screens also like to absorb charge, even if they are economical, and loud stereo speakers, although they provide clear sound, still waste a fair amount on themselves.
Formally, this battery should last up to 18 hours of video viewing and 12 hours of work from Wi-Fi. It has been empirically verified that the indicators are correct, adjusted for a couple of hours. The smartphone will not be autonomous for several days, but it already has a removable battery, and it was not planned to last very long. When using LTE, battery life between charges is also significantly reduced.
Pros and cons of a smartphone
The positive aspects of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 are obvious:
- good bright Samsung branded screen, 720p - the optimal technology for today for 5.5 inches;
- average performance, current model, no more, no less;
- decent cameras, both front and main. Fully covers the needs of the average user.;
- two SIM cards;
- High-quality radio module, the device receives the signal very well. The same is true for mobile internet use of all types;
- Samsung ecosystem with the ability to synchronize with their numerous services, which is very convenient for owners of a large amount of equipment from this company.
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy J4 2018:
- The battery is not particularly capacious; it does not last even a couple of days in active use mode;
- there are not many useful functions: electronic payments, NFC as such, automatic brightness adjustment;
- collapsible body. The monoblock is stronger, and by the time you need to change the battery due to service life, the gadget will be irrevocably and forever outdated;
- not a very convenient and outdated method of replacing SIM cards, which requires removing the back cover. It is fraught with play and ingress of water and sand;
- the price is clearly and too high compared to all analogues. The main problem of the gadget is the too obvious imbalance between functionality and how much they ask for it.
Comparison with competitors
The Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 might have a slight edge over its competitors if it weren't for its price tag. Honor 8 Lite has much richer functionality at a comparable price; the Chinese have a slightly smaller screen, but more functionality. Redmi 5 generally wins both in price and functionality in terms of money per wicket.
If we consider the competition in isolation from the price, there is nothing bad and nothing surprising, a completely mediocre seasonal smartphone that occupies the most mainstream niche. If you remove the very name of the famous brand, it is easy to confuse it with Meiza of the middle category, not counting a couple of design solutions that are actually decorative.
The budget Samsung model itself turned out to be far from the worst. Excellent screen with rich colors, great build, few lags. Most real user reviews of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 boil down to the fact that the smartphone is decent, but it could be either cheaper or more refined and get many functions that have long been available even in the Chinese and Indians at a price of $120.
Final review
The final review of the Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 is mixed. The smartphone turned out to be of high quality, but Samsung’s corporate policy ruined its future as a device that would be at least somewhat long-lasting. An absolutely temporary model that no one will remember in a year and a half.
Today its content is normal, but it’s just a matter of time; the next generation of phones will overtake it with a margin. The gadget stands out from its competitors only by its screen, which is clearly not enough for such a difference in cost. And even regular shell updates will not be able to compete with new devices, which a priori will have many more features pre-installed.
Who would you recommend this device to? For those who are building the Samsung ecosystem and want to experience all the benefits of a proprietary software shell without experiencing problems with synchronization and proprietary software. In this regard, Korean engineers did their best. In addition, updates should take quite a long time to come out, in accordance with company policy. A replaceable battery also extends the life cycle of the phone - it is known that Samsung produces batteries for a long time; even now there are fresh elements on the market for push-button dialers from the late 2000s.
The budget Samsung Galaxy J4 Core has been introduced: weak chip, 8 MP camera, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB flash memory. All characteristics and three alternatives.
Late last week, the Seoul-based company introduced the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core smartphone. The new product is aimed at the budget segment of the market, and at its initial part. This is evidenced not only by the modest equipment, but also by the Android Go operating system - a lightweight version of the eighth Android Oreo, designed for phones with severely limited computing potential.
According to marketers, the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core should sell well in developing countries, where models priced at about $100 are popular. It is not specified how much the new product will cost, but it is definitely not cheaper than the figure mentioned above. We’ll talk about who the Galaxy J4 Core will compete with in the final part of the article, but for now let’s get acquainted with the technical characteristics.
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core: specifications in one line
According to established tradition, we offer various formats for getting acquainted with a new phone. If it is more convenient for you to perceive information in the form of a list, the first section of the publication is for you. Those interested in the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core will find the table at the end of the third part of the article. In the meantime, let's talk about the features, although in the case of this model this part of the conversation will be short.
Key characteristics of Samsung Galaxy J4 Core:
- 4-core processor, 1.4 GHz.
- RAM: 1 GB.
- Internal memory: 16 GB.
- Battery: 3300 mAh.
- Screen: 6 inches HD+.
- Camera: 8 MP.
- Front camera: 5 MP.
- Operating system: Android 8 Oreo (Go Edition).
What should you pay attention to? It is difficult to cling to any characteristics. Samsung Galaxy J4 Core is a passable representative of the budget segment. It is difficult to find competitive advantages; if anything will stimulate sales, it will only be the reputation of the Korean brand.
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core: Chinese or Korean?
Today, the budget segment of the market is full of decent models (at least considering the price). The question is, what will the buyer choose - a Chinese phone with good equipment, but without a “name”, or a model from a famous brand with characteristics reduced to the minimum?
In our opinion, in such a situation it is better to take a “Chinese” one, since Samsung makes good phones only for the premium segment. Everything else is too expensive, although it is stuffed with mediocre or downright bad stuffing.
In the case of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core, we have a good battery. The 3300 mAh battery will give you a solid runtime on a single charge, since neither the HD resolution screen nor the weak processor will consume a lot of energy. The rest of the characteristics are a disaster. Cameras - 8 MP and 5 MP with dark F/2.2 optics. The processor with four cores is manufactured according to the 28 nm process technology. 1 GB RAM and only 16 GB internal memory. The screen is 6 inches, but HD. The phone does not work on 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Samsung Galaxy J4 Core: all specifications
You will find all the characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core in the table. Just in case, let’s highlight that the phone is charged via microUSB. There is no fingerprint scanner, but there is a memory expansion slot in which you can put a microSD card up to 512 GB. The phone will go on sale at the end of November.
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Samsung Galaxy J4 Core competitors: three alternatives
What can you take instead of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core? There are plenty of options, although you will have to choose from Chinese phones.
Xiaomi Redmi 6. The Chinese brand offers a good budget phone with an 8-core Helio P22 processor, which is produced according to 12 nm lithography standards. The rest will not turn your head, but there is a dual camera (12 MP + 5 MP), RAM 3 or 4 GB, internal memory - 32 GB or 64 GB. If you want to save money, take it.
Lenovo K5 Pro. The second alternative has a powerful processor (Snapdragon 636) and very rich equipment. RAM 4 or 6 GB, internal memory - up to 128 GB. Dual camera 16 MP + 5 MP, 4000 mAh battery. Screen with FHD+ resolution. There is a fingerprint scanner, the wires are connected via Type-C. All this fun costs about 150 bucks. The Galaxy J4 Core is unlikely to be much cheaper.
Nokia 3.1 Plus. Another option for $150 is . The phone, which is produced according to 12 nm lithography standards, has a 13 MP + 5 MP dual camera, an aluminum body, NFC and a fingerprint scanner. Battery - 3500 mAh, RAM 2 GB in the minimum configuration.
That's all for us. Thank you for your attention, come again.
