Samsung has a lot of smartphones under different series. Galaxy A series and Galaxy J series are some of the most popular lineups among them. Their A and J series have a large number of popular mobile phones. In Samsung’s portfolio, there are different models with similar, specifications, prices, and similarly confusing names. Sometimes people face confusion and it causes issues while making purchase decisions. The confusion is about the best hardware, what to buy, which is powerful, and which will give the best value for money. Here we will show all the differences between Samsung A series and J series smartphones so that you can get a clear idea. In this article, we are mainly doing a detailed specifications comparison between Samsung Galaxy A series Vs J series phones.
The Galaxy A series was introduced in 2014 after the launch of Galaxy Alpha. A series was started to be the best mid-range smartphone lineup that provides powerful hardware and features from the flagship segment at the mid-range price. In 2015, the Galaxy J series was launched by Samsung. The phones in these J series were meant to be the go-to budget option. They were set out to bring the best possible specs and features at a reasonable price. However, the company has now discontinued the Samsung J series.
Related: Samsung Mobiles Price in Nepal
Basic Differences between Samsung A series and J series
Samsung made these phones differently and it shows in multiple aspects. The Samsung J series is meant for budget and entry-level. This is why the phones in this family have basic hardware, inexpensive build quality, and starting level performance. We can find plastic builds, mediocre cameras, and basic processors in Galaxy J lineup products. By the way, sometimes the hardware on J series phones is also better in some cases. The A-series is for the mid range which means models of this family are a bit expensive and have better hardware. We can see models with metal unibody construction, Gorilla Glass, a better camera, and powerful internal hardware.
Both are made for different people and need. However, the problem comes in when there are many models and many of them start to overlap. All phones in these families have similar names due to generic numbering styles. Many of them even have similar specs and pricing. One thing we have to notice is that the specifications might be the same but construction, build quality, and material are different. Here we have listed a few key differences between phones of the Samsung A series vs J series.
Galaxy A | Galaxy J |
High-quality material and build quality | Inexpensive materials and average build |
Comparatively higher price | Entry-Level to medium Price |
More and Better Features (Eg: Fast Charge) | Limited Features (Eg: No Fast Charge) |
Samsung Galaxy A series Vs J series Comparison Process and Objectives
Our objective is to simply show the differences between the Samsung A series and J series smartphone models. We want to help you differentiate between them easily and mainly highlight the differences in specifications. First, we will compare the similar models of the same generation or year and then move forward accordingly. There are many models with similar naming schemes in almost all generations.
Here in this article, we want to compare smartphones as per generation and their closeness. Our try is to compare matching generation because people can have an idea of how the features and power is according to time. Our next comparison criteria are the model number and price because we can’t just simply compare everything.
Interestingly, there are many other similarly named models in the Galaxy C series as well. Therefore we have also done a comparison between the Samsung Galaxy C series vs A Series smartphones. J is near to A in terms of specs and price but quite far from the products of the C lineup. However, many models of the A family are close to the C family. So, it is good to check them as well.
A2 vs J2
These are the entry-level and most basic phones from the company. Either for A lineup or J lineup, both have smartphones with hardware that is enough for calling, daily communication, and basic work. These are meant for people who just want an Android phone instead of a feature phone. At the beginning of both of these lineups, these were not present. These were added much later to their respective families.
Galaxy A2 Core vs Galaxy J2 Core
The A2 core came in 2019 while the J2 Core came in 2018. So these phones are from totally different generations but their names are familiar. One of the biggest and the most important thing is the use of Android Go Oreo on both of these devices. Android Go is a very special OS because it is made by Google for devices with low specifications. So, here let us have a look at the hardware specification of these mobiles.
Galaxy A2 Core (2019) | Galaxy J2 Core (2018) | |
Display | 5″ PLS IPS LCD Screen | 5″ PLS IPS LCD Screen |
Resolution | 540×960 | 540×960 |
Processor | Exynos 7870 | Exynos 7570 |
CPU Details | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core | 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core |
GPU | Mali-T830 MP1 | Mali-T720 |
Memory | 1 GB RAM | 1GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 8/16 GB eMMC 5.1 | 8 / 16 GB eMMC 5.0 |
External Storage | up to 512 GB memory card support | up to 256 GB memory card support |
Back Camera | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 8 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Battery | 2300 mAh Li-Ion | 2600 mAh Li-Ion |
If we compare these we can see that both of them have the same screen, resolution, RAM, and storage options but other things are different. Galaxy J2 Core has a quad-core Exynos 7570 chipset and a 2600 mAh battery. On the other hand, Galaxy A2 Core has an octa-core Exynos 7870 and a 2300 mAh battery. The A2 Core has 5 MP cameras on both sides but the J2 Core has an 8 MP camera on the backside and 5 MP on the front side. Therefore, Galaxy J2 Core only has one weakness of processor but provides better hardware and features altogether.
A3 vs J3
These are starting-level phones with a small body, entry-level hardware, and lower price. Galaxy J3 has been one of the starting-level phones. There is also Galaxy J1 but the J3 is a bit better and can give a good performance. Galaxy A3 has always been a small but high-quality device with the same entry level internal hardware but top-class build and design. The first Samsung A3 came with an aluminum body in small size and gave an excellent option for people who liked smaller devices. These mobile devices are mostly for people who want smaller smartphones.
Galaxy A3 2016 vs Galaxy J3 2016
There is a Galaxy A3 from 2014 but there is no Galaxy J3 from that generation. So we can’t compare them. Therefore, let us start by comparing the 2016 models of Galaxy J3 and A3 because these are the nearest in Samsung’s portfolio.
Galaxy A3 (2016) | Galaxy J3 (2016) | |
Display | 4.7” Super AMOLED Screen | 5” Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 720×1280 HD | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Asashi Dragontrail Glass |
Processor | Snapdragon 410 Chipset / Exynos 7578 | Exynos 3475 / Spreadtrum SC9830 |
CPU Details | (1.2 GHz Quad-Core on Snapdragon) / (1.5 GHz Quad-Core on Exynos) | (1.3 GHz Quad-Core on Exynos) /(1.5 GHz Quad-Core on Spreadtrum) |
GPU | Adreno 306 (Snapdragon)/ Mali-T720 (Exynos) | Mali-T720 (Exynos)/ Mali-400 (Spreadtrum) |
Memory | 1.5 GB RAM | 1.5 / 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 8 / 16 GB |
External Storage | up to 128 GB memory card support | up to 128 GB memory card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 8 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Battery | 2300 mAh Li-Ion | 2600 mAh Li-Ion |
In the case of Galaxy A3 (2016), the Snapdragon 410 model has Adreno 306 GPU while the Exynos model has Mali T720 GPU. Similarly, in the case of Galaxy J3 (2016), the Exynos model has Mali T720 while the Spreadtrum model has Mali 400 GPU. Both phones have an AMOLED screen, same base memory, and the same storage capacity. Samsung Galaxy J3 2016 has a bigger battery so it is good for battery life while A3 2016 is good for premium build and camera. Moreover, the 13 Megapixel camera can be very beneficial over the 8 Megapixel camera. Thus for performance and camera, A3 2016 is a good choice.
Galaxy A3 2017 vs Galaxy J3 2017
These are both small form factor phones from 2017 with a 16:9 aspect ratio display. The below-mentioned phones are very much comparable in terms of features and hardware specifications. Here the main visible difference is screen size in both of these phones else most of the things are similar.
Galaxy A3 (2017) | Galaxy J3 (2017) | |
Display | 4.7” SAMOLED Screen | 5” PLS TFT LCD Screen |
Resolution | 720×1280 HD | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Exynos 7870 | Exynos 7570 |
CPU Details | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core | 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad-Core |
GPU | Mali-T830 MP1 | Mali T720 MP2 |
Memory | 2 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
External Storage | up to 256 GB memory card support | up to 256 GB memory card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 8 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Battery | 2350 mAh Li-Ion | 2400 mAh Li-Ion |
Both of these phones have HD resolution which is great but different panels. Among these, Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with a Super AMOLED screen and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 which is a huge plus. However, the Galaxy J3 (2017) only has a PLS LCD screen with no protection. The A3 2017 also has an octa-core processor while J3 2017 only has a quad-core processor. The A3 supports AOD (Always on Display) feature and has a slightly bigger battery. For features and power, A3 is a good choice but it is quite expensive. So for a lower budget, the J3 seems very good value.
A5 vs J5
Samsung Galaxy J5 and A5 are in the center of their respective lineup. Both phones come with similar specifications, internal hardware including processor, RAM, and storage. The cameras on both handsets are also the same and sometimes cameras are even better in J5. Mostly the major difference is again in build material, quality, and other features. For example, in Galaxy A5 (2015), we get a metal body. Similarly in A5 (2016), there is a glass-metal sandwich design and fast charging. On the other hand, the J5 (2015) has a plastic body, micro USB, normal charging, and a removable battery. The removable battery is actually great to have and we wish we can have that in modern devices as well. We are in the support of users being able to repair their electronics easily and reduce waste.
Galaxy A5 2015 vs Galaxy J5 2015
Now, we will start the comparison of the most popular handsets of both series. Galaxy A5 (2015) and Galaxy J5 (2015) are some of the most popular mobile phones of their respective family since the start. Let us see the comparison between these two models.
Samsung Galaxy A5 | Samsung Galaxy J5 | |
Display | 5″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 720X1280 HD | 720X1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 |
CPU Details | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core |
GPU | Adreno 306 GPU | Adreno 306 GPU |
Memory | 2 GB RAM | 1.5 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 8/16 GB |
External Storage | Maximum 64 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 128 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/2.0 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/2.2 MP aperture | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Battery | 2300 mAh Li-Ion | 2600 mAh Li-Ion |
We can see that both mobiles have the same processor, GPU, and even screen. The J5 2015 even has a bigger battery and larger SD card support. The back camera sensor of Samsung Galaxy J5 2015 has the same 13 MP sensor but has a wider aperture which provides better light and bokeh. On the other hand, the A5 2015 has Gorilla Glass 4, 512 MB more RAM, and a metal unibody build. In a simple overview, A5 has a premium build but it is surpassed by its Samsung J series counterpart in terms of value.
Galaxy A5 2016 vs Galaxy J5 2016
These are the second iteration of the A5 and J5 smartphones. The second-generation models came with better improvements and different hardware sets. Both of these models were equally popular in the international market.
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) | Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016) | |
Display | 5.2″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5.2″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×1920 FHD | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Exynos 7580 / Snapdragon 615 SoC (Octa Core) | Snapdragon 410 |
CPU Details | (1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa Core on Exynos) / (1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core sets on Snapdragon) | (1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad-Core) |
GPU | Mali-T720MP2 (Exynos)/ Adreno 405 (Snapdragon) | Adreno 306 |
Memory | 2 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
External Storage | up to 256 GB memory card support | up to 256 GB memory card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 2900 mAh Lithium-Ion | 3100 mAh Lithium-Ion |
In the case of Galaxy A5 (2016), the Exynos model has Mali T720 GPU and Snapdragon 615 model has Adreno 405 GPU. Unlike the 2015 models, Samsung has given more power to the Galaxy A5 2016. It has Gorilla Glass, better screen resolution at 1080p, a faster processor, and an improved design. However, Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery with a 3100 mAh rated cell. It is very good to see that both mobiles have the same level of camera power on both sides. The sensor size, pixel count, and aperture are all same. So overall both handsets get a very good score. But for power and quality A5 2016 is a better choice.
Galaxy A5 2017 vs Galaxy J5 2017
These smartphones are better than their respective predecessors from 2016. The specs of Galaxy J5 (2017) and Galaxy A5 (2017) are quite similar to each other. Still, there are still some major hardware differences that keep them apart. Let us have a look at the table below to get more ideas.
Galaxy A5 (2017) | Galaxy J5 (2017) | |
Display | 5.2″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5.2″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×1920 FHD | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Exynos 7880 | Exynos 7870 |
CPU Details | 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-core | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-core |
GPU | Mali-T830 MP2 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
Memory | 3 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 32/64 GB eMMC 5.1 | 16/32 GB eMMC 5.1 |
External Storage | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.7 aperture |
Front Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion | 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion |
The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 brings a higher 1080p resolution screen and Gorilla Glass 4 protection. However, Galaxy J5 2017 doesn’t have these things but it has 720p HD resolution and an AMOLED screen. One interesting thing we see is in the camera because the A5 2017 has a higher pixel count at 16 MP and it has a wider f/1.9 aperture. The counterpart or the J5 2017 has a comparatively lower 13 MP sensor but with a wide f/1.7 aperture. This wider aperture gives better low-light photos and a bokeh or lens blur effect. For everything else including performance, both phones are very similar due to nearly and same level of hardware.
A6 vs J6
These are newer models that came very later in Samsung’s portfolio. These phones came with a taller screen with an aspect ratio of 18.5:9. Before 2018, Samsung used to produce smartphones with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. But as the industry changed all companies adopted this for better design and narrower bezels. However, we started to see a combination of good design and mediocre power in the device of this tier.
Galaxy A6 2018 vs Galaxy J6 2018
Both of these phones are new phones of 2018 in their respective series. There was no A6 or J6 present in Samsung’s portfolio before these models. The company adds new models to its lineup constantly to keep up with time and trends. These new smartphones come with a taller aspect ratio, newer UI, and more much-needed updates. So here is the comparison between both Samsung Galaxy A6 and Samsung Galaxy J6.
Galaxy A6 (2018) | Galaxy J6 (2018) | |
Display | 5.6″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5.6″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 720×1480 HD with 18.5:9 aspect ratio | 720×1480 HD+ with 18.5:9 aspect ratio |
Processor | Exynos 7870 | Exynos 7870 |
CPU Details | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa Core | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa Core |
GPU | Mali-T830 MP1 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
Memory | 3/4 GB RAM | 3/4 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 32/64 GB eMMC 5.1 | 32/64 GB eMMC 5.1 |
External Storage | up to 256 GB memory card support | up to 256 GB memory card support |
Rear Camera | 16 MP with f/1.7 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 8 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion | 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion |
It is very interesting to see Samsung offering the same hardware in phones of a different segment. Both A6 2018 and J6 2018 have the same processor, screen size, resolution, and battery size. The only difference is in the cameras because Galaxy A6 (2018) has a 16 Megapixel sensor with f/1.7 aperture at back and a 16 Megapixel sensor with an f/1.9 aperture selfie camera. On the other hand, Galaxy J6 (2018) has 13 Megapixel f/1.9 main camera and 8 Megapixel f/1.9 selfie camera. In our view, Galaxy J6 is a much better value-providing device compared to A6.
Galaxy A6+ 2018 vs Galaxy J6+ 2018
These are the new 2018 models or big brothers of Galaxy A6 and Galaxy J6. The J and A lineup are very big and they have a lot of phones in their catalog. Samsung constantly adds new phones which is better for everyone because people can get good deals even with a small price delta. Now let’s have a look at J6 Plus and A6 Plus
Galaxy A6+ (2018) | Galaxy J6+ (2018) | |
Display | 6″ Super AMOLED Screen | 6″ IPS LCD Screen |
Resolution | 1080×2220 FHD+ | 720×1480 HD+ |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 |
CPU Details | 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core | 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad-Core |
GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 308 |
Memory | 3/4 GB RAM | 3/4 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 32/64 GB eMMC 5.1 | 32/64 GB eMMC 5.1 |
External Storage | maximum 256 GB micro SD card support | maximum 256 GB micro SD card support |
Back Cameras | 16 MP with f/1.7 aperture (Wide Angle) 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Depth) | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Wide Angle) 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Depth) |
Front Camera | 24 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 8 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3500 mAh Li-Ion | 3300 mAh Li-Ion |
There are a lot of disappointing things in the Samsung Galaxy J6+ compared to Galaxy A6+. It has an IPS LCD instead of AMOLED whereas almost all the previous J lineup products had AMOLED. Then the screen resolution is also HD+ even for such a big display. The processor is also very old and is just quad-core while A6 Plus has an octa-core chip. So, the J6+ is definitely a sub-par product. Therefore we suggest going for the Galaxy A6+ in this case.
A7 vs J7
These devices used to be the top models of their respective series. Samsungs Galaxy A7 always used to have the best specifications possible in the mid range. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy J7 of each year used to have the best hardware then can provide for the top budget. These mobile phones tend to fall on the more expensive side of each lineup. This is because they also used to provide powerful hardware and features for the time.
Galaxy A7 2015 vs Galaxy J7 2015
Both of these phones are bigger and better models of their respective lineups. People prefer these because of the big screen, bigger battery, and better hardware.
Galaxy A7 (2015) | Galaxy J7 (2015) | |
Display | 5.5” Super AMOLED Screen | 5.5” Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×1920 FHD | 720×1280 FHD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Snapdragon 615 / Exynos 5430 | Snapdragon 615 / Exynos 7580 |
CPU Details | (1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core Sets on Snapdragon) / (1.8 Cortex-A15 GHz and 1.3 Cortex-A7 GHz Quad-Core Sets on Exynos) | (1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core Sets on Snapdragon) / (1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core on Exynos) |
GPU | Adreno 405 (Snapdragon) / Mali-T628 MP6 (Exynos) | Adreno 405 (Snapdragon) / Mali-T720MP2 (Exynos) |
Memory | 2 GB RAM | 1.5 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
External Storage | Maximum 64 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 128 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/2.0 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture | 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture |
Battery | 2600 mAh Li-Ion | 3000 mAh Li-Ion |
The original Galaxy A7 2015 has a solid unibody build, slim body, but a smaller battery. The A7 has an FHD resolution with Gorilla Glass 4 which are its major pros. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy J7, there is the same AMOLED panel, display size but the resolution is just HD. However, it also has a bigger battery and better camera because there is the same pixel count at 13 MP but a wider f/1.9 aperture. So, getting J7 (2015) is right as it provides the best value.
Galaxy A7 2016 vs Galaxy J7 2016
These smartphones are the second iteration and they came in 2016. Both smartphones come with almost the same specifications. Still, just like original handsets, we see a major difference in display and camera.
Galaxy A7 (2016) | Galaxy J7 (2016) | |
Display | 5.5″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5.5″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×1920 FHD | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Snapdragon 615 / Exynos 7580 | Snapdragon 617 / Exynos 7870 |
CPU Details | (1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad Core Sets on Snapdragon) / (1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core on Exynos) | (1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Quad-Core Sets on Snapdragon) / (1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core on Exynos) |
GPU | Adreno 405 (Snapdragon) / Mali-T720MP2 (Exynos) | Adreno 405 (Snapdragon) / Mali-T830 MP1 (Exynos) |
Memory | 3 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
External Storage | Maximum 128 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 128 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Front Camera | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3300 mAh Li-Ion | 3300 mAh Li-Ion |
There are two variants of both of these phones. The Snapdragon model has Adreno GPU while the Exynos model has Mali GPU. We can see that the screen size is the same on both devices but the Samsung Galaxy A7 2016 still has a sharper screen due to FHD resolution. It also has one more benefit due to Gorilla Glass screen protection. This time the cameras, battery, and internal storage capacity are exactly the same on both A7 and J7. The differences are very less in this comparison. So in our view, Galaxy J7 2016 still gets the award of best value here.
Galaxy A7 2017 vs Galaxy J7 2017
From this generation, we see significant updates and upgrades. Both of the Samsung phones come with a newer design, better screen, big battery, and improved feature sets. We see USB Type C in Galaxy A7 (2017), fingerprint sensor in Galaxy J7 (2017), and many other changes. Now let us have a look at the comparison of these smartphones.
Galaxy A7 (2017) | Galaxy J7 (2017) | |
Display | 5.7” Super AMOLED Screen | 5.5″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×1920 FHD | 1080×1920 FHD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
Processor | Exynos 7880 | Exynos 7870 |
CPU Details | 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-core |
GPU | Mali-T830MP3 | Mali-T830MP3 |
Memory | 3 GB RAM | 3 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 32 GB | 16 GB |
External Storage | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.7 aperture |
Front Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture | 13 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3600 mAh Li-Ion | 3600 mAh Li-Ion |
There are some major changes because there is now support to a higher capacity memory card and a bigger 3600 mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy A7 2017 has bigger base storage and a slightly newer processor. The camera sensor also has better with 16 Megapixels sensor and f/1.9 aperture for both sides. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy J7 2017 also comes with FHD resolution and the same size 3600 mAh battery. It has smaller base storage and both sides have 13 MP cameras. The difference is that the front sensor has f/1.9 and the back has an f/1.7 aperture which is significantly better. Between these two phones, our pick is the J7 2017.
Galaxy A7 2018 vs Galaxy J7 2018
Both of these are the last models of these old or previous generations. After 2018 the J series was stopped and A family went for a serious overhaul. New phones with new designs, approaches, hardware, and naming scheme were introduced like Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71.
Galaxy A7 (2018) | Galaxy J7 (2018) | |
Display | 6″ Super AMOLED Screen | 5.5″ TFT LCD Screen |
Resolution | 1080×2220 FHD+ | 720×1280 HD |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor | Exynos 7885 | Exynos 7870 |
CPU Details | 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 Dual-core and 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Hexa-core sets | 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core set |
GPU | Mali-G71 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
Memory | 4/6 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 64/128 GB eMMC 5.1 | 16/32 GB eMMC 5.1 |
External Storage | Maximum 512 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support |
Back Cameras | 24 MP with f/1.7 aperture (Wide), 8 MP with f/2.4 aperture (Ultrawide), and 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture (Depth) | 13 MP with f/1.7 aperture |
Front Camera | 24 MP with f/2.0 aperture | 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3300 mAh Lithium-Polymer | 3300 mAh Lithium-Ion |
Here we see very big differences between these two phones. The Galaxy A7 2018 has a far better screen, cameras, and processor. The design and build of the A7 is also better. On the other hand, Galaxy J7 2018 has an LCD screen, HD resolution, less RAM, and subpar cameras. Actually, these two phones are on a completely different level. This is why we see big differences between the two models. However, if we see old J7 phones, the 2018 model is not at the level as it should be.
A8 vs J8
These are the new addition in both lineups from 2018. They were not present before in Samsung’s smartphone families. These are new generation phones that come with an updated design, refreshed software, and upgraded performance. Mostly these newer handsets have an 18.5:9 aspect ratio tall screen, Always on Display (AOD) feature, Android Oreo, dual cameras, Samsung Experience UI, and more sensors.
Galaxy A8 2018 VS Galaxy J8 2018
These phones are the new phones of the J and A family. J8 and A8 have some interesting differences between them. So, let’s have a look at the hardware comparison in the table below.
Galaxy A8 (2018) | Galaxy J8 (2018) | |
Display | 5.6” Super AMOLED Screen | 6″ Super AMOLED Screen |
Resolution | 1080×2220 FHD+ | 720X1480 HD |
Processor | Exynos 7885 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | N/A |
CPU Details | 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 Dual-core and 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Hexa-core sets | 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-Core |
GPU | Mali-G71 | Adreno 506 |
Memory | 4 GB RAM | 3/4 GB RAM |
Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 32/64 GB |
External Storage | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support | Maximum 256 GB micro SD card support |
Back Camera | 16 MP with f/1.7 aperture | 16 MP with f/1.7 aperture (Wide) 5 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Depth) |
Front Camera | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Wide) and 8 MP with f/1.9 aperture (Wide) | 16 MP with f/1.9 aperture |
Battery | 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion | 3500 mAh Lithium-Ion |
Now we are getting a bigger 6″ screen size and a taller aspect ratio. Samsung Galaxy J8 2018 has HD+ screen resolution and dual cameras at the back while Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 has FHD+ screen resolution and dual cameras at the front. Both are targeted to different consumers. Youths like good selfie cameras while other normal users like good backside main cameras. In the case of the processor, it is stronger on Galaxy A8 (2018) but RAM and storage are not that high. We do like the fact that the J8 (2018) has better battery life due to an extra 500 mAh battery size. Here our choice is A8 2018 for performance but J8 2018 for battery life.
Analysis and Recommendation
Samsung makes A series to provide flagship features, specs, and designs in mid-range. They make the J series for the mass budget market to provide basic hardware and new features. Galaxy J family is meant to deliver basic requirements in the budget segment with value addition. If we look at the models, we see better build quality and design in Samsung A series products and better value in Samsung J series products.
Each year the features from the flagship line are watered down and kept in each family. The top of the line feature slowly trickles down to lower-end models. First S series models get the best features then we see them in A and finally, on J. In the analysis of the Samsung Galaxy A series Vs J series, specifications and build are the main differences. However, in many cases, we are seeing that similar models of both lineups have the same internals and the cheaper one provides better value.
In a simple overview of the specifications, we see that Samsung’s J series smartphones are providing hardware very close to more expensive A devices. But we do see better protection, design, and build materials in the expensive A models. However, if we are to observe the raw power and value for money, Galaxy J mobiles are best for consumers. The decision is all yours. If you want good specs in the budget, the J lineup is the best choice. For premium build and features, A series products are the answer.
Now, the J series is discontinued and only A series exists. Galaxy M smartphones are the new budget range and mid-range options.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy J Series vs E Series
Honorable Mentions
In the analysis of the Samsung A series vs J series, we saw differences and similarities between many models. We compared phones in the same range and with similar names. However, we have left out many good phones because they don’t have an exact rival in the counterpart lineup. So we are just mentioning some honorable phones. The first one is Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro. This is one of the best phones in the Samsung J series. It came at a very reasonable price and offered a great build, 5.5″ SAMOLED screen, FHD resolution, 3600 mAh battery, and 13 MP cameras on both sides.
Then we have the Galaxy A9 which came in 2018 with quad cameras. It was the first of its kind and had a 24 MP f/1.7 wide-angle camera, 8 MP f/2.4 ultrawide, 10 MP f/2.4 telephoto, and 5 MP f/2.2 depth-sensing cameras at the backside. The A9 2018 had a 24 MP front camera, Snapdragon 660,8 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. One of our favorites is Galaxy A8 Star and then there are many Pro and Prime models of different J phones as well. We have seen many models until now. Some were good and some were disappointing. But all of this somehow contributed to the improvement of smartphones in all segments and we will continue to see this in the future as well.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy J Series vs Galaxy On Series