Samsung Galaxy Core Plus Preview

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Core Plus is a new, 4.3-inch entry level model by the South Korean top dog, and is expected to take its place among its brethren relatively soon. Equipped with a dual-core, 1.2GHz processor from Broadcom and 768MB of RAM, it should hopefully provide an acceptable enough user experience, though we don't really expect the combo to power through games like Asphalt 8. We had a chance to take a preliminary look at a pre-production unit of the Core Plus, and here's what we found.

Design

The Galaxy Core Plus is a typical Samsung phone, with its signature polycarbonate build. Design-wise, it's more than acceptable, but nothing about it makes it pop out.

On the outside, there's really nothing that distinguishes the Galaxy Core Plus from the sea of Samsung phones manufactured in the last year or so. It features Sammy's signature polycarbonate, glossy rear, a plastic imitation of a metal frame, and an all-glass front. Thankfully, and as always, the navigation keys, along with the physical home button, have all been placed on the bottom bezel, leaving more screen real estate for you to work with.

The Core Plus is a very pocket-friendly device. It's a bit on the thick side, at 9.4mm, which, combined with its middling weight of about 4.67oz (132g) give it a reassuring feel in the hand. Lastly, the amount of bezels on each side is kept in check, so there's a good balance between screen and plastic.

Display

The Core Plus is equipped with a compact, but low resolution, 4.3-inch screen.

Samsung's reliance on AMOLED screens did not extend to the Galaxy Core Plus, which instead sports a TFT LCD panel. The 4.3-inch display features a WVGA resolution of 480x800, good for 217 pixels per inch. This may sound a bit on the low side, and it is, though the screen definitely doesn't look horrible. Unfortunately, there's no ambient light sensor at the front, so you'll have to work the brightness yourself according to the situation.

Interface and functionality

Samsung's TouchWiz UI is what you'll find on top of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the Core Plus. It's not the most feature-filled variant of the firmware, but it's still plenty functional.

The Core Plus is powered by Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, with Samsung's TouchWiz skin on top. Note that this is the more recent Nature UX 2.0 version of Sammy's software, and it looks more refined visually.

Anyway, this is not the most feature-packed variant of the manufacturer's custom firmware, though it still touts extras such as Driving mode, which reads incoming calls and notifications aloud, and Smart stay, which tries its best to keep the screen on whilst you're looking at it. Moreover, the usual slew of proprietary apps, like ChatON, Memo and Samsung Apps are also built-in.

Processor and memory

Samsung has outfitted the Core Plus with a 1.2Ghz, dual-core processor from Broadcom and 768MB of RAM.

Powering the show from the inside of the Core Plus is a dual-core, 1.2GHz processor by Broadcom, which seems to be handling itself with some dignity. The GPU, a VideoCore IV, has proved to be something of a close second to ARM's Mali-400 in the past.

In the memory department, we've got 768MB of RAM and 4GB of native storage, expandable via microSD cards. This is not the first time we've seen Samsung outfit its entry level warriors with a similar package, though it's worth pointing out that the original Galaxy Core was actually sporting 1GB of RAM instead.

Internet and connectivity

No 4G LTE radio is to be found on the Core Plus, but it's still relatively speedy in terms of browsing.

The Core Plus comes pre-loaded with both Chrome and Samsung's own internet browser, though we definitely felt more at home with the former as it's just more modern.

On the connectivity end, the Galaxy Core Plus does away just fine. It's got support for the now typical: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, A-GPS, 3G HSPA+ speeds of up to 21Mbits. It comes with extras, too, including an NFC chip and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities.

Camera

The Core Plus comes with a 5-megapixel camera, with auto focus support and an LED Flash. The camera software leaves little to desire.

A 5-megapixel autofocus camera unit is what we found on the Core Plus' rear. An LED flash is lending a helping hand in low-light scenarios. Up at the front, the phone is outfitted with a lowly 0.3-megapixel VGA shooter.

As to the camera software, we're given wide berth to do whatever we please, as functionality is definitely not lacking. To that end, manual controls are available, and so are a plethora of shooting modes, including Panorama, Night, Sports and Continuous shots. We'll eschew from a judgment on quality, as we have a non-final unit in our hands, but you can still take a peek right below.

Multimedia

The Core Plus is no multimedia hog, but it makes do with what it has just fine.

A 4.3-inch screen may not scream 'multimedia hog', and the Core Plus sure isn't, yet it offers a versatile and still pleasurable experience. Watching videos is pleasant, and flipping through the gallery is much the same. As per usual, the built-in multimedia apps, like the Video and Music player replacements are quite powerful and more feature-filled than their stock counterparts.

As to the device's loudspeaker, it is located at the back, next to the camera.

Battery

The 1800mAh cell is rated as good for 8 hours of continuous video playback and 40 hours of music listening.

Samsung has fitted an 1800mAh Li-ion battery inside the Galaxy Core Plus. We obviously won't put the device through our battery test, as it's a non-final unit. Nevertheless, it's worth pointing out that Sammy is rating the battery as good for 9 hours of talk time on 3G and 320 hours of standby. Samsung is also committed to about 8 hours of video playback and 40 hours of continuous music listening.

Expectations

Samsung surprised us with the Galaxy Core Plus, as it went a different path than usual. Considered to be the king of iterations by some, we usually expect Sammy to introduce well-timed and strategized upgrades to the hardware of its different lines. This is not the case with the Core Plus, however. The phone has gone on a diet in terms of hardware oomph, and is actually sporting less-impressive specs than the model before. And while it felt like an adequate entry-level device, we're a little concerned that competing models from companies like Motorola will simply prove a better buy for most.