Updated review on July 19, 2017
Before purchasing this SUPERB J7 phone, I had the Galaxy Grand Prime, which I purchased about ayear ago (I was very happy with the Grand Prime just wanted a newer phone). Since am a techie type, I upgrade my phone once every year. Before this purchase, I researched this phone for all specs as soon as it was released on several websites and the specs were just what I was searching for and below I will explain why I believe that this mid range phone is an excellent choice! The color I chose is BLACK and it looks stunning, the black color frames the phone very well. The white back cover I ordered from Amazon...see pictures of this phone and cover below. The cover has texture in back to keep this phone in my hand.
I recently purchased a HP wireless printer, installed HP app and PrinterShare app from Playstore and when on WiFi, I print directly from this amazing tablet.
PROS:
+ It updated to Marshmallow in May, 2017.
+ Micro Sim Card – My model of phone will accept TWO Micro Sim Cards and a 128SD card. I loaded TWO Sim Cards (one for personal and an extra Sim just to see if both worked).
SIM ONE is the one I use 90 percent of the time, SIM TWO I just had left from an old phone, so why not try this feature out! (Sim ONE is the PRIMARY SIM, the one used most, Sim Two I use for an extra Sim.
**One large reason I purchased this phone (there were MANY GOOD REASONS), was the MICRO Sim card. I was not ready to deal with a NANO card at this time. I just popped in my existing Micro Sim and the phone was ready to use!
+ SIZE AND WEIGHT: Perfect size considering the fact that it has the 5.5 inch screen. It fits easily into my purse. And I purchased a leather vertical case that clips to my waistband so I take it with me to the gym to listen to my music or radio when I work out. Because the phone is so light, I carry it easily on my jeans with the pouch/case that I purchased for the phone.
**This phone is THIN and LIGHT and it is easy for me to hold in my hand (I am a small person). They have setting for ONE HANDED use for phone and a couple of other things as well.
+ Memory and Storage Space – This tablet comes with 16GB Internal storage memory. However, once the OS and Apps from factory were install, this left 11.6GB of storage space left for my own apps.
I loaded this out with WPS Office, Maxthon Browser, Rocket Music Player, and a few helpful weather radar apps etc and I still have over 10GB left right now.
**There is 1.5GB RAM Memory, which I find adequate and enough to run my new J7 smoothly and peppy.
+ SD Card Capacity – There is a slot for adding an SD Micro card UP to 128GB. I had on hand a 64GB card with my photos, videos, files on it and the phone read this card just fine. I believe that when I decide to load new card at 128GB, there will be no problem. For now, I still have 40 GB left on my SD card for later use.
+ Lollipop 5.1.1. This is a superb version of Lollipop. The phone runs very fast with no hiccups even when I had several running apps going. I found that Samsung does have the Touch Wiz interface, yet on this phone I found little bloatware - not nearly like on previous Samsung models.
+ Camera - This has a 13MP camera and I am amazed at the clarity of the pictures that I have taken with phone. For example, I took a close up of a multi colored eyeglass case for tiny flowers on it and each flower was very sharp and also vivid in color. Then I took outdoor shots of a few things around my home, indoor shots of special foods that I prepared and the results were truly amazing---the colors were sharp, bright a vivid. This camera is a HUGE improvement from my old Samsung Grand Prime phone that had 8MP.
+ Screen Resolution/Special Screen Information - For me personally, I find the resolution (at 267 PPI - Pixels Per Inch) excellent as the colors in the screen are very bright and vivid and very clear! In fact, webpages and my Kindle Reading app are just stunning on this phone! *All of my pictures and videos are crystal clear with this phone.
***OUTSIDE VIEWING the screen. So that I can easily view this screen in bright sun outdoors, I open the notification area, there is an outside view that I check so that it is VERY easy to see this screen on daylight. In the daytime, I use this often when I take pictures outdoors, I see the screen clearly even in direct sunlight!
+ WiFi/4G (LTE) (Internet): Connects to any WiFi and the signal strength is excellent (even in the very back of my home and outside), most of the time I have 4 bars (outside is 2.5 bars). When not near a router or WiFi hotspot, my area just received LTE and this phone is LIGHTENING FAST in date when I use LTE Data on it!
+ OTG – This phone supports On the Go with the micro USB port so I can add a 64GB flash drive with my office files, pictures etc and the phone easily reads these files.
+ Temperature of the battery and coolness of this phone - This phone and battery runs very cool and normal temp and most of the time it is running at 78 F degrees to 87 F degrees. When I download lots of apps or play games, it may get up to 90 degrees for a couple of minutes but goes right down to normal temps. I have run many programs on this phone and it DOES NOT OVERHEAT. I have read that some newer smart phones will sometimes get up as high as 112 degrees, this one for me has not done this.
It is important to keep a phone running cooler as it will prolong the life of the phone and it is easier on the battery as well.
+ Phone call clarity etc. - No matter what my location using this phone for phone calls the clarity of calls is loud and clear whether on the phone's speaker, headset etc. I even had to turn down the volume quite a lot as the calls come in so well. ***I have a partial hearing loss so I pressed the EXTRA VOLUME in the telephone part and it worked well.
+ BATTERY LIFE: This phone has given me the BEST battery life of ANY smartphone or that I ever owned. And I use 100% brightness. For me, even at 100 brightness, if I use WiFi or Data just when I need it and then turn it off, I get all day into the night on one single charge! (I charge nightly and the phone is at 100% ready to go the next morning). I have better battery life than I had on my old Samsung Grand Prime. Also to save battery, I turn off WiFi or Data and tap the ON OFF button (put to sleep). This way, I use my phone from 8am until 10pm on a charge and STILL have about 20 percent…to do this, I make sure that I turn WiFi or Data off when not using it.
+ EXTERNAL SLOT FOR MICRO SD CARD (UP TO 128GB SD CARD) - This helped to sell me on this phone as I can add my personal music, photos, videos and more to this phone! (I placed a 64GB SD Card in this phone and I still have room left).
And I placed a 32g in mine for music, files etc. *Keep in mind where External SD cards are concerned: They are JUST for your personal files: music, videos, photos, and other files. When you install apps from Playstore or other sources, they store either in INTERNAL Memory Card or sometimes in the phone area (most store in the INTERNAL SD AREA). This is the law of the land where Android is concerned and ALL newer Android devices (including Samsung) work this way when storing your downloaded apps are concerned.
+ Reading/Creating/Editing Word, Excel, Text Files and much more on this tablet: I downloaded a FREE APP called WPS Office (free) which I use for Office files (it reads, edits and creates Office files). And it also reads PDF eBooks so there is no need to download a separate PDF Reader app. *This is a MUST have if you have to read PDF or Word Docs etc, my docs are crisp and clear using this app.
+ Kindle Books App – This I downloaded and I adjusted the FONT SIZES to larger and MARGINS to narrow so I can really read the books comfortably. Reading on this 5.5 inch phone is a joy and I like to read on the go.
+ Bluetooth Speed and Performance - The Bluetooth paired quickly with several devices and copied files at a great rate of speed.
CONS:
- Adobe Flash is not supported in this phone or ANY ANDROID DEVICE after 4.0 OS. The only way to get flash is to get a archived flash and use a high end browser such as Puffin or Maxthon Browser. So downloading the older archived flash gives the ability to view SOME internet videos, but this is better than no flash at all. Keep in mind this is a problem with ALL brands of Android devices with 4.0 OS and higher it is just after 4.0 Android came out, the NEW and best flash is NOT supported for Android devices. It is what it is...Also, there is a newer Archived Flash out. So ask me in the comments if you need instructions and I will send them to you.
- Very small instruction "manual" provided with the phone, however, I went to the Samsung site and downloaded the full manual and saved it in PDF on my laptop for reading anytime I need it. If you want the link for the manual, let you know in the comments and I will give it to you.
Bottom line: Would I buy this phone all over again? Yes in a heartbeat as for me the best phone that I have ever owned! And for the money, I believe this is the best deal out there dollar for dollar. Will this phone be a good choice for you? Yes, as it is a very easy to use phone and very high in quality.
I totally recommend this phone!
Hope this review has assisted you and thank you for reading it. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comment area and I will answer all questions in a very timely manner.
From the manufacturer
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What is an unlocked phone?An unlocked phone is a device that is not bound to any carrier or plan. It allows you to choose your phone first and your carrier second. Upon selecting a plan, simply insert the carrier's SIM card into the phone and you're ready to go. If you decide you want to change carriers down the road or want to take an international trip, it's as simple as replacing your existing SIM card with a new SIM and activating your new plan. |
What are the benefits of an unlocked phone?Freedom: Choose the carrier with the best service or price. If you find a better deal later, you have the ability to change to a different carrier. Travel: Take your phone internationally and use the carrier of your choice. It's as easy as inserting an active SIM card. Selection: Choose the phone with the features you want, whether or not your carrier sells it, and get more service options without a contract. |
How do I set up my unlocked phone?The first thing you’ll need is a SIM card for your desired carrier. When activated, the SIM card will let your phone connect to your carrier’s network. If you decide to upgrade to a newer unlocked phone in the future, you can easily remove the SIM card from your old phone and put it in your new phone—just make sure you get the right size of SIM card (nano, micro, or standard) for your phone. If you want to use your phone while traveling internationally, you can easily buy a SIM card for a carrier that operates where you’re traveling. As long as it’s activated, you can just swap SIM cards when you arrive at your destination. |
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Amazing phone and it updated to Marshmallow! And I print directly from this phone with WiFi on.....a very detailed review.
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
Updated review on July 19, 2017Before purchasing this SUPERB J7 phone, I had the Galaxy Grand Prime, which I purchased about ayear ago (I was very happy with the Grand Prime just wanted a newer phone). Since am a techie type, I upgrade my phone once every year. Before this purchase, I researched this phone for all specs as soon as it was released on several websites and the specs were just what I was searching for and below I will explain why I believe that this mid range phone is an excellent choice! The color I chose is BLACK and it looks stunning, the black color frames the phone very well. The white back cover I ordered from Amazon...see pictures of this phone and cover below. The cover has texture in back to keep this phone in my hand.I recently purchased a HP wireless printer, installed HP app and PrinterShare app from Playstore and when on WiFi, I print directly from this amazing tablet.PROS:+ It updated to Marshmallow in May, 2017.+ Micro Sim Card – My model of phone will accept TWO Micro Sim Cards and a 128SD card. I loaded TWO Sim Cards (one for personal and an extra Sim just to see if both worked).SIM ONE is the one I use 90 percent of the time, SIM TWO I just had left from an old phone, so why not try this feature out! (Sim ONE is the PRIMARY SIM, the one used most, Sim Two I use for an extra Sim.**One large reason I purchased this phone (there were MANY GOOD REASONS), was the MICRO Sim card. I was not ready to deal with a NANO card at this time. I just popped in my existing Micro Sim and the phone was ready to use!+ SIZE AND WEIGHT: Perfect size considering the fact that it has the 5.5 inch screen. It fits easily into my purse. And I purchased a leather vertical case that clips to my waistband so I take it with me to the gym to listen to my music or radio when I work out. Because the phone is so light, I carry it easily on my jeans with the pouch/case that I purchased for the phone.**This phone is THIN and LIGHT and it is easy for me to hold in my hand (I am a small person). They have setting for ONE HANDED use for phone and a couple of other things as well.+ Memory and Storage Space – This tablet comes with 16GB Internal storage memory. However, once the OS and Apps from factory were install, this left 11.6GB of storage space left for my own apps.I loaded this out with WPS Office, Maxthon Browser, Rocket Music Player, and a few helpful weather radar apps etc and I still have over 10GB left right now.**There is 1.5GB RAM Memory, which I find adequate and enough to run my new J7 smoothly and peppy.+ SD Card Capacity – There is a slot for adding an SD Micro card UP to 128GB. I had on hand a 64GB card with my photos, videos, files on it and the phone read this card just fine. I believe that when I decide to load new card at 128GB, there will be no problem. For now, I still have 40 GB left on my SD card for later use.+ Lollipop 5.1.1. This is a superb version of Lollipop. The phone runs very fast with no hiccups even when I had several running apps going. I found that Samsung does have the Touch Wiz interface, yet on this phone I found little bloatware - not nearly like on previous Samsung models.+ Camera - This has a 13MP camera and I am amazed at the clarity of the pictures that I have taken with phone. For example, I took a close up of a multi colored eyeglass case for tiny flowers on it and each flower was very sharp and also vivid in color. Then I took outdoor shots of a few things around my home, indoor shots of special foods that I prepared and the results were truly amazing---the colors were sharp, bright a vivid. This camera is a HUGE improvement from my old Samsung Grand Prime phone that had 8MP.+ Screen Resolution/Special Screen Information - For me personally, I find the resolution (at 267 PPI - Pixels Per Inch) excellent as the colors in the screen are very bright and vivid and very clear! In fact, webpages and my Kindle Reading app are just stunning on this phone! *All of my pictures and videos are crystal clear with this phone.***OUTSIDE VIEWING the screen. So that I can easily view this screen in bright sun outdoors, I open the notification area, there is an outside view that I check so that it is VERY easy to see this screen on daylight. In the daytime, I use this often when I take pictures outdoors, I see the screen clearly even in direct sunlight!+ WiFi/4G (LTE) (Internet): Connects to any WiFi and the signal strength is excellent (even in the very back of my home and outside), most of the time I have 4 bars (outside is 2.5 bars). When not near a router or WiFi hotspot, my area just received LTE and this phone is LIGHTENING FAST in date when I use LTE Data on it!+ OTG – This phone supports On the Go with the micro USB port so I can add a 64GB flash drive with my office files, pictures etc and the phone easily reads these files.+ Temperature of the battery and coolness of this phone - This phone and battery runs very cool and normal temp and most of the time it is running at 78 F degrees to 87 F degrees. When I download lots of apps or play games, it may get up to 90 degrees for a couple of minutes but goes right down to normal temps. I have run many programs on this phone and it DOES NOT OVERHEAT. I have read that some newer smart phones will sometimes get up as high as 112 degrees, this one for me has not done this.It is important to keep a phone running cooler as it will prolong the life of the phone and it is easier on the battery as well.+ Phone call clarity etc. - No matter what my location using this phone for phone calls the clarity of calls is loud and clear whether on the phone's speaker, headset etc. I even had to turn down the volume quite a lot as the calls come in so well. ***I have a partial hearing loss so I pressed the EXTRA VOLUME in the telephone part and it worked well.+ BATTERY LIFE: This phone has given me the BEST battery life of ANY smartphone or that I ever owned. And I use 100% brightness. For me, even at 100 brightness, if I use WiFi or Data just when I need it and then turn it off, I get all day into the night on one single charge! (I charge nightly and the phone is at 100% ready to go the next morning). I have better battery life than I had on my old Samsung Grand Prime. Also to save battery, I turn off WiFi or Data and tap the ON OFF button (put to sleep). This way, I use my phone from 8am until 10pm on a charge and STILL have about 20 percent…to do this, I make sure that I turn WiFi or Data off when not using it.+ EXTERNAL SLOT FOR MICRO SD CARD (UP TO 128GB SD CARD) - This helped to sell me on this phone as I can add my personal music, photos, videos and more to this phone! (I placed a 64GB SD Card in this phone and I still have room left).And I placed a 32g in mine for music, files etc. *Keep in mind where External SD cards are concerned: They are JUST for your personal files: music, videos, photos, and other files. When you install apps from Playstore or other sources, they store either in INTERNAL Memory Card or sometimes in the phone area (most store in the INTERNAL SD AREA). This is the law of the land where Android is concerned and ALL newer Android devices (including Samsung) work this way when storing your downloaded apps are concerned.+ Reading/Creating/Editing Word, Excel, Text Files and much more on this tablet: I downloaded a FREE APP called WPS Office (free) which I use for Office files (it reads, edits and creates Office files). And it also reads PDF eBooks so there is no need to download a separate PDF Reader app. *This is a MUST have if you have to read PDF or Word Docs etc, my docs are crisp and clear using this app.+ Kindle Books App – This I downloaded and I adjusted the FONT SIZES to larger and MARGINS to narrow so I can really read the books comfortably. Reading on this 5.5 inch phone is a joy and I like to read on the go.+ Bluetooth Speed and Performance - The Bluetooth paired quickly with several devices and copied files at a great rate of speed.CONS:- Adobe Flash is not supported in this phone or ANY ANDROID DEVICE after 4.0 OS. The only way to get flash is to get a archived flash and use a high end browser such as Puffin or Maxthon Browser. So downloading the older archived flash gives the ability to view SOME internet videos, but this is better than no flash at all. Keep in mind this is a problem with ALL brands of Android devices with 4.0 OS and higher it is just after 4.0 Android came out, the NEW and best flash is NOT supported for Android devices. It is what it is...Also, there is a newer Archived Flash out. So ask me in the comments if you need instructions and I will send them to you.- Very small instruction "manual" provided with the phone, however, I went to the Samsung site and downloaded the full manual and saved it in PDF on my laptop for reading anytime I need it. If you want the link for the manual, let you know in the comments and I will give it to you.Bottom line: Would I buy this phone all over again? Yes in a heartbeat as for me the best phone that I have ever owned! And for the money, I believe this is the best deal out there dollar for dollar. Will this phone be a good choice for you? Yes, as it is a very easy to use phone and very high in quality.I totally recommend this phone!Hope this review has assisted you and thank you for reading it. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comment area and I will answer all questions in a very timely manner.
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
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Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
Before purchasing this SUPERB J7 phone, I had the Galaxy Grand Prime, which I purchased about ayear ago (I was very happy with the Grand Prime just wanted a newer phone). Since am a techie type, I upgrade my phone once every year. Before this purchase, I researched this phone for all specs as soon as it was released on several websites and the specs were just what I was searching for and below I will explain why I believe that this mid range phone is an excellent choice! The color I chose is BLACK and it looks stunning, the black color frames the phone very well. The white back cover I ordered from Amazon...see pictures of this phone and cover below. The cover has texture in back to keep this phone in my hand.
I recently purchased a HP wireless printer, installed HP app and PrinterShare app from Playstore and when on WiFi, I print directly from this amazing tablet.
PROS:
+ It updated to Marshmallow in May, 2017.
+ Micro Sim Card – My model of phone will accept TWO Micro Sim Cards and a 128SD card. I loaded TWO Sim Cards (one for personal and an extra Sim just to see if both worked).
SIM ONE is the one I use 90 percent of the time, SIM TWO I just had left from an old phone, so why not try this feature out! (Sim ONE is the PRIMARY SIM, the one used most, Sim Two I use for an extra Sim.
**One large reason I purchased this phone (there were MANY GOOD REASONS), was the MICRO Sim card. I was not ready to deal with a NANO card at this time. I just popped in my existing Micro Sim and the phone was ready to use!
+ SIZE AND WEIGHT: Perfect size considering the fact that it has the 5.5 inch screen. It fits easily into my purse. And I purchased a leather vertical case that clips to my waistband so I take it with me to the gym to listen to my music or radio when I work out. Because the phone is so light, I carry it easily on my jeans with the pouch/case that I purchased for the phone.
**This phone is THIN and LIGHT and it is easy for me to hold in my hand (I am a small person). They have setting for ONE HANDED use for phone and a couple of other things as well.
+ Memory and Storage Space – This tablet comes with 16GB Internal storage memory. However, once the OS and Apps from factory were install, this left 11.6GB of storage space left for my own apps.
I loaded this out with WPS Office, Maxthon Browser, Rocket Music Player, and a few helpful weather radar apps etc and I still have over 10GB left right now.
**There is 1.5GB RAM Memory, which I find adequate and enough to run my new J7 smoothly and peppy.
+ SD Card Capacity – There is a slot for adding an SD Micro card UP to 128GB. I had on hand a 64GB card with my photos, videos, files on it and the phone read this card just fine. I believe that when I decide to load new card at 128GB, there will be no problem. For now, I still have 40 GB left on my SD card for later use.
+ Lollipop 5.1.1. This is a superb version of Lollipop. The phone runs very fast with no hiccups even when I had several running apps going. I found that Samsung does have the Touch Wiz interface, yet on this phone I found little bloatware - not nearly like on previous Samsung models.
+ Camera - This has a 13MP camera and I am amazed at the clarity of the pictures that I have taken with phone. For example, I took a close up of a multi colored eyeglass case for tiny flowers on it and each flower was very sharp and also vivid in color. Then I took outdoor shots of a few things around my home, indoor shots of special foods that I prepared and the results were truly amazing---the colors were sharp, bright a vivid. This camera is a HUGE improvement from my old Samsung Grand Prime phone that had 8MP.
+ Screen Resolution/Special Screen Information - For me personally, I find the resolution (at 267 PPI - Pixels Per Inch) excellent as the colors in the screen are very bright and vivid and very clear! In fact, webpages and my Kindle Reading app are just stunning on this phone! *All of my pictures and videos are crystal clear with this phone.
***OUTSIDE VIEWING the screen. So that I can easily view this screen in bright sun outdoors, I open the notification area, there is an outside view that I check so that it is VERY easy to see this screen on daylight. In the daytime, I use this often when I take pictures outdoors, I see the screen clearly even in direct sunlight!
+ WiFi/4G (LTE) (Internet): Connects to any WiFi and the signal strength is excellent (even in the very back of my home and outside), most of the time I have 4 bars (outside is 2.5 bars). When not near a router or WiFi hotspot, my area just received LTE and this phone is LIGHTENING FAST in date when I use LTE Data on it!
+ OTG – This phone supports On the Go with the micro USB port so I can add a 64GB flash drive with my office files, pictures etc and the phone easily reads these files.
+ Temperature of the battery and coolness of this phone - This phone and battery runs very cool and normal temp and most of the time it is running at 78 F degrees to 87 F degrees. When I download lots of apps or play games, it may get up to 90 degrees for a couple of minutes but goes right down to normal temps. I have run many programs on this phone and it DOES NOT OVERHEAT. I have read that some newer smart phones will sometimes get up as high as 112 degrees, this one for me has not done this.
It is important to keep a phone running cooler as it will prolong the life of the phone and it is easier on the battery as well.
+ Phone call clarity etc. - No matter what my location using this phone for phone calls the clarity of calls is loud and clear whether on the phone's speaker, headset etc. I even had to turn down the volume quite a lot as the calls come in so well. ***I have a partial hearing loss so I pressed the EXTRA VOLUME in the telephone part and it worked well.
+ BATTERY LIFE: This phone has given me the BEST battery life of ANY smartphone or that I ever owned. And I use 100% brightness. For me, even at 100 brightness, if I use WiFi or Data just when I need it and then turn it off, I get all day into the night on one single charge! (I charge nightly and the phone is at 100% ready to go the next morning). I have better battery life than I had on my old Samsung Grand Prime. Also to save battery, I turn off WiFi or Data and tap the ON OFF button (put to sleep). This way, I use my phone from 8am until 10pm on a charge and STILL have about 20 percent…to do this, I make sure that I turn WiFi or Data off when not using it.
+ EXTERNAL SLOT FOR MICRO SD CARD (UP TO 128GB SD CARD) - This helped to sell me on this phone as I can add my personal music, photos, videos and more to this phone! (I placed a 64GB SD Card in this phone and I still have room left).
And I placed a 32g in mine for music, files etc. *Keep in mind where External SD cards are concerned: They are JUST for your personal files: music, videos, photos, and other files. When you install apps from Playstore or other sources, they store either in INTERNAL Memory Card or sometimes in the phone area (most store in the INTERNAL SD AREA). This is the law of the land where Android is concerned and ALL newer Android devices (including Samsung) work this way when storing your downloaded apps are concerned.
+ Reading/Creating/Editing Word, Excel, Text Files and much more on this tablet: I downloaded a FREE APP called WPS Office (free) which I use for Office files (it reads, edits and creates Office files). And it also reads PDF eBooks so there is no need to download a separate PDF Reader app. *This is a MUST have if you have to read PDF or Word Docs etc, my docs are crisp and clear using this app.
+ Kindle Books App – This I downloaded and I adjusted the FONT SIZES to larger and MARGINS to narrow so I can really read the books comfortably. Reading on this 5.5 inch phone is a joy and I like to read on the go.
+ Bluetooth Speed and Performance - The Bluetooth paired quickly with several devices and copied files at a great rate of speed.
CONS:
- Adobe Flash is not supported in this phone or ANY ANDROID DEVICE after 4.0 OS. The only way to get flash is to get a archived flash and use a high end browser such as Puffin or Maxthon Browser. So downloading the older archived flash gives the ability to view SOME internet videos, but this is better than no flash at all. Keep in mind this is a problem with ALL brands of Android devices with 4.0 OS and higher it is just after 4.0 Android came out, the NEW and best flash is NOT supported for Android devices. It is what it is...Also, there is a newer Archived Flash out. So ask me in the comments if you need instructions and I will send them to you.
- Very small instruction "manual" provided with the phone, however, I went to the Samsung site and downloaded the full manual and saved it in PDF on my laptop for reading anytime I need it. If you want the link for the manual, let you know in the comments and I will give it to you.
Bottom line: Would I buy this phone all over again? Yes in a heartbeat as for me the best phone that I have ever owned! And for the money, I believe this is the best deal out there dollar for dollar. Will this phone be a good choice for you? Yes, as it is a very easy to use phone and very high in quality.
I totally recommend this phone!
Hope this review has assisted you and thank you for reading it. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comment area and I will answer all questions in a very timely manner.
Amazing phone and it updated to Marshmallow! And I print directly from this phone with WiFi on.....a very detailed review.
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
Updated review on July 19, 2017Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
Before purchasing this SUPERB J7 phone, I had the Galaxy Grand Prime, which I purchased about ayear ago (I was very happy with the Grand Prime just wanted a newer phone). Since am a techie type, I upgrade my phone once every year. Before this purchase, I researched this phone for all specs as soon as it was released on several websites and the specs were just what I was searching for and below I will explain why I believe that this mid range phone is an excellent choice! The color I chose is BLACK and it looks stunning, the black color frames the phone very well. The white back cover I ordered from Amazon...see pictures of this phone and cover below. The cover has texture in back to keep this phone in my hand.
I recently purchased a HP wireless printer, installed HP app and PrinterShare app from Playstore and when on WiFi, I print directly from this amazing tablet.
PROS:
+ It updated to Marshmallow in May, 2017.
+ Micro Sim Card – My model of phone will accept TWO Micro Sim Cards and a 128SD card. I loaded TWO Sim Cards (one for personal and an extra Sim just to see if both worked).
SIM ONE is the one I use 90 percent of the time, SIM TWO I just had left from an old phone, so why not try this feature out! (Sim ONE is the PRIMARY SIM, the one used most, Sim Two I use for an extra Sim.
**One large reason I purchased this phone (there were MANY GOOD REASONS), was the MICRO Sim card. I was not ready to deal with a NANO card at this time. I just popped in my existing Micro Sim and the phone was ready to use!
+ SIZE AND WEIGHT: Perfect size considering the fact that it has the 5.5 inch screen. It fits easily into my purse. And I purchased a leather vertical case that clips to my waistband so I take it with me to the gym to listen to my music or radio when I work out. Because the phone is so light, I carry it easily on my jeans with the pouch/case that I purchased for the phone.
**This phone is THIN and LIGHT and it is easy for me to hold in my hand (I am a small person). They have setting for ONE HANDED use for phone and a couple of other things as well.
+ Memory and Storage Space – This tablet comes with 16GB Internal storage memory. However, once the OS and Apps from factory were install, this left 11.6GB of storage space left for my own apps.
I loaded this out with WPS Office, Maxthon Browser, Rocket Music Player, and a few helpful weather radar apps etc and I still have over 10GB left right now.
**There is 1.5GB RAM Memory, which I find adequate and enough to run my new J7 smoothly and peppy.
+ SD Card Capacity – There is a slot for adding an SD Micro card UP to 128GB. I had on hand a 64GB card with my photos, videos, files on it and the phone read this card just fine. I believe that when I decide to load new card at 128GB, there will be no problem. For now, I still have 40 GB left on my SD card for later use.
+ Lollipop 5.1.1. This is a superb version of Lollipop. The phone runs very fast with no hiccups even when I had several running apps going. I found that Samsung does have the Touch Wiz interface, yet on this phone I found little bloatware - not nearly like on previous Samsung models.
+ Camera - This has a 13MP camera and I am amazed at the clarity of the pictures that I have taken with phone. For example, I took a close up of a multi colored eyeglass case for tiny flowers on it and each flower was very sharp and also vivid in color. Then I took outdoor shots of a few things around my home, indoor shots of special foods that I prepared and the results were truly amazing---the colors were sharp, bright a vivid. This camera is a HUGE improvement from my old Samsung Grand Prime phone that had 8MP.
+ Screen Resolution/Special Screen Information - For me personally, I find the resolution (at 267 PPI - Pixels Per Inch) excellent as the colors in the screen are very bright and vivid and very clear! In fact, webpages and my Kindle Reading app are just stunning on this phone! *All of my pictures and videos are crystal clear with this phone.
***OUTSIDE VIEWING the screen. So that I can easily view this screen in bright sun outdoors, I open the notification area, there is an outside view that I check so that it is VERY easy to see this screen on daylight. In the daytime, I use this often when I take pictures outdoors, I see the screen clearly even in direct sunlight!
+ WiFi/4G (LTE) (Internet): Connects to any WiFi and the signal strength is excellent (even in the very back of my home and outside), most of the time I have 4 bars (outside is 2.5 bars). When not near a router or WiFi hotspot, my area just received LTE and this phone is LIGHTENING FAST in date when I use LTE Data on it!
+ OTG – This phone supports On the Go with the micro USB port so I can add a 64GB flash drive with my office files, pictures etc and the phone easily reads these files.
+ Temperature of the battery and coolness of this phone - This phone and battery runs very cool and normal temp and most of the time it is running at 78 F degrees to 87 F degrees. When I download lots of apps or play games, it may get up to 90 degrees for a couple of minutes but goes right down to normal temps. I have run many programs on this phone and it DOES NOT OVERHEAT. I have read that some newer smart phones will sometimes get up as high as 112 degrees, this one for me has not done this.
It is important to keep a phone running cooler as it will prolong the life of the phone and it is easier on the battery as well.
+ Phone call clarity etc. - No matter what my location using this phone for phone calls the clarity of calls is loud and clear whether on the phone's speaker, headset etc. I even had to turn down the volume quite a lot as the calls come in so well. ***I have a partial hearing loss so I pressed the EXTRA VOLUME in the telephone part and it worked well.
+ BATTERY LIFE: This phone has given me the BEST battery life of ANY smartphone or that I ever owned. And I use 100% brightness. For me, even at 100 brightness, if I use WiFi or Data just when I need it and then turn it off, I get all day into the night on one single charge! (I charge nightly and the phone is at 100% ready to go the next morning). I have better battery life than I had on my old Samsung Grand Prime. Also to save battery, I turn off WiFi or Data and tap the ON OFF button (put to sleep). This way, I use my phone from 8am until 10pm on a charge and STILL have about 20 percent…to do this, I make sure that I turn WiFi or Data off when not using it.
+ EXTERNAL SLOT FOR MICRO SD CARD (UP TO 128GB SD CARD) - This helped to sell me on this phone as I can add my personal music, photos, videos and more to this phone! (I placed a 64GB SD Card in this phone and I still have room left).
And I placed a 32g in mine for music, files etc. *Keep in mind where External SD cards are concerned: They are JUST for your personal files: music, videos, photos, and other files. When you install apps from Playstore or other sources, they store either in INTERNAL Memory Card or sometimes in the phone area (most store in the INTERNAL SD AREA). This is the law of the land where Android is concerned and ALL newer Android devices (including Samsung) work this way when storing your downloaded apps are concerned.
+ Reading/Creating/Editing Word, Excel, Text Files and much more on this tablet: I downloaded a FREE APP called WPS Office (free) which I use for Office files (it reads, edits and creates Office files). And it also reads PDF eBooks so there is no need to download a separate PDF Reader app. *This is a MUST have if you have to read PDF or Word Docs etc, my docs are crisp and clear using this app.
+ Kindle Books App – This I downloaded and I adjusted the FONT SIZES to larger and MARGINS to narrow so I can really read the books comfortably. Reading on this 5.5 inch phone is a joy and I like to read on the go.
+ Bluetooth Speed and Performance - The Bluetooth paired quickly with several devices and copied files at a great rate of speed.
CONS:
- Adobe Flash is not supported in this phone or ANY ANDROID DEVICE after 4.0 OS. The only way to get flash is to get a archived flash and use a high end browser such as Puffin or Maxthon Browser. So downloading the older archived flash gives the ability to view SOME internet videos, but this is better than no flash at all. Keep in mind this is a problem with ALL brands of Android devices with 4.0 OS and higher it is just after 4.0 Android came out, the NEW and best flash is NOT supported for Android devices. It is what it is...Also, there is a newer Archived Flash out. So ask me in the comments if you need instructions and I will send them to you.
- Very small instruction "manual" provided with the phone, however, I went to the Samsung site and downloaded the full manual and saved it in PDF on my laptop for reading anytime I need it. If you want the link for the manual, let you know in the comments and I will give it to you.
Bottom line: Would I buy this phone all over again? Yes in a heartbeat as for me the best phone that I have ever owned! And for the money, I believe this is the best deal out there dollar for dollar. Will this phone be a good choice for you? Yes, as it is a very easy to use phone and very high in quality.
I totally recommend this phone!
Hope this review has assisted you and thank you for reading it. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comment area and I will answer all questions in a very timely manner.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2016
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Juan Ricardo Carreón López
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