The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core is the company’s first Android Go smartphone

Samsung’s getting in on the low-cost, entry-level smartphone game with its newly-announced Galaxy J2 Core handset — the first Samsung Android Go device to be announced.

Android Go is a relatively new concept, an entry-level operating system for entry level Android smartphones. We’re only just now seeing devices that use Android Go (the Nokia 1 is already available in SA), though you can also just snag a few of the apps if you’re looking to cut down on your data usage.

Samsung’s entry into this slice of the market is set to be a 5in device which uses a 540 x 960 TFT panel and which has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage out of the box. The look fits in with the main specs as well, bringing to mind the company’s pre-Galaxy S6 design language.

There’s an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 2,600mAh battery, which should help to keep it powered up for ages. Weirdly, as Engadget points out, Samsung hasn’t listed data capability for the phone but it does connect to the internet via WiFi. That’s not a bad thing, since if you’re opting for Android Go you’re probably concerned about the cost of mobile data.

If you’re looking to get your hands on a cheap Samsung smartphone, or just have one you can keep handy in case of emergencies, you’re going to have to wait. A little, anyway. The Galaxy J2 Core is going to be launching in India and Malaysia before making its way to other markets. South Africa should be among those, as we’re a prime market for Android Go.

Source: via Engadget