X

Samsung's Galaxy Core Prime targets essentials (pictures)

This sub-$200 smartphone from Verizon has entry-level features for those who are just getting started, or who like their Androids simple.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
1 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Android essentials

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is one of the carrier's least expensive smartphones.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Android 4.4

The Core Prime is a KitKat phone. My guess is that it'll skip Android 5.0 and update straight to Android M.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
3 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

4.5-inch display

The smaller screen size means that the phone is more portable than larger handsets.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Removable backing

Unlike Samsung's most recent handsets, this one keeps the company's traditional removable backplate and battery.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
5 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Camera

The Galaxy Core Prime has a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
6 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Spines

Relatively unadorned, there's just the power/lock button on the right side and the volume rocker on the left.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
7 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Google, now!

The physical home key calls up Google Now when you press and hold.

samsung-galaxy-core-prime-8626-001.jpg
8 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

There's more

This isn't the only affordable phone on Verizon's network. Read all the pros and cons in CNET's full Samsung Galaxy Core Prime review.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos