The Galaxy J1 mini and the 2016 edition of the Galaxy J3 are the latest budget Samsung smartphones in the Kenyan market. The two join a long list of entry-level and lower mid-range Samsung smartphones available in Kenya.
The Galaxy J1 mini was unveiled in early March while the Galaxy J3 (2016) is a little older having been unveiled way back in November last year.
With the two devices, Samsung wants to provide more options for accessing the internet on relatively affordable smartphones since they are both 4G-ready.
Specifications of the two devices are as follows:
| Galaxy J1 mini | Galaxy J3 | |
| Size & weight | 121.6 x 63.1 x 10.8 mm, 120g | 142.3 x 71 x 7.9 mm, 138g |
| Display | 4-inch WVGA, 480×800 pixels | 5-inch HD, 1280 x 720 pixels |
| Processor | Quad-core Spreadtrum SC8830 clocked at 1.2 GHz | Same |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage | 1.5 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage |
| Camera | Rear : 5MP with LED flash; Front : VGA | Rear : 8MP with LED flash; Front : 5MP |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Same |
| Battery | 1,500 mAh | 2,600 mAh |
| Network | 3G, LTE | Same |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0,Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n, microUSB 2.0 | Bluetooth 4.1,Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n. microUSB 2.0 |
| Others | FM radio | Same |
| Colour | White, Black and Gold | Same |
The main bone of contention will likely be in the pricing. Samsung Mobile Kenya is asking for Kshs 8,500 and Kshs 18,300 for the Galaxy J1 mini and the Galaxy J3 (2016) respectively. This is because there are competing devices in the market that can already match the two devices spec by spec at similar or much lower prices.
Samsung prides itself in the quality of its devices and offering customers the complete, end-to-end experience i.e. after-sales support. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to the two devices since it has previously received well past lowly members of the Galaxy J family like the Galaxy J1 and the Galaxy J1 Ace.
The devices are available in Samsung brand stores and other outlets across the country.
