Is The Infinix Note 4 Still A Better Buy Than The Samsung J7 Prime In Current Year

In 2024, many budget-conscious consumers still reference older smartphones when deciding on affordable daily drivers. Two models frequently compared are the Infinix Note 4 (released in 2017) and the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime (launched in 2016). While both are over half a decade old, their durability and availability in secondhand markets keep them relevant. But is the Infinix Note 4 still a smarter purchase than the Samsung J7 Prime today? The answer depends on use case, expectations, and where you live.

This article dives deep into hardware, software, longevity, user experience, and real-world usability to determine which device holds up—and whether either should be considered at all in today’s smartphone landscape.

Performance and Hardware: A Reality Check

The Infinix Note 4 was powered by a MediaTek MT6753 octa-core processor, paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the variant. The Samsung J7 Prime used an Exynos 7870, also an octa-core chip, with 3GB of RAM. On paper, these specs were competitive for mid-range phones in their era, but by 2024 standards, they fall far short.

Modern apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and even Chrome demand more processing power and memory. Both devices struggle with multitasking and app loading times. However, the Exynos 7870 in the J7 Prime is built on a 14nm process, making it slightly more power-efficient than the 28nm MT6753 in the Note 4. This translates to marginally better thermal management and sustained performance under load.

Tip: If buying a used phone from this era, always test app switching and background performance—many units suffer from degraded storage and RAM due to age.

Battery Life and Charging: Where Infinix Shines

The Infinix Note 4 came with a massive 4300mAh battery, significantly larger than the J7 Prime’s 3300mAh. This difference remains impactful today. For users who prioritize long battery life and minimal charging cycles, the Note 4 clearly wins.

In practical use, the Note 4 can last a full day even with light web browsing and messaging, while the J7 Prime often requires a charge by late afternoon. However, battery degradation over seven years means most used units will have reduced capacity. A replacement battery for either model costs between $10–$20 in most developing markets, extending usability.

Neither phone supports fast charging, and both use micro-USB ports—a notable limitation in 2024. Still, the sheer size of the Note 4’s battery gives it a functional edge for users without consistent access to power.

Camera Comparison: Clarity vs. Consistency

The Infinix Note 4 featured a 13MP rear camera with dual LED flash, while the J7 Prime had a 13MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and LED flash. Samsung’s image processing, even on older models, has historically been more refined than Infinix’s.

In low-light conditions, the J7 Prime captures brighter, more balanced photos with less noise. Its front-facing 8MP camera also outperforms the Note 4’s 8MP shooter, delivering clearer selfies with better skin tone reproduction.

However, neither camera meets modern standards. Autofocus is slow, dynamic range is poor, and video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps with noticeable stabilization issues. For social media or document scanning, both are usable—but only just.

“Phones from this generation weren’t built for today’s visual internet. Image quality degrades quickly in anything but ideal lighting.” — David Mwangi, Mobile Repair Technician, Nairobi

Software and Security: The Hidden Cost of Aging

Both phones launched with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and received updates to Android 7.0 (Nougat). No official Android 8.0 or later updates were ever released. This means neither device supports modern security patches, leaving them vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks.

The Google Play Store still functions, but many apps—including banking and messaging platforms—now require newer Android versions. WhatsApp, for example, ended support for devices running Android 4.1 and below in 2023, but some older Android 7.0 devices still face compatibility issues.

Infinix’s XOS skin adds extra bloatware and animations, further slowing down the already modest hardware. Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as Experience), while not lightweight, offers a more stable interface and better system optimization.

Build Quality and Durability

The Samsung J7 Prime stands out with its metal unibody design, giving it a premium feel uncommon in its price range at launch. The Infinix Note 4 uses a plastic body, which makes it lighter but more prone to scratches and creaking over time.

That said, the Note 4’s removable back panel allows easier access to the battery and SIM/microSD slots. It also includes a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 128GB, whereas the J7 Prime uses a hybrid slot—meaning you must choose between a second SIM or expanded storage.

Feature	Infinix Note 4	Samsung J7 Prime
Release Year	2017	2016
Processor	MediaTek MT6753	Exynos 7870
RAM	3GB / 4GB	3GB
Storage	32GB (expandable)	32GB (hybrid expandable)
Battery	4300mAh (non-removable)	3300mAh (non-removable)
Rear Camera	13MP	13MP (f/1.9)
Front Camera	8MP	8MP
OS (Latest)	Android 7.0	Android 8.1 (limited rollout)
Display	5.7” HD+ IPS	5.5” FHD IPS
Build	Plastic	Metal

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Phone Survive in 2024?

Consider Maria, a small business owner in Lagos who needed a backup phone for customer calls and WhatsApp orders. She bought a refurbished Infinix Note 4 for ₦18,000 (~$20) because of its long battery life. Initially satisfied, she soon noticed delays in message delivery, app crashes, and overheating during extended use. After two months, the phone failed to boot due to corrupted internal storage.

She switched to a used Samsung J7 Prime at ₦22,000 (~$27). Despite the smaller battery, she found the interface smoother and the camera better for scanning QR codes and receipts. The metal body also felt sturdier. However, after three months, WhatsApp stopped working due to OS incompatibility, forcing her to upgrade to a newer Android Go device.

This scenario reflects a broader truth: while both phones function as basic communication tools, their lack of software support severely limits practicality in 2024.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone

• ✅ Confirm the device boots and recognizes SIM and Wi-Fi
• ✅ Test all core apps: WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and your bank’s app
• ✅ Check battery health—does it drain within 6 hours?
• ✅ Look for signs of water damage or cracked screens
• ✅ Verify if the seller offers a short warranty or return option
• ✅ Consider replacing the battery immediately if purchasing used

Alternatives Worth Considering

For less than $60, modern entry-level smartphones offer dramatically better experiences. Devices like the Tecno Spark 10C, Nokia C12, or Samsung Galaxy A04e run Android 12 or 13 (Go Edition), feature quad-core processors, 2GB+ RAM, and support current apps and security standards.

These newer models include improved cameras, GPS accuracy, and Bluetooth 5.0, making them more reliable for digital payments, navigation, and remote work. Spending slightly more eliminates the risks associated with aging hardware and unsupported software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Infinix Note 4 run WhatsApp in 2024?

Possibly, but not reliably. While WhatsApp may install, frequent crashes and sync issues are common due to outdated Android versions and insufficient RAM. Official support does not guarantee smooth functionality.

Which phone lasts longer: Note 4 or J7 Prime?

The Note 4 has a larger battery, but the J7 Prime’s efficient processor and metal build often result in better long-term durability. Real-world lifespan depends heavily on usage and maintenance.

Are spare parts still available for these phones?

Yes, especially in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Screens, batteries, and charging ports are widely available and inexpensive. However, sourcing original parts is difficult—most replacements are third-party.

Final Verdict: Is the Infinix Note 4 Better Than the J7 Prime Today?

In a head-to-head comparison, the Infinix Note 4 wins on battery capacity and storage flexibility, while the Samsung J7 Prime leads in build quality, camera performance, and software stability. However, neither is a truly sensible choice in 2024 for anyone relying on a smartphone for more than emergency calls.

If forced to choose between the two, the J7 Prime edges ahead due to its superior construction and slightly better software optimization. But the real recommendation is to avoid both unless you’re on an extreme budget and need a temporary solution.

💬 Have you used either of these phones recently? Share your experience in the comments—your insights could help others make a smarter decision.