Small Android phones are pretty much a thing of the past. Finding an Android phone with a display smaller than 5inches these days is like finding a hen with a set of teeth – rare.

Most people know Samsung for its flagship phones, phones like the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 7, but the vast majority of Samsung’s overall operating profits come from its extensive range of cheaper, smaller Android phones.

Phones like the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, which is a compact, 4.5in Android phone aimed squarely at those looking for big savings on their next mobile.

So, the next logical question is whether or not the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is a viable option in 2017?

Read on to find out!

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Review: Design

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is styled after the Samsung Galaxy S4 which was one of Samsung’s biggest selling handsets of all time.

This is good too. The Galaxy S4 was a very good-looking handset. It earned Samsung a lot of iPhone converts, and all the best bits have come down to the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime – and this, too, is a very good thing.

The size of the handset is what will attract most people; it possesses a 4.5in display, ideal for those that prefer to use their phones in phone hand. The display resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, so pretty low, but no one’s going to be using this phone as a media-centric device.

This is a handset designed for people who want a cost-effective mobile phone that doesn’t take up too much room in their pocket and can be used for email, social networking and the occasional web browsing session.

You get full support for LTE (4G) as well as microSD-support for expanding the storage, which you’ll probably need to do as there’s only 8GB of storage inside the handset. Check out our guide to the best microSD cards for more information on the best SD card to buy.

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime runs Qualcomm’s quad-core Snapdragon 410 CPU alongside the company’s impressive Adreno 306 GPU.

For basic use, this set-up will suffice. Those interested in gaming, streaming video and doing anything else more CPU-intensive are better off looking at a higher-specced model – something like the Galaxy S5, for instance.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Review: Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime packs in a 5MP camera, low by today’s standards, but perfectly adequate for snapping pictures for Facebook. You have a 2MP unit on the front for selfies and videos calls, which is pretty respectable given Apple’s been using 2MP on its iCamera until very recently.

As I said, this is a pretty low-grade camera, so do not be expecting to take any award-winning shorts with. For quick snaps for Instagram and Facebook, it’ll be fine. Anything more taxing and you will be left wanting more detail.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Review: Software

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime runs Android Lollipop, an older version of Android that the most up to date build – Android Nougat.

For what this phone is designed for, Lollipop will suffice; most users of this phone will be keeping things relatively simple. That means you don’t or won’t really benefit from the latest and greatest builds of Android.

Lollipop is a solid build, replete with excellent features. Combine this with Samsung’s build in applications and you will have more than enough content, features and applications at your disposal.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Review: Battery

Battery life is respectable for a smaller phone; you’ll want to charge it every evening but for the most part it should last a solid day with minimal use. A top-up might be required if you use it a lot for calls, so keep this in mind.

For the price, the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime delivers a lot of value. It’s small, packed with useful features, thanks to its Android OS, and possesses excellent call quality as well as decent battery life.

If you’re looking simply for a phone that can do some smart things but you’re not fussed about iPhones or the latest Samsung Galaxy S phone, this is a great option for you.

It’s cheap, it’ll get the job done and, best of all, you can pick one up for next to nothing online.