Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) detailed ahead of next week’s debut

The Galaxy J2, part of Samsung’s most affordable series of Android handsets, is poised for a refresh. Someone who was briefed on the phone’s features and specifications ahead of next week’s launch, which could happen as early as Monday, has revealed to VentureBeat what can be expected.

Nearly every aspect of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow-powered, 4.7-inch Galaxy J2 (2016) has gotten a bump from the premier 2015 edition. Gone are the 1.3GHz quad-core system-on-a-chip and qHD resolution; in their place are a slightly faster 1.5GHz quad-core processor and higher-resolution, 720p AMOLED display. That combination requires more power, leading to an alleged battery capacity bump, from 2,000mAh to 2,600mAh.

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On the memory front, last year’s 1.0GB of RAM has been boosted to 1.5GB, according to the briefed individual. One of the only components to remain static is on-board storage capacity, which is just 8GB — but which is at least expandable via microSD slot.

The existing J2 doesn’t have much to boast about when it comes to imaging: just a 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel selfie cam. Both those components are said to receive a pretty significant upgrade in 2016, with an 8-megapixel main camera resolution and 5-megapixel front-facing shooter.

Finally, Samsung is said to be making an important marketing point of a new hardware feature this year: the circular light around the camera lens, pictured above. Called Smart Glow, it’s really little more than a prominent notification light, also said to be utilized for rear camera selfie assist. Could be useful depending on the implementation, but early buzz points more towards gimmicky.

When it goes on sale next week, the Galaxy J2 (2016) should retail for under $150. Since the current version is available stateside through some carriers such as Verizon, it’s likely that the upcoming model will be sold in the U.S. as well.