Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016)
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£269.00 new
Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J3 (2016)?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £17.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017). The Galaxy A3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4.7 inch.
- The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J3 (2016) share many features but differ in screen size, camera quality, and connection ports. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a smaller 4.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and higher resolution front and main cameras, which suits those who want sharper photos and a more compact display. The Galaxy J3 (2016) offers a larger 5 inch Super AMOLED screen and comes with two storage options, making it a good choice for those who prefer a roomier display or more internal memory choices. Both phones use Android, support 4G, and have a physical SIM card slot, so either fits everyday use well depending on your priorities.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
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Storage
- 8GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) battery life and software updates
They share similar physical durability in size and weight but differ slightly in dimensions.
Release Year
The Galaxy A3 (2017) was released in 2017, while the Galaxy J3 (2016) came out in 2016.
Physical Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is shorter and narrower, measuring 135.4 mm tall and 66.2 mm wide. The Galaxy J3 (2016) is taller and wider at 142.3 mm by 71 mm. Both phones are the same depth at 7.9 mm and weigh 138 g, making them similarly easy to hold but with different screen footprints.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) performance
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) screen
Both phones feature Super AMOLED screens with the same resolution but differ in screen size. This affects how much space you have for viewing content and interacting with apps.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen, which offers a compact display ideal if you prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand or a smaller pocket. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a larger 5 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
Resolution and Screen Type
Both phones have the same 720 x 1280 resolution and use Super AMOLED technology. This means you get vibrant colours and good contrast on either device, with sharp visuals at their respective screen sizes.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) camera
Camera quality is a key difference between these two phones. The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers higher megapixel counts for both front and main cameras, which matters if you take selfies or photos often.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for clearer and more detailed selfies or video calls. The Galaxy J3 (2016) comes with a 2 megapixel front camera, which is simpler but still works well for basic front-facing photos.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) features a 13 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016) 8 megapixel main camera. This makes the A3 better for photography enthusiasts or those who want sharper pictures.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) size and design
Both phones share many connectivity and storage features but differ in port type, storage options, and size dimensions. These details influence daily use and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a USB-C connector alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may offer faster charging and easier cable connection. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a micro USB port and a 3.5mm jack, common for many older accessories.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage, providing a reasonable amount of space for apps and files. The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available with either 8GB or 16GB, giving you more choice depending on your storage needs.
Dimensions and Weight
Both phones weigh 138 g and have the same depth of 7.9 mm. The Galaxy A3 (2017) is slightly smaller in height and width, which may suit users wanting a more compact device.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and use a physical SIM card, offering flexibility to use with different UK carriers.
Expandable Storage
Both phones support microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage for photos, music, and apps.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or Galaxy J3 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 2 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £17.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017)
- you want a bigger battery (2600 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A3 (2017) generally praise the phone's condition and value, with many noting it looks like new and is good for the price paid. Several mention the battery life as a downside, stating it charges slowly or runs down quickly, but overall satisfaction remains high for everyday tasks and the phone's size. Some buyers appreciate the phone for younger users or as a second device, highlighting its compact screen and camera quality.
For the Galaxy J3 (2016), customers mostly report positive experiences regarding the phone's condition, screen quality, and battery life. Some mention excellent condition beyond the described grade and smooth operation. A few customers had issues registering SIM cards or network connections, but others found the phone reliable and well suited for daily use. Buyers highlight the larger screen size and straightforward setup as benefits.
Both phones suit users looking for solid Android devices with 4G and expandable storage. The Galaxy A3 (2017) fits those preferring a smaller phone with sharper cameras, while the Galaxy J3 (2016) appeals to those wanting a larger display and storage options.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2350 mAh. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4.7 inch.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £65.21 for the Galaxy A3 (2017).
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A3 (2017) ended in Nov 2020. Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) adds a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels) and a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 2 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £17.21 more (from £65.21 vs £48).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy J3 (2016) in 8GB and 16GB.
