Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016)
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£269.00 new
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016)?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and front camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £3.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017). The Galaxy A3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
Software updates
Weight
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.
- The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution front camera: 8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) both offer 4G connectivity, 2 GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, making them suitable for everyday use. The A3 (2017) has a smaller 4.7 inch Super AMOLED screen, which suits those who prefer a compact device. The J5 (2016) features a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED display, offering more room for video and browsing. The front camera on the A3 (2017) has 8 megapixels, ideal for clearer selfies, while the J5 (2016) has a 5 megapixel front camera. The A3 (2017) is lighter and more compact, making it easier to hold and carry. Both phones come unlocked and accept microSDXC cards for extra storage. Choose the A3 (2017) if you want a smaller phone with a sharper front camera, or the J5 (2016) if a larger screen is your priority.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and compatibility with updates, which affect how long the phone stays current.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) run on Android. This ensures a familiar interface and access to a wide range of apps for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content. Both phones use Super AMOLED technology and share the same resolution, but their screen sizes differ, which changes how much you see at once.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand. The Galaxy J5 (2016) offers a larger 5.2 inch screen, giving more space for videos and browsing, which suits users who prefer a roomier display.
Screen Resolution and Type
Both phones have a 720 x 1280 resolution and Super AMOLED screens, delivering bright colours and good contrast. This means either device provides clear and vibrant visuals for everyday activities.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo quality and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in their front camera megapixels, which influences selfie detail.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday selfies and calls but with less detail.
Main Camera
Both devices feature a 13 megapixel main camera. This makes them equally capable of capturing photos with similar resolution for general photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) size and design
Other features include size, weight, carrier compatibility, and storage expandability, which affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and connectivity needs.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is smaller and lighter, measuring 135.4 mm tall, 66.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep and weighing 138 g. The Galaxy J5 (2016) is larger and heavier at 145.8 mm tall, 72.3 mm wide, 8.1 mm deep and 159 g. Choose the A3 (2017) for easier handling and portability or the J5 (2016) if a bigger device is preferred.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, providing flexibility to use with various carriers and access to fast mobile data.
Storage Expansion
Each device supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to increase storage beyond the built-in 16GB. This helps if you plan to save more photos, videos or apps.
SIM Card Type
Both the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) use physical SIM cards, which is standard and widely compatible with most mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or Galaxy J5 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 158 g)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £3.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017)
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A3 (2017) often appreciate its compact size and good condition. Some note that the battery life can be weak and charging takes longer, but they still find it a good deal for the price. The front camera is liked for selfies, and the phone suits younger users or those who want a smaller screen. Reviews mention quick performance for everyday tasks and satisfaction with the phone's condition.
Galaxy J5 (2016) customers highlight the larger screen and good overall condition. Some mention the battery drains quickly and that the phone can slow down when the battery is below 70 percent. Despite this, many find it good value and recommend it for basic use. The phone is appreciated for being unlocked and suitable for users who want a larger screen and straightforward functionality.
Both phones suit users looking for unlocked devices with microSDXC support and similar storage. The Galaxy A3 (2017) fits those wanting a smaller phone with a sharper front camera, while the Galaxy J5 (2016) appeals to those who prefer a bigger display.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and front camera. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2350 mAh. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £65.21 for the Galaxy A3 (2017).
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A3 (2017) ended in Nov 2020. Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) adds a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels) and a lighter build (138 g vs 158 g). Refurbished, it costs £3.21 more (from £65.21 vs £62).
Both come in 16GB refurbished.
