Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017)
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£269.00 new
Galaxy J5 (2017)
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2017)?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) starts at £60, £5.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017).
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2017) are both Android smartphones released in 2017, each offering features suited to different needs. The Galaxy A3 is more compact with a 4.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and 2 GB of RAM, making it a good choice for those wanting a smaller device that fits easily in a pocket. The Galaxy J5 has a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED display and 3 GB of RAM, providing a roomier screen for video and more memory for multitasking. The J5 also offers a higher resolution front camera, ideal for detailed selfies. The A3 uses a USB-C connector, while the J5 has micro USB. Both are unlocked and support 4G networks, with similar storage options. Choose the A3 for portability and simplicity or the J5 for a larger screen and extra RAM.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) battery life and software updates
Durability involves software support and the general operating system environment. This affects long-term software features and security improvements.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2017) run Android, providing a familiar interface and access to a wide range of apps.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) performance
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) screen
Screen quality is important for media viewing and daily use. Both phones have the same resolution and use Super AMOLED technology, but their screen sizes differ notably, affecting how much content you see at once.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly phone. The Galaxy J5 (2017) offers a larger 5.2 inch display, providing more space for watching videos, browsing, and reading. Both use Super AMOLED screens for vibrant colours and good contrast.
Screen Resolution
Both devices have a 720 by 1280 pixel resolution. This means images and text have similar clarity on each screen, but the larger screen of the Galaxy J5 spreads the pixels over more area, making it better for viewing content with extra room.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) camera
Audiovisual features include camera specifications which influence photo quality and video calls. Both phones share the same main camera resolution, but their front cameras differ, affecting selfies and video chats.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear video calls and selfies. The Galaxy J5 (2017) features a 13 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and sharper images, which is useful if you often use the front camera for photos or video communication.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 13 megapixel main camera, so the quality of photos taken with the rear camera should be comparable between them. This makes either suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) size and design
Other practical features cover connectivity, size, weight, and expandability. These details influence how the phones fit your usual habits and accessories.
Connector Type
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a USB-C connector alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. USB-C is a modern standard for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a micro USB connector with a 3.5mm jack, which is common for many accessories but less modern than USB-C.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 is smaller and lighter, measuring 135.4 mm in height, 66.2 mm in width, and weighing 138 g. The Galaxy J5 is larger and heavier at 146.2 mm tall, 71.3 mm wide, and 160 g in weight. The A3 suits those wanting a compact and light phone, while the J5 offers more screen space at the cost of extra size.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and use physical SIM cards. They are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible UK carrier. Both support microSDXC cards for storage expansion, which helps if you need more space beyond the built-in 16GB.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or Galaxy J5 (2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 160 g)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £5.21 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A3 (2017) appreciate its size and condition, often mentioning that it fits well for smaller hands or as a phone for younger users. Many say the phone looks like new and is a good deal for the price. Some reviews mention the battery life and charging time as points to consider, with a few noting the battery takes nearly four hours to fully charge. The screen and general performance are seen as satisfactory for everyday tasks and simple use.
Reviews for the Galaxy J5 (2017) highlight its good condition and performance for basic use. Customers say it works well for beginners or children learning technology, and the larger screen is appreciated for viewing content. Some mention the SIM card slot may require a smaller SIM, and others find the storage as expected. Overall, buyers find the phone reliable, with many praising the value and how it looks and operates like new.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy A3 is ideal for those who want a smaller, lighter device that fits comfortably in hand or pocket, while the Galaxy J5 appeals to users who prefer a larger screen and extra memory for multitasking and clearer selfies.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £65.21 for the Galaxy A3 (2017).
The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 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 (2017) ended in Mar 2019.
Both come in 16GB refurbished.
