Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£289.00 new
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy S9?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) starts at £65.21, £51.29 less than the Galaxy S9. The Galaxy S9 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy S9 offer different experiences suited to distinct needs. The Galaxy A3 (2017) is a smaller, lighter phone with a 4.7 inch 720 x 1280 Super AMOLED screen, ideal if you prefer a compact device that fits easily in one hand. It has 2 GB of RAM and 16GB storage, which works well for everyday use and simpler tasks. The Galaxy S9 has a larger 5.8 inch 1440 x 2960 Super AMOLED screen and 4 GB RAM, making it better for multitasking and enjoying sharper, more detailed visuals. It also comes with higher storage options of 64GB and 128GB. Both have similar camera megapixels and connectors, so your choice depends mostly on screen size, memory, and storage needs.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 price
Colour
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 battery life and software updates
Durability focuses on software updates, operating system, and basic physical features that affect daily use.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy S9 run Android, ensuring a familiar and flexible user experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 performance
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution and type, which affect how you view content like videos, photos and apps. Both devices use Super AMOLED screens but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen, making it a compact phone that fits comfortably in smaller hands or pockets. The Galaxy S9 offers a larger 5.8 inch screen, better for watching videos, browsing websites or using apps that benefit from more display area.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy A3 (2017) features a 720 x 1280 resolution, which is adequate for everyday tasks and casual media viewing. The Galaxy S9 has a much higher 1440 x 2960 resolution, delivering sharper and more detailed images. This suits users who value crisp visuals and finer detail in their screen content.
Screen Type
Both phones use Super AMOLED technology, which means they offer vibrant colours and deep blacks. This technology gives an enjoyable viewing experience on either device, especially for watching videos or viewing photos.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 camera
Audiovisual features include camera megapixels and front camera quality, important for photos, video calls and selfies. Both devices have similar camera specs.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy S9 have an 8 megapixel front camera. This is suitable for clear selfies and video calls, providing consistent quality for either device.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 13 megapixel main camera, while the Galaxy S9 offers a 12 megapixel main camera. Both provide detailed photos for everyday photography needs, so your choice can depend on other features rather than a difference in camera resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover size, weight, storage options and connectivity. These details affect how the phone feels in your hand, how much you can store, and how you connect to networks and accessories.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage, suitable for users with basic app and media needs. The Galaxy S9 offers larger storage options of 64GB and 128GB, ideal if you want to keep more apps, photos or videos on your phone without using external storage.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is smaller and lighter, measuring 135.4 mm high, 66.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep and weighing 138 g. The Galaxy S9 is taller, wider and thicker at 147.7 mm high, 68.7 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep and weighs 163 g. The A3 suits those who prefer a lighter, more pocketable phone, while the S9 fits users comfortable with a larger device.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones support 4G networks and have unlocked physical SIM card slots. They share USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jacks, making them compatible with a wide range of accessories and networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or Galaxy S9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £65.21, £51.29 less than the Galaxy S9
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 163 g)
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A3 (2017) appreciate its size and condition, with many noting it as a good choice for simpler use or for children. Some mention the battery life as weaker and charging slow, but overall users are happy with the phone's reliability and value for its price. The compact size and ease of use suit those wanting a straightforward phone without many extra features.
Galaxy S9 buyers praise the phone's condition and storage options, with several saying it looks nearly like new even when bought in fair condition. The larger screen and smooth performance meet the needs of users who want a versatile device for apps and media. Some mention the battery needs topping up by evening and occasional heating, but the majority find it works well and fits their usage.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) suits users seeking a smaller, simpler phone for everyday tasks or as a first smartphone. The Galaxy S9 is better for those who want a larger screen, more storage and extra memory for multitasking and media enjoyment.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £65.21 compared with £116.50 for the Galaxy S9.
The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A3 (2017) ended in Nov 2020. Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022.
The Galaxy S9 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2350 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £51.29 more (from £116.50 vs £65.21).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy S9 in 64GB and 128GB.
