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Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S

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Galaxy A3 (2017)

Starting at

£65.21£269.00 new
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iPhone 6S

Starting at

£32.09£149.00 new
See options
(65 reviews)
(507 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone 6S?

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S comes down to the battery, screen type and main camera. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £33.12 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017). The Galaxy A3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.

Refurbished from

£65.21£32.09

Battery

2350 mAh1715 mAh

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels5 megapixels

Software updates

Ended Nov 2020Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15
  • The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
  • The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an OLED screen.
  • The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S specs

The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone 6S share many similarities such as screen size and RAM but differ in screen technology, camera resolution, connector type, and storage options. The Galaxy A3 (2017) is a good fit if you prefer a Super AMOLED display, front and main cameras with higher megapixels, and expandable storage via microSDXC. The iPhone 6S suits those who want a slightly higher screen resolution, iOS operating system, and a choice of larger storage capacities. Both phones are unlocked and support 4G, making either a practical choice depending on your preferences for screen type, camera detail, or storage flexibility.

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S price

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates

Durability involves software updates, operating system, and device release year. They run different systems that influence app compatibility and user experience.

Operating System

The Galaxy A3 (2017) runs Android, offering access to apps and services within that ecosystem. The iPhone 6S uses iOS, which provides a different user interface and app store. Your choice depends on which system you prefer or are accustomed to.

Battery

2350 mAh1715 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68N/A

Software updates

Ended Nov 2020Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15

Year of release

20172015

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S performance

Chipset

N/AApple A9 APL0898

RAM

2 GB2 GB

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S screen

Screen quality affects how you see content, with resolution, size, and screen type playing key roles. Both phones have the same screen size but differ in resolution and display technology.

Resolution and Size

Both phones have a 4.7 inch screen, making them similarly sized for comfortable one-handed use. The iPhone 6S offers a resolution of 750 x 1334, slightly higher than the Galaxy A3 (2017)'s 720 x 1280, which can result in a crisper image for text and images on the iPhone.

Screen Type

The Galaxy A3 (2017) features a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, which can enhance video and photo viewing. The iPhone 6S uses an IPS LCD panel, which typically offers accurate colour reproduction and good viewing angles. Your choice depends on whether you prefer vivid contrast or natural colour tones.

Resolution

720 x 1280750 x 1334

Screen size

4.7 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S camera

Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution are important for photos and video calls. Both phones offer cameras suited to everyday use but differ in megapixel counts.

Front Camera Resolution

The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 6S's 5 megapixels. This may suit those who prioritise clearer front-facing photos.

Main Camera Resolution

For the main camera, the Galaxy A3 (2017) offers 13 megapixels while the iPhone 6S has 12 megapixels. Both cameras provide sufficient detail for everyday photography, but the Galaxy's higher megapixel count could capture slightly more detail in well-lit conditions.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

8 megapixels5 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S size and design

Other features include connectivity, physical dimensions, and storage options, all of which can affect daily use and convenience.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A3 (2017) is stocked with 16GB storage, while the iPhone 6S is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB options. The iPhone's range allows for more space to store apps, photos, and media if you choose a higher capacity.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy A3 (2017) includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, letting you add more space with a memory card. This is useful if you want to increase storage without changing devices.

Connector Types

The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a USB-C port alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack, which supports widely used cables and accessories. The iPhone 6S has a Lightning connector and also a 3.5mm jack, which is proprietary to Apple devices but common for headphones.

Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy A3 (2017) is slightly shorter and narrower at 135.4 mm tall and 66.2 mm wide, weighing 138 g. The iPhone 6S is taller and wider at 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm and weighs 143 g. Both are slim and lightweight, fitting comfortably in a pocket or hand.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmLightning + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.9 mm7.1 mm

Height

135.4 mm138.3 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A25 September 2015

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

138 g143 g

Width

66.2 mm67.1 mm

Galaxy A3 (2017) or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if

  • you want a bigger battery (2350 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
  • you want an OLED screen
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)

Buy the iPhone 6S if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £33.12 less than the Galaxy A3 (2017)

What our customers say

Customers buying the Galaxy A3 (2017) appreciate its condition and price, with many saying it feels like a good deal and is suitable for daily use. Some mention the battery life and charging time as points to consider, but overall the phone is described as reliable and good for those who want a familiar Android experience. The screen and camera are well received, especially for younger users and those seeking a straightforward smartphone.

The iPhone 6S receives praise for its excellent condition and appearance, with customers often noting it looks like new. The battery health is a common mention, with some customers noting improvements after trying different units. The phone suits users who want a compact, simple phone with a higher resolution screen and the iOS system. Many buyers find it perfect for gifts or as an upgrade from older Apple models.

Both phones attract buyers looking for a reliable, unlocked 4G device with manageable size. The Galaxy A3 (2017) appeals to those who value a vibrant screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone 6S suits those wanting more storage options and an iOS environment.

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S FAQs

Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone 6S comes down to the battery, screen type and main camera. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1715 mAh. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an OLED screen.

The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £65.21 for the Galaxy A3 (2017).

The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1715 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 iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.

Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.

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