Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016)
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£269.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) starts at £65.21, £127.19 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy A3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger screen: 4.7 inch vs 4 inch.
- The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016) differ mainly in screen size, camera quality, storage, and operating system. The Galaxy A3 offers a larger Super AMOLED screen and higher megapixel front and rear cameras, making it well suited for those who value screen clarity and selfies. The iPhone SE features a smaller IPS LCD screen and comes with more built-in storage, ideal for buyers who prefer iOS and need more space for apps and media. Both phones have 2 GB of RAM and are unlocked with 4G support, making them fit for everyday use. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen and camera or storage and iOS experience.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers operating system, software updates, and compatibility, which can affect how long you can keep a phone running smoothly.
Operating System
The Galaxy A3 (2017) runs on Android, while the iPhone SE (2016) uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem and app experience you prefer. Android offers flexibility and customisation, whereas iOS is known for its consistent interface and integration with other Apple products.
Software Updates
This means both phones will run older versions of their operating systems, which might affect access to new features and security improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, play games, and use apps. The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016) differ in size, resolution, and screen technology, affecting clarity and colour.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen, giving you more room for browsing, videos, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen, which suits those who want a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.
Resolution
The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, providing sharper images and text on its larger screen. The iPhone SE (2016) has a resolution of 640 x 1136 pixels, which works well on its smaller display but shows less detail overall.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, which enhances video and photo viewing. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen that delivers natural colours and wide viewing angles, appealing if you prefer more accurate colour reproduction.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality can be important for photos and video calls. The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016) differ in front and main camera megapixels, which affects image detail.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video chats. The iPhone SE (2016) offers a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video calls and occasional selfies.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) features a 13 megapixel main camera, providing detailed photos and better image quality. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which is close in capability and works well for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other details such as storage, connectors, size, and memory cards can affect how you use your phone daily. Both phones offer unlocked 4G connectivity and physical SIM slots.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage in our stock, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who use cloud services. The iPhone SE (2016) offers 64GB, allowing more space for apps, photos, and media without relying on external storage.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A3 (2017) includes a microSDXC card slot, so you can add extra storage if needed. This is useful if you want to keep many photos, videos, or files locally. The iPhone SE (2016) does not have this feature.
Connectors
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering compatibility with modern cables and traditional headphones. The iPhone SE (2016) uses a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm jack, which is standard for Apple accessories.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) measures 135.4 mm by 66.2 mm by 7.9 mm and weighs 138 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm by 58.6 mm by 7.6 mm and weighs 113 g, suiting those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £65.21, £127.19 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want a bigger battery (2350 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (4.7 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 138 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A3 (2017) often highlight its condition and overall value. Many appreciate that it feels like a good deal, especially for the price paid. Some mention the battery as a downside, noting it does not last very long and takes a while to charge. The larger screen and camera quality suit users who want a practical phone for everyday use, with enough features for children or as a secondary device.
The iPhone SE (2016) appeals to those who prefer iOS and need a compact phone with more storage. Customers report it works well for basic tasks and is reliable despite its size. Battery life can vary, with some users finding it solid for their needs while others use power banks to manage longer days. The phone's small size suits buyers who want something easy to hold and carry.
Overall, the Galaxy A3 (2017) fits users who want a bigger screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone SE (2016) suits those looking for a smaller device with more internal space and an iOS experience.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1624 mAh. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger screen: 4.7 inch vs 4 inch.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £65.21 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2350 mAh vs 1624 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 SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
