Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£289.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XR?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) starts at £65.21, £65.09 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XR differ in screen size, operating system, camera setup, storage options, and connectivity features. The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers a smaller Super AMOLED screen and includes a headphone jack plus USB-C connector, making it suitable for those who prefer a compact phone with expandable storage via microSDXC. The iPhone XR also supports eSIM alongside a physical SIM, offering more flexibility for mobile plans. Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, fitting a range of everyday needs.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability and software support are key when choosing a phone for regular use.
Operating System Choice
The Galaxy A3 (2017) runs Android, while the iPhone XR uses iOS. Your preference between Android and iOS will shape your experience, including app availability and interface style.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR screen
Screen size, type, and resolution affect how you interact with your phone daily, from reading text to watching videos or browsing photos.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen at 720 x 1280 resolution, providing a smaller display suited to users who want a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone XR features a larger 6.1 inch screen at 828 x 1792 resolution, offering more room for video and multitasking.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, which can enhance viewing in dark environments. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, which typically offers consistent colour accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it reliable for everyday use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution matter when capturing photos or using video calls. These phones have slightly different camera specifications.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, which provides fine detail for selfies and video chats. The iPhone XR's front camera is 7 megapixels, suitable for clear images with a slightly lower resolution.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers a 13 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The iPhone XR's main camera is 12 megapixels, delivering quality images with a slightly lower megapixel count.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR size and design
Connectivity, size, and storage options affect how the phone fits your lifestyle and daily needs. These aspects differ between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XR.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage but supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, which is useful if you want to add space for music, photos, or apps. The iPhone XR is stocked in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, offering more built-in storage without expansion.
SIM and Network Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a physical SIM card only, while the iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving more flexibility for managing mobile plans.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The Galaxy A3 (2017) includes a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to use standard headphones without adapters. The iPhone XR uses a Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, which can require wireless or adapter-based audio solutions.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is smaller and lighter at 135.4 mm tall, 66.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 138 g, making it more pocket-friendly. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, weighing 194 g, offering a bigger screen but a less compact feel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £65.21, £65.09 less than the iPhone XR
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A3 (2017) often highlight its compact size and good condition for the price. Many appreciate it as a suitable phone for younger users or those wanting a smaller device. Some mention that battery life and charging speed can be slow, but overall the phone meets everyday needs and is reliable for basic tasks.
The iPhone XR receives praise for its like-new appearance and smooth performance. Customers report satisfaction with the larger screen and storage options, noting that setup is easy and the phone runs well. A few mention the battery is not an official Apple replacement, which causes warnings but does not affect overall use. The iPhone XR is popular among users who want more storage and up-to-date software.
Both phones have their strong points, with the Galaxy A3 (2017) suiting those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with expandable storage, and the iPhone XR appealing to users who value a larger screen, more storage, and ongoing software support.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £65.21 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 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 iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
