Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£289.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XS?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) starts at £65.21, £73.14 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and the iPhone XS differ in screen size, performance, storage, and software compatibility. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a smaller 4.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and 2 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a compact phone with expandable storage via microSDXC. The Galaxy A3 supports USB-C and includes a headphone jack, while the iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector and supports eSIM. Your choice depends on whether you value a compact, simpler device with removable storage or a larger, more powerful phone with newer software support.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS price
Colour
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates, operating systems, and build features.
Software Updates
Choose the iPhone XS if ongoing updates are important to you.
Operating System Choice
The Galaxy A3 (2017) runs on Android, offering a flexible system familiar to many users who prefer Android apps and customisation. The iPhone XS uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and a consistent app experience. Your preference between Android and iOS will guide your choice here.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality differences influence how you view videos, photos, and use apps. Screen size, resolution, and type matter for clarity and comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS has a larger 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 x 2436, providing a sharper, more detailed display ideal for watching videos and viewing photos. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280, making it more compact and easier to hold with one hand, suitable for users who prefer smaller phones.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses Super AMOLED technology, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, great for everyday media and casual use. The iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED screen, which offers high contrast and colour accuracy, appealing to those who prioritise screen quality for detailed visuals.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing options, affecting photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher than the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This may benefit users who take many selfies or make frequent video calls and want good resolution from the front camera.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers a 13 megapixel main camera compared to the iPhone XS's 12 megapixels. Both cameras are well suited for everyday photography, but the megapixel counts suggest the Galaxy A3 captures photos with slightly more detail in terms of sensor resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size, weight, storage options, and SIM card support, which all affect daily convenience and phone use.
Storage and Expansion
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more space for apps and media as needed. The iPhone XS offers larger storage options starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB but does not support expandable storage, so you choose your preferred capacity upfront.
SIM and Network Features
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a physical SIM only, while the iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans. Both phones work with 4G networks and are unlocked, so you can use them with most carriers.
Connectors and Audio
The Galaxy A3 (2017) includes a USB-C connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users who prefer wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, so wireless or Lightning-compatible headphones are needed.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is more compact and lighter at 135.4 mm tall, 66.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighs 138 g. The iPhone XS is larger and heavier, measuring 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighing 177 g. Choose the Galaxy A3 if you prefer a smaller and lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £65.21, £73.14 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2658 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 compact size and overall condition, often mentioning satisfaction with the phone for everyday use and for younger users. Some note that the battery does not last very long and takes almost four hours to fully charge. A few customers mention challenges with transferring data but generally find the phone suitable for basic needs.
Buyers of the iPhone XS often praise its like-new condition, smooth performance, and battery life that lasts all day. Many customers highlight the excellent screen and camera quality, with some reporting very high storage capacities and smooth app use. A few experienced minor issues such as marks, camera faults, or a front camera that did not work, but most are pleased with the phone's premium feel and usability.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) suits those who want a smaller, simpler phone with expandable storage and Android, while the iPhone XS is better for users needing more storage, higher screen quality, and the latest iOS updates.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £65.21 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
