Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017)
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Galaxy A30s
Starting at
£71.41£260.00 new
Galaxy J3 (2017)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A30s and Galaxy J3 (2017)?
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) starts at £62, £9.41 less than the Galaxy A30s. The Galaxy A30s is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The Galaxy A30s has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy A30s has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
- The Galaxy A30s has a bigger screen: 6.4 inch vs 5 inch.
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) specs
The Galaxy A30s and Galaxy J3 (2017) differ in several ways that suit different users. The Galaxy A30s offers a larger and more vibrant Super AMOLED screen, more RAM, and higher resolution cameras, making it a good choice for those who want sharper visuals, better photos and smoother multitasking. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a smaller screen and less RAM, which fits users looking for a simpler device for everyday use. Both phones support 4G and microSD cards and each comes unlocked. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size and camera detail or prefer a straightforward phone with smaller dimensions.
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long software updates last and the basic physical design. Both phones are not foldable and no longer receive software updates.
Software Updates Ended
Neither the Galaxy A30s nor the Galaxy J3 (2017) currently receive software updates. The Galaxy J3 (2017) stopped getting updates in July 2019. This means neither phone will have the latest security patches or new features from official updates.
Physical Durability
Both devices are traditional non-folding phones. This design suits users looking for familiar durability without concerns about foldable screens.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, photos and apps. The two phones differ in screen size, resolution and panel technology, impacting clarity and colour.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A30s has a 6.4 inch screen which provides a larger display area for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a smaller 5 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a more compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution and Display Type
The Galaxy A30s features a 720 by 1560 resolution on a Super AMOLED screen, which typically offers richer colours and deeper blacks. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 720 by 1280 resolution with a PLS screen, which is LCD-based and delivers good brightness and viewing angles. The higher resolution and AMOLED technology in the Galaxy A30s make it better for vibrant visuals.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) camera
Camera quality can be important for capturing details in photos and selfies. The two phones offer different megapixel counts for front and main cameras.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A30s has a 16 megapixel front camera, which suits users who want sharper and more detailed selfies. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for simpler selfie needs or video calls.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A30s features a 25 megapixel main camera that captures more detail in photos. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 13 megapixel main camera, which works well for basic photography. If you enjoy taking detailed pictures, the Galaxy A30s will be more suitable.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) size and design
Other practical differences include storage options, connectivity ports, weight and network support, which affect everyday use and compatibility.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy A30s comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options, giving you more space for apps, photos and files. The Galaxy J3 (2017) is available with 16GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who prefer to use a microSD card for extra space.
Connector Types
The Galaxy A30s uses USB-C alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting newer charging and accessory standards. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a Micro-USB connector and a 3.5mm jack, which matches older chargers and accessories.
Weight
The Galaxy A30s weighs 169 grams, making it a slightly heavier phone due to its larger screen and battery. The Galaxy J3 (2017) weighs 143 grams, which is lighter and easier to carry for those preferring a less bulky device.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and use a physical SIM card. They are unlocked, so you can choose your preferred UK carrier without restrictions. Both phones also support microSDXC cards for additional storage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A30s or Galaxy J3 (2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A30s if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5 inch)
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £9.41 less than the Galaxy A30s
- you want a lighter build (142 g vs 169 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A30s looks almost brand new and many are pleased with its quality and memory options. It is a popular choice for a first phone for teenagers or as a reliable spare. Some users have experienced colour mismatches or slower internet speeds but most find the phone meets their needs well. The cameras and screen quality receive positive mentions and many appreciate the device's condition and performance for its price.
For the Galaxy J3 (2017), customers find it easy to use and suitable as a first proper phone. The phone's condition often exceeds expectations. Some have noted issues with screen fragility or battery life and a few have had trouble fitting the SIM card or experienced blurry camera images. Overall, many find it intuitive and adequate for everyday use, especially after setup adjustments.
The Galaxy A30s suits users who want a larger screen and more detailed cameras with additional storage and a modern connector. The Galaxy J3 (2017) fits those needing a simpler, lighter phone with basic features for everyday tasks.
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) FAQs
Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy A30s has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy A30s has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £71.41 for the Galaxy A30s.
The Galaxy A30s has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
The Galaxy A30s has a higher-resolution main camera: 25 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy A30s no longer gets updates. Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2017) ended in Jul 2019.
The Galaxy A30s adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2400 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £9.41 more (from £71.41 vs £62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A30s comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy J3 (2017) in 16GB.







