Home
Trade-in

Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017)

Shop Samsung Galaxy
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

Galaxy A30s

Starting at

£71.41£260.00 new
See options

Galaxy J3 (2017)

Starting at

£62.00
See options
(50 reviews)
(97 reviews)

What'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

£71.41£62

RAM

4 GB2 GB

Battery

4000 mAh2400 mAh

Screen size

6.4 inch5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDPLS

Main camera

25 megapixels13 megapixels
  • 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

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

4000 mAh2400 mAh

Fast charging

15 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Software updates

EndedEnded Jul 2019

Year of release

20192017

Galaxy A30s vs Galaxy J3 (2017) performance

Chipset

Exynos 7904N/A

RAM

4 GB2 GB

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

720 x 1560720 x 1280

Screen size

6.4 inch5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDPLS

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

16 megapixels5 megapixels

Main camera

25 megapixels13 megapixels

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

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmMicro-USB + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.8 mm8.2 mm

Height

158.5 mm143.2 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCmicroSDXC

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

169 g142 g

Width

74.7 mm70.3 mm

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.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device