Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016)
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy J3 (2016)?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £24.10 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017). The Galaxy A5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy J3 (2016) both run Android and support 4G networks with unlocked SIM cards. The Galaxy A5 (2017) suits you if you want a sharper, larger screen with higher resolution and more RAM, making it better for multitasking and viewing detail. It also offers bigger front and main cameras for more detailed selfies and photos. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a smaller screen and lower camera megapixel counts, fitting well if you prefer a lighter phone with simpler features and smaller storage options. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen and camera quality or a simpler everyday phone.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
- WhiteSold out
Storage
- 8GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and device build basics.
Software Updates
This means both will run older versions of Android. If you want a device that stays on the same software level, either phone will suit you.
Operating System
Both devices operate on Android, giving you access to a familiar interface and apps. Your experience in system navigation and app use will be similar on both phones.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you enjoy videos, photos, and apps. The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a larger and sharper display, while both use the same Super AMOLED technology for vibrant colours.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 5.2 inch screen compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016)'s 5 inch display. This gives you a bit more room for reading, watching videos, or browsing, which suits if you want a slightly larger view.
Screen Resolution
With 1080 x 1920 pixels, the Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a Full HD resolution that provides sharper and more detailed images. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 720 x 1280 resolution, which is HD and good for everyday use but shows less detail, especially on close viewing.
Screen Technology
Both phones use Super AMOLED screens, meaning you get strong colours and deep blacks whether watching videos or viewing photos. This technology keeps your viewing experience vivid on both devices.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) camera
Camera quality is important if you take selfies or photos often. The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers higher megapixel counts for both front and main cameras, which helps capture more detail.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, well suited for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 2 megapixel front camera, which works for basic use and casual photos.
Main Camera
For photos and videos, the Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a 16 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in your shots. The Galaxy J3 (2016) features an 8 megapixel main camera, which is suitable for everyday pictures but with less resolution.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) size and design
Other features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, SIM options, weight, and storage. These details help you decide which phone fits your daily needs and preferences.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G networks and come unlocked for use with any carrier. The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports Dual Physical SIM cards, useful if you want to use two numbers. The Galaxy J3 (2016) supports a single Physical SIM.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy A5 (2017) measures 146.1 mm in height, 71.4 mm in width, and is 7.9 mm deep, weighing 157 g. The Galaxy J3 (2016) is taller at 142.3 mm, narrower at 71 mm, and 7.9 mm deep, with a lighter 138 g weight. Choose the A5 if you prefer a wider phone, or the J3 for a narrower, lighter feel.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is available with 32GB and 64GB storage options, suitable if you want more space for apps, photos, and files. The Galaxy J3 (2016) comes with 8GB or 16GB, fitting if your needs are simpler or you use cloud storage.
Expandable Storage
Both phones include microSDXC slots for adding extra storage via a memory card. This helps if you want to expand your storage beyond built-in capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or Galaxy J3 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch)
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £24.10 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 157 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A5 (2017) appreciate that it looks and operates well, often describing the phone as like new. Many praise its condition and price, recommending it to others. Some users note issues with SIM locking, but overall the phone's performance and screen quality receive positive remarks. The higher camera resolution and 3 GB RAM suit those who want a more capable device.
For the Galaxy J3 (2016), customers find the phone matches descriptions and works well for everyday use. Many highlight its solid battery life and good condition, often receiving praise for a clean, smooth-running phone. Some users mention difficulty with SIM registration or network connection, but most find it reliable for basic tasks. The lower megapixel cameras and smaller screen suit those who want a simpler phone.
Both phones appeal to different needs: the Galaxy A5 (2017) fits users looking for better screen and camera detail, while the Galaxy J3 (2016) suits those wanting a straightforward, lightweight phone for everyday activities.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J3 (2016) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £72.10 for the Galaxy A5 (2017).
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £24.10 more (from £72.10 vs £48).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy J3 (2016) in 8GB and 16GB.
