Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016)
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016)?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £10.10 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017). The Galaxy A5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016).
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) offer different strengths that suit distinct needs. The Galaxy A5 (2017) provides a sharper 1080 x 1920 resolution on a 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen and more memory options with 32GB and 64GB storage alongside 3 GB of RAM. It also features higher-resolution cameras, with both front and main cameras at 16 megapixels. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 720 x 1280 resolution screen, 2 GB RAM, and comes with 16GB of storage. Both phones run Android, have 4G connectivity, and support microSDXC cards. The Galaxy A5 (2017) includes dual physical SIM support while the J5 has a single physical SIM. These differences make the Galaxy A5 (2017) better for users wanting higher screen detail, more memory, and stronger camera performance, while the Galaxy J5 (2016) suits those looking for a straightforward phone for everyday use with fewer features.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) battery life and software updates
Their release years are 2017 and 2016 respectively.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) operate on Android.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) screen
Screen quality is a key difference between these two phones. Both have the same screen size of 5.2 inches and use Super AMOLED technology, but their resolutions differ significantly.
Resolution and Detail
The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a 1080 x 1920 resolution, which delivers sharper images and more detail compared to the Galaxy J5 (2016) with its 720 x 1280 resolution. If you watch videos or look at photos often, the A5's higher resolution will provide a clearer and more vibrant viewing experience.
Screen Size and Type
Both phones have a 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen, which means they share the same screen size and display technology. This technology is known for vivid colours and deep blacks, so both phones will show bright and colourful images.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) camera
Camera capabilities differ notably between these two devices, especially in front and main camera resolutions, which affects photo and video quality.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, well suited for high-detail selfies and video calls. The Galaxy J5 (2016) features a 5 megapixel front camera, which is sufficient for everyday use but captures less detail.
Main Camera
With a 16 megapixel main camera, the Galaxy A5 (2017) captures more detailed photos compared to the Galaxy J5 (2016), which has a 13 megapixel main camera. This difference benefits users who often take photos or videos.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) size and design
Several additional differences may affect daily use, from SIM support to storage options and device size.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports dual physical SIM cards, making it a good option if you need to use two phone numbers or networks simultaneously. The Galaxy J5 (2016) supports a single physical SIM card.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB storage options, providing more space for apps, photos, and files. The Galaxy J5 (2016) is stocked with 16GB storage, which suits basic everyday use and can be expanded with a microSDXC card on both phones.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy A5 (2017) measures 146.1 mm in height, 71.4 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 157 g. The Galaxy J5 (2016) is 145.8 mm in height, 72.3 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth with a weight of 159 g. These small size and weight differences may affect comfort in hand or pocket.
Network and Carrier
Both devices support 4G networks and are unlocked, allowing use with any compatible carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or Galaxy J5 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £10.10 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017)
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A5 (2017) looks like new and operates well, with several reviews praising its condition and performance. Some users mention issues with network locking despite being sold as unlocked, but overall the phone is described positively for its price and appearance. The camera and screen quality suit users who want a reliable refurbished phone with good features. Users also appreciate its size and feel.
For the Galaxy J5 (2016), customers report satisfaction with the phone's condition and value for money. Some mention the battery drains faster and the phone can feel slow under certain conditions, yet it is still considered a good device for everyday use. The phone's condition varies from excellent to good, with some visible wear reported. Users highlight its simplicity and suitability for basic tasks. It is recommended for those needing a straightforward phone without many extras.
Overall, the Galaxy A5 (2017) suits buyers looking for a sharper screen, higher camera resolution, and more storage options. The Galaxy J5 (2016) fits those who want a simpler phone for daily tasks with fewer features but solid usability.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016). The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £72.10 for the Galaxy A5 (2017).
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 13 megapixels) and a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 5 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £10.10 more (from £72.10 vs £62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy J5 (2016) in 16GB.
