Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016)
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) starts at £72.10, £120.30 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy A5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and the iPhone SE (2016) serve different needs based on their specifications. The Galaxy A5 offers a larger and sharper screen with Super AMOLED technology, more RAM, and a bigger battery, making it suitable for users who prioritise multimedia and longer use between charges. It also supports dual SIM cards and expandable storage, which suits those who need flexibility in connectivity and space. The iPhone SE has a smaller screen and less RAM but provides a compact design and a solid main camera.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system influence how each device performs daily.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 3000 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with its 1624 mAh battery. This makes the Galaxy A5 a better choice if you need a phone that lasts through a busy day without frequent recharging.
Operating System
The Galaxy A5 runs on Android, while the iPhone SE operates with iOS. Your preference for these systems will influence how you interact with each device and the apps available to you.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Processing power and memory affect how smoothly a phone handles apps and multitasking. Storage options also play a role in how much content you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy A5 (2017) uses the Exynos 7880 chipset with 3 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, which suits users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks but with fewer apps running at once.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A5 offers 32GB and 64GB models, giving you a choice based on your storage needs. The iPhone SE comes in a 64GB version only, which provides ample space for apps and media but without options to expand.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect your viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use. These differences shape which phone suits your preferences for display quality and usability.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a larger 5.2 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920, offering more room and detail for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) features a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, which suits buyers who prefer a compact device that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A5 uses Super AMOLED technology, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing multimedia viewing. The iPhone SE has an IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and good viewing angles in a smaller size.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality is important if you capture many photos or video calls. Front and main cameras differ in megapixels, influencing image detail and clarity.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A5 has a 16 megapixel front camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video chats. The iPhone SE has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which meets basic needs for video calls and selfies.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A5 features a 16 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail for photos. The iPhone SE has a 12 megapixel main camera, which performs well for everyday photography but with fewer pixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features such as SIM cards, storage expansion, size, and weight affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and connectivity needs.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A5 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for extra storage, making it flexible for those who need to manage two numbers or expand storage. The iPhone SE has a single physical SIM and no microSD slot, suited to users who prefer a simpler setup.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy A5 measures 146.1 mm in height, 71.4 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 157 g. The iPhone SE is smaller at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 113 g. If you want a lighter, more compact phone, the iPhone SE fits well, while the Galaxy A5 offers a larger device.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, giving you freedom to choose your mobile carrier and enjoy fast data connections.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £72.10, £120.30 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 157 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A5 (2017) often comment that the phone looks and operates well, with many saying it feels like new and is priced fairly for what it offers. Some users appreciate the phone's performance and condition. A few mention issues with network locking but overall many are pleased with the phone's functionality and value.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2016) highlight its compact size and good condition even after use. Many find it performs well for everyday needs and appreciate its battery life for a device of this age. Users mention it runs smoothly and is good value, although some note the smaller screen size and battery life may need attention eventually. Overall, customers are happy with the iPhone SE as a reliable, simpler phone choice.
The Galaxy A5 suits those who want a larger screen, more memory, and expandable storage, while the iPhone SE is a good match for those who prefer a smaller device with a straightforward user experience.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £72.10 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
