Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone XR?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) starts at £72.10, £58.20 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- Battery: 3000 mAh on the Galaxy A5 (2017), 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.2 inch.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone XR both offer unlocked 4G connectivity and similar RAM, but they suit different needs. The Galaxy A5 is a solid choice if you want a smaller screen with a Super AMOLED display and higher resolution cameras. It supports microSD cards and dual physical SIMs, useful for extra storage or multiple numbers. The iPhone XR has a larger screen with an IPS LCD and a more powerful chipset. Choose the Galaxy A5 for a compact Android phone with expandable storage, or the iPhone XR for a larger iOS device with faster performance.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 3000 mAh battery while the iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery. Both offer similar battery sizes, so daily use times are likely comparable. If you want slightly more battery capacity in a smaller phone, the Galaxy A5 may suit you.
Operating System
The Galaxy A5 runs Android, which offers extensive customisation and app choices. The iPhone XR uses iOS, which is known for smooth integration with other Apple devices and consistent updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly apps run and how much space you have for files.
Processor Power
The iPhone XR is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chipset made with 7 nm technology, which is designed for efficient and fast performance. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has an Exynos 7880 chipset. Both phones have 3 GB of RAM, so multitasking capacity is similar, but the A12 Bionic is suited to more demanding apps and faster processing.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A5 offers 32GB and 64GB storage options, while the iPhone XR comes with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB choices. The iPhone XR suits those who need more built-in storage for apps, photos, and videos without relying on external cards.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how comfortable the phone is to use for viewing content, reading, and interacting with apps.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 828 x 1792, which provides more room for videos and browsing. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a smaller 5.2 inch screen but a higher resolution of 1080 x 1920, offering sharper detail in a more compact size.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A5 features a Super AMOLED screen, which typically produces vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XR uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, which offers accurate colours and wide viewing angles. Your preference may depend on whether you value vivid contrast or colour accuracy.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR camera
The audiovisual section focuses on camera quality and front-facing camera details, important for photography and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, which is higher in resolution than the iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera. If you take many selfies or video calls, the Galaxy A5 offers more detail.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A5 has a 16 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail compared to the iPhone XR's 12 megapixel main camera. This can make a difference if you want higher resolution photos in well-lit conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical size, SIM options, storage expansion, and weight, which impact everyday convenience.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports dual physical SIM cards, ideal if you want to use two separate numbers or plans. The iPhone XR supports one physical SIM and an eSIM, which allows a second number without a physical card.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A5 includes a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add extra space for media and files. The iPhone XR does not have this feature, so you need to choose the storage size you require upfront.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A5 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.1 mm tall, 71.4 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighing 157 g. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 194 g. The Galaxy A5 suits those wanting a compact phone, while the iPhone XR offers a bigger screen but is less pocket-friendly.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £72.10, £58.20 less than the iPhone XR
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.2 inch)
- you want the newer model (2018)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A5 (2017) often praise its look and operation, describing it as like new and satisfactory for their needs. Some note that the phone still performs well, with several recommending it for its price. A few customers mention issues with SIM compatibility or network locking, though these are addressed by support. Overall, the Galaxy A5 appeals to those wanting a reliable, smaller Android phone with good cameras and expandable storage.
The iPhone XR receives strong praise for its condition, often described as looking like new with no marks and easy setup. Customers appreciate its larger screen size and smooth operation, even noting that it suits users of varying ages. Battery health is generally good despite the replacement batteries not always being original Apple parts. The iPhone XR is popular among those wanting a fast, modern iOS phone with a range of storage options and ongoing software support.
In summary, the Galaxy A5 fits buyers looking for a compact, expandable Android phone with detailed cameras. The iPhone XR is well suited for those wanting a larger screen, powerful performance, and ongoing iOS updates.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. Battery: 3000 mAh on the Galaxy A5 (2017), 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £72.10 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has 3000 mAh and the iPhone XR has 2942 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
