Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017)
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Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00
Galaxy J3 (2017)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J3 (2017)?
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) comes down to the battery, screen type and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £14 less than the Galaxy J3 (2017). The Galaxy J3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
- The Galaxy J3 (2016) has an OLED screen.
- The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) specs
The Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J3 (2017) share many core features such as 2 GB of RAM, 4G connectivity, and unlocked carrier compatibility. The 2017 model offers a higher resolution main camera with 13 megapixels and a higher resolution front camera at 5 megapixels, suitable for those who prioritise photography and selfies. The 2016 model uses a Super AMOLED screen, which provides deeper colours and contrast, whereas the 2017 has a PLS screen, both sized at 5 inches with the same resolution. Storage options also differ: the 2016 comes with 8 or 16 GB, while the 2017 is stocked with 16 GB. Buyers looking for better camera detail and more storage in one option may prefer the 2017 model, while those who value screen vibrancy or need smaller storage choices might find the 2016 a good fit.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 8GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long software updates lasted and the physical design basics. Both phones are not foldable and have software update periods that ended in 2019.
Software Update Period
The Galaxy J3 (2016) received software updates until April 2019, while the Galaxy J3 (2017) had support until July 2019.
Physical Design
Neither the Galaxy J3 (2016) nor the Galaxy J3 (2017) are foldable devices. Both have traditional candybar designs, built for everyday use with a focus on practical handling rather than flexible or folding features.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) performance
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) screen
Screen quality affects how you experience video, photos, and everyday use. Both phones have the same screen size and resolution but use different screen technologies.
Screen Type Difference
The Galaxy J3 (2016) uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a PLS screen, which offers good brightness and viewing angles but typically less contrast compared to Super AMOLED. Both screens measure 5 inches with a 720 x 1280 resolution, providing the same amount of space and sharpness.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras, which define the quality of photos and video calls. The two models differ notably in camera resolution on both front and rear sides.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 13 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos compared to the 8 megapixel camera of the Galaxy J3 (2016).
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy J3 (2017) offers a 5 megapixel front camera, which is higher resolution than the 2 megapixel front camera on the Galaxy J3 (2016).
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical ports, and weight, all of which impact everyday use but differ only slightly between these two phones.
Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2017) weighs 143 g, which is 5 g heavier than the Galaxy J3 (2016) at 138 g.
Storage Options
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available with 8 GB or 16 GB of storage. The Galaxy J3 (2017) comes with 16 GB storage only.
Common Features
Both phones support 4G mobile networks, have microSDXC card slots for expandable storage, use physical SIM cards, and include Micro-USB and 3.5 mm headphone jacks. Both are unlocked for any carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J3 (2016) or Galaxy J3 (2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £14 less than the Galaxy J3 (2017)
- you want a bigger battery (2600 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (5 megapixels vs 2 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J3 (2016) generally find it works well and matches its description. Many say it looks like new with a perfect screen and solid battery life. Some experienced issues with SIM registration but most report smooth performance and are happy with the condition. A few mention scratches or dents in fair condition units. Overall, the phone is appreciated for everyday use and its screen quality.
For the Galaxy J3 (2017), customers appreciate the phone's condition and ease of use, especially as a first phone for younger users. Some found setup tricky due to older Android versions but after adjustments it worked well. A few had problems with SIM card fitting or screen fragility. The camera quality is praised though some mention battery life requiring daily charging. The phone is seen as intuitive with a clear screen and good camera for the price.
Both phones suit buyers looking for a straightforward Samsung phone with 4G connectivity. The 2016 model appeals to those valuing screen quality and lower storage needs, while the 2017 model fits users wanting better cameras and a single storage option of 16 GB.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J3 (2017) comes down to the battery, screen type and main camera. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2400 mAh. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has an OLED screen.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £62 for the Galaxy J3 (2017).
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2017) ended in Jul 2019.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) adds a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels) and a higher-resolution front camera (5 megapixels vs 2 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £14 more (from £62 vs £48).
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the Galaxy J3 (2017) in 16GB.
