Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016)
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Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2016)?
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £14 less than the Galaxy J5 (2016).
Refurbished from
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Screen size
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Software updates
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) specs
The Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2016) share many features from the same release year, but each suits different needs. The Galaxy J5 (2016) offers a slightly larger 5.2 inch screen and higher resolution cameras, ideal if you value a bigger display and more detailed photos. The Galaxy J3 (2016) is more compact with a 5 inch screen and comes in two storage options, making it suitable for everyday use with simpler storage needs. Both phones support 4G and have similar RAM. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a roomier screen and better cameras or a lighter, smaller device with flexible storage options.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) price
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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the build and software lifespan of these phones. Both models are unlocked and share the same release year, but their software update support ended at different times.
Software Support Duration
The Galaxy J5 (2016) received software updates until August 2019, while the Galaxy J3 (2016) stopped receiving updates in April 2019. This means the Galaxy J5 had a longer period of official software maintenance, which might appeal if you want the latest security updates for a longer time after purchase.
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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) screen
Screen size and quality affect your viewing experience. Both devices use Super AMOLED technology and share the same resolution, but their screen sizes differ slightly.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 5.2 inch screen, offering a bit more room for watching videos or browsing compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016), which has a 5 inch screen. If you prefer a larger display for media or reading, the J5 is a good fit.
Screen Resolution and Type
Both phones have a 720 x 1280 resolution and Super AMOLED screens. This ensures vibrant colours and good clarity on either device, so screen sharpness and quality will be similar.
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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) camera
Camera quality impacts the detail and clarity of your photos and video calls. The two phones differ in their front and main camera megapixel counts.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 5 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video chats compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016) with its 2 megapixel front camera. This makes the J5 suitable if you often use the front camera.
Main Camera Megapixels
With a 13 megapixel main camera, the Galaxy J5 (2016) takes photos with greater detail than the Galaxy J3 (2016), which has an 8 megapixel main camera. This difference is noticeable when you want sharper or more detailed pictures.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, and storage options, which affect handling and capacity for apps and files.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2016) measures 142.3 mm in height, 71 mm in width, and weighs 138 g. The Galaxy J5 (2016) is slightly larger at 145.8 mm tall, 72.3 mm wide, and heavier at 159 g. If portability and a lighter phone matter to you, the J3 fits better in smaller hands or pockets.
Storage Options
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available in 8 GB and 16 GB storage options, allowing you to choose a simpler or more spacious model depending on your needs. The Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16 GB storage, suitable if you want a consistent amount of space for apps and media.
Expandable Storage and Network
Both phones support 4G networks, have physical SIM cards, and include microSDXC card slots for expanding storage. This ensures good network compatibility and the ability to add extra storage on either device.
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Galaxy J3 (2016) or Galaxy J5 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £14 less than the Galaxy J5 (2016)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 158 g)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy J3 (2016) often praise its condition and battery life, describing the phone as working well and looking like new. Some users experienced issues with SIM registration and network connection, but many found the phone reliable for everyday use. The device's compact size and solid battery attract those who want a straightforward, functional phone. Reviews highlight its condition ranging from immaculate to fair, with positive feedback on screen quality and smooth operation.
Galaxy J5 (2016) customers appreciate the larger screen and camera quality, noting the phone looks like new and performs well for its age. Some mention that the battery drains relatively fast and that the device can slow down as the battery level drops, which is expected for a phone from 2016. Users with hearing issues found it suitable, and the device is recommended for those who value camera performance and a larger display. Condition comments vary from good to excellent, with some noting visible wear.
Both phones suit users looking for reliable refurbished devices from 2016, with the J3 appealing to those wanting a lighter, smaller phone with flexible storage, and the J5 suiting buyers who prioritize a bigger screen and better cameras.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2600 mAh. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £62 for the Galaxy J5 (2016).
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) 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 J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the Galaxy J5 (2016) in 16GB.





