Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017)
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Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00
Galaxy J5 (2017)
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2017)?
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £12 less than the Galaxy J5 (2017). The Galaxy J5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) specs
The Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2017) both run Android and support 4G with unlocked carriers. The J5 (2017) offers a slightly larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen, 3 GB of RAM, and higher resolution cameras for clearer photos. The J3 (2016) has a smaller 5 inch screen and 2 GB of RAM, with simpler camera options. Both phones use micro USB and include a headphone jack. If you want a phone with more memory and a bigger screen for media, the J5 (2017) suits you better. The J3 (2016) fits those who prefer a smaller device with enough storage for everyday apps and basic use.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) price
Colour
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- GoldSold out
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Storage
- 8GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) battery life and software updates
Both come unlocked for use with any carrier.
Operating System Compatibility
This is important if you want a device that keeps receiving new Android features or security updates, as neither phone will provide those.
Carrier and Network Support
Both phones are unlocked and compatible with 4G networks, so you can use them with a variety of carriers without restriction. This gives you flexibility in choosing your mobile provider.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) performance
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, browse the web, and interact with apps. Both phones use Super AMOLED technology and share the same resolution, but their screen sizes differ slightly, which can change your experience depending on how you use your phone.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5 inch screen, which makes it compact and easier to hold with one hand. The Galaxy J5 (2017) features a slightly larger 5.2 inch screen, providing a bit more room for watching videos and reading.
Screen Resolution and Type
Both phones offer the same resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels on Super AMOLED screens. This means both deliver vibrant colours and good contrast at the same level of sharpness.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) camera
Camera quality is key if you regularly take photos or video calls. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has higher resolution cameras on both front and main cameras compared to the J3 (2016), which suits those who want clearer, more detailed images.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J3 (2016) includes a 2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video calls. The Galaxy J5 (2017) steps this up with a 13 megapixel front camera, ideal for sharper selfies and clearer video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has an 8 megapixel main camera, good for everyday photos. The Galaxy J5 (2017) provides a 13 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and better suited for users who want higher quality photos.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) size and design
Several physical and connectivity features are shared by both phones, while some measurements and storage options differ. These details influence how the phones feel in hand and how much you can keep on them.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available with 8GB or 16GB of storage, which supports everyday apps and media for simpler use. The Galaxy J5 (2017) comes with 16GB storage, offering a consistent capacity that balances space for apps and files.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2016) measures 142.3 mm tall, 71 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The Galaxy J5 (2017) is slightly larger at 146.2 mm tall, 71.3 mm wide, and 8 mm deep, weighing 160 g. The J3's smaller size and lighter weight suit users wanting a more compact phone.
Connectivity and Slots
Both devices use micro USB connectors and include a 3.5mm headphone jack. They also support microSDXC cards for expandable storage and use physical SIM cards, offering flexibility in carrier choice and media.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy J3 (2016) or Galaxy J5 (2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £12 less than the Galaxy J5 (2017)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 160 g)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy J3 (2016) often praise the phone for matching the description and working well. Many say the condition looks better than expected, mentioning a perfect screen and solid battery life. Some mention difficulties with SIM card registration and network connection, but most find the phone smooth in operation. Users appreciate the included accessories like screen protectors and chargers. The phone suits those looking for a straightforward device with reliable everyday performance.
Reviews for the Galaxy J5 (2017) highlight satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance, noting it works well immediately with SIM cards and offers good quality for its price. Some find it a suitable first phone for beginners, appreciating its simplicity and quality. Occasional remarks mention SIM slot size and storage discrepancies. Overall, users value the device for its larger screen and better camera. The J5 (2017) fits those wanting more memory, screen space, and camera detail.
Both phones have their strengths: the J3 (2016) appeals to those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use, while the J5 (2017) is better for users seeking higher quality photos, more RAM, and a slightly bigger screen.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £60 for the Galaxy J5 (2017).
The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (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 J5 (2017) ended in Mar 2019.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2600 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £12 more (from £60 vs £48).
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the Galaxy J5 (2017) in 16GB.
