Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy Note9?
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £94 less than the Galaxy Note9. The Galaxy Note9 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger screen: 6.4 inch vs 5 inch.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 specs
The Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy Note9 differ mainly in screen size, memory, camera quality, and storage capacity. The Galaxy J3 (2016) suits everyday use with a smaller 5 inch screen and 2 GB of RAM, making it good for basic tasks and simpler apps. The Galaxy Note9 offers a larger 6.4 inch screen with higher resolution, 6 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking, and a significantly larger 128 GB storage option. It also has more advanced cameras. Choose the Galaxy J3 (2016) for a compact, straightforward smartphone or the Galaxy Note9 for a bigger display, stronger performance, and more storage for demanding users.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 price
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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 battery life and software updates
Durability here covers software support and basic design features.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Galaxy Note9 run Android, offering a familiar and flexible user experience.
Physical Design
Both phones offer traditional smartphone designs. This makes them straightforward to use and durable in everyday handling.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 screen
Screen size and resolution differ significantly between these phones, affecting how you view content and interact with apps. Both use Super AMOLED screens, known for vibrant colours and good contrast.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand. This suits users who prefer a smaller device for basic browsing and messaging. The Galaxy Note9 offers a much larger 6.4 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy J3 (2016) features a resolution of 720 x 1280, delivering clear images for everyday use. The Galaxy Note9 has a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960, offering sharper detail and a more immersive viewing experience, which benefits users who value screen clarity for photos, videos, and reading.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 camera
Camera quality varies between these phones, with differences in front and main cameras that influence your photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 2 megapixel front camera, suitable for simple selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Note9's 8 megapixel front camera captures more detail, making it better for clearer selfies and higher quality video chats.
Main Camera
For main photography, the Galaxy J3 (2016) offers an 8 megapixel camera, good for everyday snapshots. The Galaxy Note9's 12 megapixel main camera captures more detail, which benefits users who want sharper photos and better image quality.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 size and design
Several practical features and dimensions differ, which affect usability, network options, and device handling.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy J3 (2016) uses a single physical SIM card, which suits users with one mobile number. The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards, allowing you to manage two numbers on one device, useful for work and personal use or frequent travellers.
Storage Capacity
Storage options differ greatly: the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes with 8 GB or 16 GB of storage, suitable for basic apps and files. The Galaxy Note9 offers a much larger 128 GB storage option, ideal if you store many photos, videos, or apps.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 142.3 mm tall, 71 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The Galaxy Note9 is larger at 161.9 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, and 8.8 mm deep, weighing 201 g. This makes the J3 easier to carry and handle with one hand, while the Note9 offers a bigger screen but is bulkier.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and come unlocked, giving you freedom to use them with different carriers across the UK.
Expandable Storage
Both devices support microSDXC cards for additional storage, letting you increase space for media and apps beyond their internal storage.
Carrier compatibility
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Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Galaxy J3 (2016) or Galaxy Note9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £94 less than the Galaxy Note9
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 201 g)
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy J3 (2016) say the phone works well for everyday tasks and often looks like new. Many appreciate the solid battery life and the phone's condition, mentioning a perfect screen and smooth operation. Some users reported issues registering their SIM or network connection, but most found it reliable for simpler use. The phone's compact size and straightforward setup appeal to those who want a basic Android device without many extras.
Reviews for the Galaxy Note9 highlight its excellent condition and strong features. Customers appreciate the larger screen and greater storage, with some noting the phone looks mint and runs well. However, a few mention battery concerns such as heating or needing replacement. The phone suits users who want a more powerful device with more storage and a better camera for photos and video calls. Some users find it excellent for frequent device changers or those wanting a cost-effective option with advanced features.
Overall, the Galaxy J3 (2016) suits users looking for a simple, compact phone for everyday use, while the Galaxy Note9 fits those needing a larger screen, higher storage, and stronger cameras for more intensive smartphone tasks.
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £142 for the Galaxy Note9.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
The Galaxy Note9 has a higher-resolution main camera: 12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022.
The Galaxy Note9 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2600 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £94 more (from £142 vs £48).
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the Galaxy Note9 in 128GB.









