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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3

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Galaxy J3 (2016)

Starting at

£48.00
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Google Pixel 3

Starting at

£121.00
See options
(66 reviews)
(112 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Google Pixel 3?

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £73 less than the Google Pixel 3. The Google Pixel 3 is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£48£121

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Battery

2600 mAh2915 mAh

Screen size

5 inch5.5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDP-OLED

Main camera

8 megapixels12.2 megapixels
  • The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The Google Pixel 3 has a bigger battery: 2915 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
  • The Google Pixel 3 has a bigger screen: 5.5 inch vs 5 inch.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 specs

The Galaxy J3 (2016) and Google Pixel 3 both run Android and support 4G networks, but they differ in size, screen quality, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy J3 (2016) offers a simpler experience with 2 GB RAM and smaller storage options suitable for everyday tasks. The Google Pixel 3 has a larger and higher resolution screen, more RAM, and a higher resolution front and main camera, making it better for media and photography. The Galaxy J3 (2016) includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Pixel 3 offers USB-C and eSIM support. Choose the Galaxy J3 (2016) for straightforward use and expandability, or the Pixel 3 for a sharper display and advanced camera features.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 price

Colour

  • BlackSold out
  • GoldSold out
  • WhiteSold out
  • BlackSold out
  • WhiteSold out

Storage

  • 8GBSold out
  • 16GBSold out
  • 64GBSold out

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 battery life and software updates

They are not foldable and come unlocked, which gives you flexibility in carrier choice. The release years, 2016 for the Galaxy J3 and 2018 for the Pixel 3, provide context for their design and features.

Operating System

Both the Galaxy J3 (2016) and Google Pixel 3 run Android, offering access to a wide range of apps and services.

Carrier Compatibility

Both devices come unlocked, allowing you to use them with most UK carriers. This gives you freedom to choose or switch your mobile network provider without restrictions.

Battery

2600 mAh2915 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Oct 2021, last Android 12

Year of release

20162018

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 performance

Chipset

N/AQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 screen

Screen quality affects your experience with videos, apps, and browsing. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5 inch Super AMOLED screen with 720 x 1280 resolution. The Google Pixel 3 offers a larger 5.5 inch P-OLED screen with a higher 1080 x 2160 resolution for more detail and room.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to hold for one-handed use. The Google Pixel 3's 5.5 inch screen provides a larger viewing area, which suits watching videos and multitasking.

Screen Resolution

With 720 x 1280 pixels, the Galaxy J3 (2016) delivers clear images for everyday use. The Google Pixel 3's 1080 x 2160 resolution offers sharper and more detailed visuals, ideal for those who value screen clarity.

Screen Type

The Galaxy J3 (2016) uses Super AMOLED technology, which typically produces deep blacks and vibrant colours. The Google Pixel 3 features a P-OLED screen, also known for rich colours and good contrast, which enhances the viewing experience.

Resolution

720 x 12801080 x 2160

Screen size

5 inch5.5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDP-OLED

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 camera

Camera quality and front camera resolution affect your photos, video calls, and selfies. The Google Pixel 3 offers higher resolution cameras compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016), which benefits users who want clearer photos and sharper video calls.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J3 (2016) has an 8 megapixel main camera suitable for basic photography needs. The Google Pixel 3's 12.2 megapixel main camera captures more detail, making it a better choice if you want sharper and more detailed photos.

Front Camera

With a 2 megapixel front camera, the Galaxy J3 (2016) supports simple selfies and video calls. The Google Pixel 3's 8 megapixel front camera provides higher resolution selfies and clearer video calls.

Front camera

2 megapixels8 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels12.2 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 size and design

Several other features affect daily convenience and usability. These include storage capacity, connectors, SIM options, and physical dimensions. Both phones support 4G and use physical SIM cards, but the Pixel 3 adds eSIM support.

Storage Options

The Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB storage versions and includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to expand storage with a memory card. The Google Pixel 3 is stocked with 64GB storage but does not support microSD cards, offering fixed internal capacity.

Connectors and Headphones

The Galaxy J3 (2016) features a micro USB connector along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting wired headphones without adapters. The Google Pixel 3 uses a USB-C connector and does not include a headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are needed.

SIM Card Support

The Galaxy J3 (2016) supports a physical SIM card, while the Google Pixel 3 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM. This enables the Pixel 3 to have dual SIM functionality without needing two physical SIM cards.

Physical Dimensions

The Galaxy J3 (2016) measures 142.3 mm tall, 71 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The Google Pixel 3 is slightly taller at 145.6 mm, narrower at 68.2 mm, and 7.9 mm deep, with a weight of 148 g. The Pixel 3's slimmer depth and slightly larger size suit those who prefer a bigger screen with a slim profile.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmUSB-C

Depth

7.9 mm7.9 mm

Height

142.3 mm145.6 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

138 g148 g

Width

71 mm68.2 mm

Galaxy J3 (2016) or Google Pixel 3: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £73 less than the Google Pixel 3
  • you want a lighter build (138 g vs 148 g)
  • you want a headphone jack

Buy the Google Pixel 3 if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (2915 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.5 inch vs 5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy J3 (2016) often praise its condition when described as fair or better, noting solid battery life and a perfect screen. Some found the phone worked well for everyday use and matched the description closely. However, a few customers reported issues with SIM or network registration that affected usability. Overall, many found the phone reliable for basic tasks, with some noting minor imperfections in condition when ordered as fair.

Reviews of the Google Pixel 3 highlight its good condition and capability, with many customers happy with the size, lightness, and performance. The camera and screen quality receive positive mentions, although a few noted concerns about screen tint and battery life. Some customers experienced problems with SIM compatibility or battery performance, but the majority found the phone worked perfectly and matched the description well.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) suits those looking for a straightforward phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack, while the Google Pixel 3 appeals to users wanting a sharper screen and higher resolution cameras with dual SIM options.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The Google Pixel 3 has a bigger battery: 2915 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £121 for the Google Pixel 3.

The Google Pixel 3 has a bigger battery: 2915 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The Google Pixel 3 has a higher-resolution main camera: 12.2 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the Google Pixel 3 in 64GB.

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