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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016)

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Galaxy J3 (2016)

Starting at

£48.00
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iPhone SE (2016)

Starting at

£192.40
See options
(66 reviews)
(569 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone SE (2016)?

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £144.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016).

Refurbished from

£48£192.40

Battery

2600 mAh1624 mAh

Screen size

5 inch4 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Front camera

2 megapixels1.2 megapixels
  • The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
  • The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4 inch.
  • The Galaxy J3 (2016) has an OLED screen.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs

The Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone SE (2016) both come from the same year but offer different experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy J3 has a larger 5 inch Super AMOLED screen that is better for watching videos and vibrant colour viewing, while the iPhone SE features a smaller 4 inch IPS LCD screen that suits those wanting a compact device. Storage is a key difference, with the iPhone SE offering 64GB for apps and media, compared to the Galaxy J3's 8GB or 16GB options. The iPhone SE's 12 megapixel main camera captures more detail, while the Galaxy J3 has a higher resolution front camera. Galaxy J3 supports expandable storage via microSDXC cards, useful for extra files. Both phones run 2 GB of RAM and use different operating systems, so your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) price

Colour

  • BlackSold out
  • GoldSold out
  • WhiteSold out

Storage

  • 8GBSold out
  • 16GBSold out

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates

Durability covers software support and operating system, key for how long you can keep your phone updated and which apps you can use.

Operating System Choice

The Galaxy J3 (2016) runs on Android, which might suit you if you prefer Google services and app compatibility typical of that ecosystem. The iPhone SE (2016) runs iOS, offering a different interface and app environment familiar to Apple users.

Battery

2600 mAh1624 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15

Year of release

20162016

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance

Chipset

N/AApple A9 (14 nm)

RAM

2 GB2 GB

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen

Screen quality affects how you view content daily. Both phones have different screen sizes, resolutions and panel types, which shape your experience of videos, photos and apps.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy J3 (2016) offers a larger 5 inch screen with 720 x 1280 resolution, giving you more space and sharper images for browsing and media. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand.

Screen Type and Colour

The Galaxy J3's Super AMOLED screen delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing video and photo viewing. The iPhone SE uses an IPS LCD screen, known for natural colour reproduction and consistent viewing angles. Your preference here depends on whether you value punchy colours or more natural tones.

Resolution

720 x 1280640 x 1136

Screen size

5 inch4 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera

Camera quality influences your ability to capture photos and selfies. Front and main cameras vary in resolution, which affects how detailed your pictures can be.

Main Camera Detail

The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos, suited for users who often take pictures or want clearer image quality. The Galaxy J3 (2016) offers an 8 megapixel main camera, good for everyday snapshots.

Front Camera Resolution

The Galaxy J3 features a 2 megapixel front camera, which is higher resolution than the iPhone SE's 1.2 megapixel front camera. This makes the Galaxy J3 a good option if you take many selfies or video calls.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

2 megapixels1.2 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design

Other features like storage, size, weight and connectors affect daily handling and flexibility. These differences help decide which phone fits your lifestyle better.

Storage Capacity and Expansion

The iPhone SE (2016) offers 64GB of built-in storage, ideal if you need room for apps, photos and media without managing space closely. The Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB or 16GB versions but supports microSDXC cards for extra storage, which suits those who want to add removable memory.

Physical Size and Weight

The Galaxy J3 measures 142.3 mm in height and 71 mm in width, weighing 138 g, making it a larger, heavier phone. The iPhone SE is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide and 113 g, fitting more comfortably in smaller pockets or hands.

Connector Types

The Galaxy J3 uses a micro USB port alongside a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which may suit users with older accessories. The iPhone SE features a Lightning connector and a 3.5 mm jack, common for Apple devices.

Mobile Network and SIM

Both phones support 4G networks and use physical SIM cards, so they are ready for modern mobile connectivity and standard carriers.

Depth Comparison

Both phones are similar in thickness, with the Galaxy J3 at 7.9 mm and the iPhone SE slightly slimmer at 7.6 mm, so neither device stands out for bulk.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.9 mm7.6 mm

Height

142.3 mm123.8 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

138 g113 g

Width

71 mm58.6 mm

Galaxy J3 (2016) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £144.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
  • you want a bigger battery (2600 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (5 inch vs 4 inch)

Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if

  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
  • you want a lighter build (113 g vs 138 g)

What our customers say

Customers who choose the Galaxy J3 (2016) often praise its condition, with many saying it looks like new and works well. Some mention strong battery life and a perfect screen. A few customers experienced SIM or network setup issues, but most found it reliable for everyday use. The phone suits those who want a larger screen and expandable storage, and appreciate a familiar Android interface.

Reviews for the iPhone SE (2016) highlight satisfaction with its compact size, clean condition, and smooth performance for typical tasks. Customers value its storage capacity and solid battery life, although some note the battery may need replacement eventually. The iPhone SE fits users looking for a smaller phone with a premium refurb feel and who prefer iOS. It is also noted as good value for those wanting a straightforward phone that does what it needs to.

Overall, the Galaxy J3 is well suited to users wanting a larger display and expandable storage with Android, while the iPhone SE appeals to those who prefer iOS and a compact, higher storage device.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 1624 mAh. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4 inch.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).

The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bigger battery: 2600 mAh vs 1624 mAh.

The iPhone SE (2016) has a higher-resolution main camera: 12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2016) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.

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