Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016)
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Galaxy J3 (2016)
Starting at
£48.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What'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
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- 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
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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
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
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
Screen size
Screen type
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
Front camera
Main camera
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
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
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.









