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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR

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Galaxy J3 (2016)

Starting at

£48.00
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iPhone XR

Starting at

£130.30£399.00 new
See options
(66 reviews)
(301 reviews)

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

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £82.30 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£48£130.30

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Battery

2600 mAh2942 mAh

Screen size

5 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina IPS LCD

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels
  • The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
  • The iPhone XR has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5 inch.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR specs

The Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone XR differ in key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy J3 offers a smaller 5 inch Super AMOLED screen and simpler specs, making it suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a compact device. The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen with higher resolution and more RAM, fitting users who want a more spacious display and smoother multitasking. Both are unlocked with 4G connectivity. The iPhone XR supports both physical SIM and eSIM, providing more flexibility.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR price

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

Durability covers software updates, operating system, and basic device features. Both phones run different operating systems.

Operating System

The Galaxy J3 runs Android, which offers a familiar experience for many users and access to a wide range of apps. The iPhone XR uses iOS, known for its streamlined interface and integration with Apple services.

Battery

2600 mAh2942 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP67

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20162018

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR performance

Chipset

N/AApple A12 Bionic (7 nm)

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR screen

Screen quality impacts how you see content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy J3 has a smaller 5 inch Super AMOLED display, while the iPhone XR offers a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with higher resolution.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J3's 5 inch screen suits those who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand. The iPhone XR's 6.1 inch screen provides more room for watching videos, browsing websites, and using apps comfortably.

Resolution and Screen Type

The Galaxy J3 has a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels with a Super AMOLED panel, which can deliver vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XR features an 828 by 1792 pixel Liquid Retina IPS LCD, offering a sharp and bright viewing experience with accurate colours.

Resolution

720 x 1280828 x 1792

Screen size

5 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina IPS LCD

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR camera

Audiovisual features include the main and front cameras, which affect photo and video quality. The iPhone XR has higher megapixel counts on both cameras, suitable for users who value clearer selfies and more detailed photos.

Front Camera

The Galaxy J3 has a 2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video calls. The iPhone XR offers a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing sharper and more detailed self-portraits.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J3's main camera has 8 megapixels, which works well for everyday snapshots. The iPhone XR features a 12 megapixel main camera, making it better for capturing finer details in photos.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

2 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR size and design

Other differences affect how you connect, store data, and carry the phone. These details can influence convenience and flexibility in daily use.

Storage Options and Expansion

The Galaxy J3 comes with 8GB or 16GB storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage for photos and files. The iPhone XR offers larger built-in storage options of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB but does not support expandable storage.

SIM and Network Support

Both devices work with 4G networks and come unlocked. The Galaxy J3 uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing more flexibility if you want to use multiple numbers or switch carriers.

Connectors and Ports

The Galaxy J3 includes a micro USB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, useful if you prefer wired headphones without adapters. The iPhone XR uses a Lightning connector and does not have a 3.5mm jack.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy J3 measures 142.3 mm tall, 71 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 138 g, making it lighter and more compact. The iPhone XR is larger at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, weighing 194 g, which offers a bigger screen but a heavier device.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning

Depth

7.9 mm8.3 mm

Height

142.3 mm150.9 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

138 g194 g

Width

71 mm75.7 mm

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

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £82.30 less than the iPhone XR
  • you want an OLED screen
  • you want a lighter build (138 g vs 194 g)

Buy the iPhone XR if

  • you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy J3 often praise its condition and smooth performance for everyday use. Many mention the phone looks better than described with a perfect screen and solid battery life. Some had difficulties with SIM registration or network connection, but others found it worked well and looked like new. The phone suits those who want a simple and compact device that meets basic smartphone needs.

Reviews of the iPhone XR highlight its excellent condition and clear screen, with many saying it looks like new and runs well. Customers appreciate the larger screen size, which suits a range of users including older adults, and the smooth, fast performance. Some mention the replacement battery is not original Apple but still works fine. The phone is recommended for those wanting a spacious display and higher storage options.

Both phones satisfy different types of users. The Galaxy J3 fits well for those prioritising compact size and simple use, while the iPhone XR is a good choice for anyone wanting a larger screen, higher storage, and up-to-date software.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The iPhone XR 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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