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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS

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Galaxy J3 (2016)

Starting at

£48.00
See options

iPhone XS

Starting at

£138.35£559.00 new
See options
(66 reviews)
(645 reviews)

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

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £90.35 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£48£138.35

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Battery

2600 mAh2658 mAh

Screen size

5 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels
  • The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
  • The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5 inch.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS specs

The Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone XS differ in their overall capabilities and features, making each suited to different needs. The Galaxy J3 runs Android, offers a 5 inch Super AMOLED screen and cameras suitable for everyday use, ideal if you want unlocked 4G with expandable storage via microSDXC. It also offers higher storage options and advanced camera capabilities, suiting users who want a smoother experience, better photos, and features like eSIM support. Choosing between them depends on your priorities for screen size, camera quality, storage, and software updates.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS price

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

Durability covers software updates, operating systems, and physical build aspects. These factors affect how long the phone stays current and the environment it suits.

Operating System

The Galaxy J3 runs Android, which may appeal if you prefer that ecosystem or its app availability. The iPhone XS uses iOS, offering a different interface and Apple-specific services.

Battery

2600 mAh2658 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP68

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20162018

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS performance

Chipset

N/AApple A12 Bionic

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS screen

Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your phone. Size, resolution, and display type all play a role.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J3 has a 5 inch screen, making it compact and easier to use with one hand. The iPhone XS offers a larger 5.8 inch screen, providing more room for videos, games, and multitasking.

Resolution

The Galaxy J3 has a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels, which suits everyday use like browsing and messaging. The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels, giving sharper images and clearer text.

Screen Type

The Galaxy J3 features a Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers high contrast and excellent colour accuracy.

Resolution

720 x 12801125 x 2436

Screen size

5 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS camera

Audiovisual features include the cameras and their quality, which matter if you take photos or video calls.

Front Camera

The Galaxy J3 offers a 2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and sharper images for selfies or video calls.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J3 has an 8 megapixel main camera, good for everyday snapshots. The iPhone XS features a 12 megapixel main camera, allowing for higher detail in photos and a generally improved photography experience.

Camera type

N/ADouble (2x)

Front camera

2 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS size and design

Miscellaneous details cover connectivity, physical size, and storage options that affect daily use and convenience.

Storage Options

The Galaxy J3 comes with 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, which suits basic apps and files and can be expanded with a microSDXC card. The iPhone XS offers 64GB or 256GB options but does not support expandable storage.

SIM and Network

Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. The Galaxy J3 uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility for multiple numbers.

Connectors and Audio

The Galaxy J3 includes a micro USB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, convenient if you use wired headphones. The iPhone XS 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 slightly smaller in depth. The iPhone XS is 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighs 177 g, offering a bigger screen but a heavier build.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning

Depth

7.9 mm7.7 mm

Height

142.3 mm143.6 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A21 September 2018

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

138 g177 g

Width

71 mm70.9 mm

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

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £90.35 less than the iPhone XS
  • you want a lighter build (138 g vs 177 g)
  • you want a headphone jack

Buy the iPhone XS if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers say the Galaxy J3 (2016) matches its description well and works smoothly for everyday use. Many highlight the phone's condition as good, with a perfect screen and solid battery life. Some report issues registering SIM cards or networks, but most find it reliable and in fair or better condition. The phone is appreciated for its simplicity and usability for basic tasks.

The iPhone XS is praised for looking like new and running smoothly, with good battery life and a compact feel. Customers mention the excellent condition of the phone and its camera quality, with many happy with the smooth performance and storage options. Some note minor marks or faults, but the majority are pleased with the device's speed and photo quality.

Overall, the Galaxy J3 suits customers looking for a straightforward phone with essential features and expandable storage. The iPhone XS appeals to those who want a more advanced phone with a higher quality screen, camera, and storage, benefiting from the iOS ecosystem and software updates.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.

The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

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

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

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