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Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max

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Galaxy J3 (2016)

Starting at

£48.00
See options

iPhone XS Max

Starting at

£168.09£459.00 new
See options
(66 reviews)
(436 reviews)

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

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) starts at £48, £120.09 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£48£168.09

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Battery

2600 mAh3174 mAh

Screen size

5 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels
  • The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2600 mAh.
  • The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5 inch.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max specs

The Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone XS Max differ in screen size, camera resolution, and storage options, making each suited to different users. The Galaxy J3 (2016) offers a compact 5 inch Super AMOLED screen and features fitting everyday use, including microSD expandable storage and a headphone jack. The iPhone XS Max provides a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen, higher resolution cameras, and more RAM, appealing to users who want a roomier display and more memory for multitasking.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max price

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

Durability matters when choosing a phone for everyday use. The Galaxy J3 (2016) and iPhone XS Max differ in software support and operating systems, which affect how long you can keep your device up to date.

Operating System

The Galaxy J3 (2016) runs on Android, offering a familiar environment for Android users. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, which suits users who prefer Apple's ecosystem and app experience.

Battery

2600 mAh3174 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 Max performance

Chipset

N/AApple A12 Bionic

RAM

2 GB4 GB

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max screen

Screen size and quality are key for viewing comfort and media enjoyment. These two phones offer different experiences suited to various preferences.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5 inch screen, which fits comfortably in one hand and suits users who prefer a more compact device. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking.

Screen Resolution

With a resolution of 1242 x 2688, the iPhone XS Max delivers sharper and more detailed images compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016)s 720 x 1280 resolution. This makes the iPhone better for viewing high-definition content and detailed visuals.

Screen Technology

The Galaxy J3 (2016) features a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max uses a Super Retina OLED screen, which also offers rich colours and high contrast, enhancing the viewing experience.

Refresh rate

N/A60 Hz

Resolution

720 x 12801242 x 2688

Screen size

5 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max camera

Camera quality and front camera resolution affect how detailed your photos and selfies will be. Both phones offer unlocked carrier compatibility and 4G support.

Main Camera Resolution

The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos compared to the Galaxy J3 (2016)s 8 megapixel camera. This suits users who prioritise higher quality photography.

Front Camera Resolution

With a 7 megapixel front camera, the iPhone XS Max offers clearer and more detailed selfies than the Galaxy J3 (2016), which has a 2 megapixel front camera. This is important if you often use video calls or take self-portraits.

Front camera

2 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max size and design

Other features like storage options, connectors, and SIM card configurations affect how you use your phone daily. These differences cater to various needs and preferences.

Storage Options

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available with 8GB or 16GB of storage, suitable for basic app use and media. The iPhone XS Max offers larger storage options of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, fitting users needing more space for apps, photos, and files.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy J3 (2016) supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage as needed. The iPhone XS Max does not have a microSD slot.

SIM Card Setup

The Galaxy J3 (2016) uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, offering more flexibility for using two phone numbers or carriers.

Connectors

The Galaxy J3 (2016) includes micro USB and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which requires adapters for standard headphones without a Lightning plug.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is smaller and lighter at 142.3 mm tall, 71 mm wide, and 138 g, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 mm in height, 77.4 mm in width, and weighs 208 g, reflecting its larger screen and more substantial build.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning

Depth

7.9 mm7.7 mm

Height

142.3 mm157.5 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A21 September 2018

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

138 g208 g

Width

71 mm77.4 mm

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

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £48, £120.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
  • you want a lighter build (138 g vs 208 g)
  • you want a headphone jack

Buy the iPhone XS Max if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2600 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the Galaxy J3 (2016) often comment on its condition, with many saying it looks and works well. Several mention smooth operation and good battery life. Some users experienced issues registering SIM cards or network connection, which affected their experience. Overall, many appreciate the phone for everyday use, noting it matches descriptions and runs smoothly.

Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition, often described as looking brand new with no scratches or dents. Users praise the clear product descriptions and feel the phone offers fantastic value. Some mention battery life concerns, and a few report minor issues like low call volume or setup time. Most find the phone meets their needs well, appreciating the quality of the screen and cameras.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) suits users seeking a simpler, compact device for basic tasks and reliable daily use. The iPhone XS Max appeals to those wanting a larger screen, higher camera quality, and more storage for extensive media and multitasking.

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2016) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

The Galaxy J3 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £48 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.

The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2600 mAh.

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

Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in 8GB and 16GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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