Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016)
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Galaxy J3 (2017)
Starting at
£62.00
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016)?
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Both start at £62 refurbished. The Galaxy J3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) specs
The Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) are similar in many ways, including their camera resolutions, RAM, and 4G network compatibility. The J5 provides a slightly larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen, which offers richer colours and deeper contrast, making it suitable for watching videos or browsing photos. The J3 has a smaller 5 inch PLS screen that suits users who prefer a more compact device. Both phones use physical SIM cards, support microSDXC cards for storage expansion, and come unlocked. The J3 weighs less at 143 g compared to the J5 at 159 g, which might appeal to those prioritising a lighter phone.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GoldSold out
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) battery life and software updates
Both the Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) run Android and are unlocked for use on any network. These features define how the phones connect to networks and their software status.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and are unlocked. This means you can use them with a variety of UK carriers and enjoy decent mobile data speeds. The unlocked status offers flexibility if you want to switch network providers without restrictions.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) screen
Screen quality affects your experience when watching videos, browsing, or reading. The Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) both have HD resolution but differ in screen size and type, which affects colour vibrancy and viewing space.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 5 inch screen, making it compact and easier to handle with one hand. The Galaxy J5 (2016) features a slightly larger 5.2 inch screen, providing more room for video watching and reading. If you prefer a bigger display for media or browsing, the J5 offers more screen real estate.
Screen Type
The Galaxy J3 (2017) uses a PLS screen, which delivers clear images suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a Super AMOLED screen, known for deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. This makes the J5 a better option for users who value richer visuals and contrast in their display.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) camera
For photography and video calls, both phones offer similar camera specs. This section explains what the camera resolutions mean for everyday use.
Camera Resolution
Both the Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J5 (2016) have a 13 megapixel main camera and a 5 megapixel front camera. These resolutions are suitable for capturing detailed photos and decent quality selfies. Users wanting straightforward photography without advanced features will find both phones meet basic camera needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) size and design
Other practical features include storage options, SIM type, and weight. These details affect how you use the phone day to day and how portable it feels.
Storage and SIM
Both phones come with 16GB of internal storage and support microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage for apps, photos, and media. They use physical SIM cards, a standard choice that works with most networks and is simple to swap if needed.
Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2017) weighs 143 g, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable to carry in a pocket or hold for long periods. The Galaxy J5 (2016) weighs 159 g, which is slightly heavier but may provide a more solid feel in the hand. Weight preference will depend on whether portability or grip feel is more important to you.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J3 (2017) or Galaxy J5 (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if
- you want a lighter build (142 g vs 158 g)
- you want the newer model (2017)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy J3 (2017) appreciate its ease of use and condition, with many saying it looks like new and performs well despite being an older model. Some found setup challenging due to Android update issues but resolved it with offline setup. A number of reviews mention battery life needing frequent charging and a few report screen fragility or camera quality concerns. Overall, users found it suitable for everyday use, including as a first phone for younger users.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is praised for its good condition and fair price, with several customers happy with its performance for basic tasks despite some noting slower speed and battery drain. Users value its solid feel and reliable functionality, making it a good choice for those who want a simple, effective phone without frequent interruptions.
Both devices suit people seeking straightforward Android phones with similar camera capabilities and expandable storage. The J3 might appeal more to those wanting a lighter, smaller device, while the J5 suits users who prefer a larger, more vibrant screen.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs Galaxy J5 (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2400 mAh. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 5 inch.
Both start at £62 refurbished.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2017) ended in Jul 2019. Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) adds a lighter build (142 g vs 158 g). Both start at £62 refurbished.
Both come in 16GB refurbished.
