Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016)
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Galaxy J3 (2017)
Starting at
£62.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) starts at £62, £130.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy J3 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2400 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4 inch.
- Screen type: PLS on the Galaxy J3 (2017), IPS LCD on the iPhone SE (2016).
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy J3 (2017) and the iPhone SE (2016) offer different experiences suited to distinct users. The Galaxy J3 has a larger 5 inch screen with higher resolution and a sharper front camera, making it better for video viewing and selfies. The iPhone SE features a smaller 4 inch screen and a higher storage option at 64GB, which suits those who want more space for apps and media. Both phones have 2GB of RAM and 4G connectivity but differ in operating system: Android for the Galaxy J3 and iOS for the iPhone SE. Galaxy J3 users can expand storage with a microSD card and use a micro USB connector, while iPhone SE users rely on Lightning connectors and fixed storage. Weight and camera differences also reflect different priorities between the two models.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and operating system differences that affect your phone over time. The Galaxy J3 runs Android while the iPhone SE runs iOS which means different app ecosystems and interfaces.
Operating System Choice
The Galaxy J3 uses Android which offers a broad range of apps and customization options. The iPhone SE runs iOS known for its streamlined interface and integration with Apple services. Your preference for Android or iOS will shape your experience with apps, security, and updates.
Software Updates
This means both run older versions of their operating systems. If you want a phone mainly for everyday use with stable performance either will suit but you should not expect access to the newest features or security patches.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and use your phone daily. The Galaxy J3 offers a larger higher resolution display while the iPhone SE has a smaller screen with a slightly lower resolution. Both use LCD technology but differ in panel type.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J3 has a 5 inch screen offering more space for watching videos browsing and typing. The iPhone SE's 4 inch screen is more compact and easier to hold with one hand which suits those who prefer smaller phones or pocket-friendly devices.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels the Galaxy J3 delivers sharper images and clearer text compared to the iPhone SE's 640 by 1136 pixels. This makes the Galaxy J3's screen noticeably crisper for reading and media consumption.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy J3 uses a PLS display a type of LCD known for good brightness and viewing angles. The iPhone SE features an IPS LCD screen which also provides consistent colours and clarity. Both deliver solid image quality for general use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras and how well each phone captures photos and video calls. The Galaxy J3 generally offers higher resolution cameras which can deliver more detailed images.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J3 has a 5 megapixel front camera ideal for selfies and video calls with clearer detail. The iPhone SE's front camera is 1.2 megapixels which suits basic video chatting but with less image clarity.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J3 features a 13 megapixel main camera slightly higher than the iPhone SE's 12 megapixels. This difference means the Galaxy J3 can capture images with a bit more detail which may appeal to casual photographers.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity storage options and physical attributes that affect daily use. These differences influence how you charge your phone expand storage and carry it.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy J3 comes with 16GB of storage suitable for everyday apps and some media but you can expand storage using a microSD card. The iPhone SE offers 64GB of built-in storage giving more space for apps photos and music without needing extra cards.
Charging and Headphone Connectors
The Galaxy J3 uses micro USB for charging and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone SE has a Lightning connector plus the same 3.5mm jack. Your choice may depend on what cables and accessories you already own.
Weight
The Galaxy J3 weighs 143 grams making it a bit heavier than the iPhone SE which weighs 113 grams. The iPhone SE's lighter weight may suit those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone for daily carry.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks so you can use them with a range of UK mobile carriers. They both take physical SIM cards which is standard for most users.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J3 (2017) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £130.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want a bigger battery (2400 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 142 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J3 (2017) often mention it as a good choice for a first phone or everyday use. They find the phone easy to use especially after some learning with the Samsung menus. Several customers praise the condition saying the phone looks like new and works well after setup. Some note issues with the SIM card size and battery life while a few mention the screen being fragile or the camera quality varying. Overall the Galaxy J3 suits users who want a straightforward Android experience with a larger screen and expandable storage.
Users of the iPhone SE (2016) generally appreciate its value and reliability for a smaller device. Many customers highlight good battery life smooth performance and a clean less bulky design. The 64GB storage is welcomed for keeping apps and media. Some users find the screen size small for their needs and battery life can vary depending on usage and age of the device. The iPhone SE appeals to buyers who want a compact iOS phone with premium refurb quality and enough storage for everyday tasks.
Both phones attract buyers looking for affordable refurbished devices that perform well for typical daily use. The Galaxy J3 fits those who prefer Android a larger display and expandable storage. The iPhone SE suits those who favour iOS higher fixed storage and a lighter smaller phone.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2400 mAh vs 1624 mAh. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5 inch vs 4 inch.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a bigger battery: 2400 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J3 (2017) ended in Jul 2019. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
