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Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR

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Galaxy J3 (2017)

Starting at

£62.00
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iPhone XR

Starting at

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

What's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XR?

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) starts at £62, £68.30 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£62£130.30

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Battery

2400 mAh2942 mAh

Screen size

5 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

PLSLiquid Retina IPS LCD

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels
  • The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
  • The iPhone XR has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5 inch.

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR specs

The Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XR differ in screen size, camera features, performance, and operating system. The Galaxy J3 (2017) offers a smaller 5 inch display with a 720 x 1280 resolution, suitable for everyday use and easier one-handed handling. The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a higher 828 x 1792 resolution, providing more room for video and apps. The Galaxy J3 includes a microSD card slot for extra storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may suit users needing external storage and wired audio. The iPhone XR has more storage options and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering more flexibility. Each device fits different needs depending on your priorities for screen size, storage, and software updates.

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR price

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates

Durability covers software updates, operating systems, and physical design features that affect how long the phones stay current and usable.

Operating System

The Galaxy J3 runs Android, which offers a wide range of apps and customisation options. The iPhone XR uses iOS, known for its smooth integration and regular updates. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.

Battery

2400 mAh2942 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP67

Software updates

Ended Jul 2019Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20172018

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR performance

Chipset

N/AApple A12 Bionic (7 nm)

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR screen

Screen quality affects how much you see and how clear images and text appear. These two phones offer different sizes and resolutions to suit different needs.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J3 has a 5 inch screen, making it easier to hold and use one-handed. This size suits everyday tasks and simple browsing. The iPhone XR's 6.1 inch screen provides a larger viewing area, which is better for watching videos or multitasking with apps.

Resolution and Display Type

The Galaxy J3's 720 x 1280 resolution on a PLS screen delivers clear images suitable for daily use. The iPhone XR's 828 x 1792 Liquid Retina IPS LCD offers sharper detail and more vibrant colours, which enhances media viewing and reading.

Resolution

720 x 1280828 x 1792

Screen size

5 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

PLSLiquid Retina IPS LCD

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR camera

Camera features matter if you use your phone for photos or video calls. Both devices have front and main cameras with different megapixel counts.

Front Camera

The iPhone XR has a 7 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy J3's 5 megapixel front camera is sufficient for basic video chatting and selfies.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J3 provides a 13 megapixel main camera, delivering detailed photos suitable for everyday shots. The iPhone XR has a 12 megapixel main camera which also captures quality images, focusing on colour accuracy and performance.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

5 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR size and design

Other features include storage, connectivity, and physical characteristics that can affect daily convenience and compatibility.

Storage Options

The Galaxy J3 comes with 16GB of storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more space easily. The iPhone XR offers higher storage options from 64GB to 256GB but does not support expandable storage.

SIM and Network

Both phones support 4G and use physical SIM cards. The iPhone XR also supports an eSIM, providing more flexibility if you want multiple plans or easier switching between networks.

Connectors and Audio

The Galaxy J3 includes a micro USB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful if you use wired headphones. The iPhone XR uses a Lightning connector, which is compatible with Apple accessories but does not have a headphone jack.

Weight

The Galaxy J3 weighs 143 g, making it lighter to carry and hold. The iPhone XR weighs 194 g, reflecting its larger screen and build.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning

Depth

8.2 mm8.3 mm

Height

143.2 mm150.9 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

142 g194 g

Width

70.3 mm75.7 mm

Galaxy J3 (2017) or iPhone XR: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £68.30 less than the iPhone XR
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
  • you want a lighter build (142 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 2400 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy J3 (2017) often appreciate its ease of use and condition, with many saying it looks like new or better than expected. Some customers mention simple setup steps and intuitive menus, especially for everyday tasks or as a first phone. There are a few comments about the screen being fragile and battery life requiring daily charging but overall users find it suitable for basic use and appreciate the ability to expand storage with a microSD card.

Users of the iPhone XR report high satisfaction with the phone's condition and screen size. Many find it easy to set up and use, praising the larger screen for comfortable viewing. Battery health is generally good though some note that replacement batteries may not be official Apple parts. The phone runs well without glitches and supports multiple storage sizes which customers value. The eSIM feature and unlocked status add convenience for network use.

The Galaxy J3 (2017) suits those looking for a simpler Android phone with expandable storage and a lighter build. The iPhone XR fits buyers who want a larger, sharper screen with the latest iOS updates and more storage options, plus flexibility with SIM cards.

Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XR FAQs

Galaxy J3 (2017) 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 2400 mAh.

The Galaxy J3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2400 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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