Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J3 (2017)
Starting at
£62.00
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XS?
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) starts at £62, £76.35 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2400 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5 inch.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a smaller 5 inch screen, cameras with 5 megapixels front and 13 megapixels main, and 2 GB RAM, making it suitable for everyday use and straightforward tasks. It supports removable storage with a microSDXC slot and has a headphone jack. The iPhone XS has a larger, higher-resolution 5.8 inch OLED screen and 4 GB RAM, which helps with smoother multitasking and richer visuals. The iPhone XS also has a 7 megapixel front camera and support for eSIM alongside a physical SIM.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS price
Colour
- BlackSold out
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Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
The Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XS use different operating systems and differ in update support, which can influence the device lifespan and software experience.
Operating System
The Galaxy J3 (2017) runs on Android, while the iPhone XS uses iOS. This affects app availability and how you interact with the phone. Android on the Galaxy J3 is familiar for many, while iOS on iPhone XS offers a distinct ecosystem with regular updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with the device. The Galaxy J3 (2017) and iPhone XS differ in screen size, resolution, and panel type, which affect sharpness, colour, and overall viewing experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 5 inch screen, which is compact and easy to hold with one hand. The iPhone XS has a larger 5.8 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos and browsing.
Resolution
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 720 x 1280 resolution, suitable for basic viewing. The iPhone XS offers a much higher 1125 x 2436 resolution, delivering sharper images and finer detail, which benefits those who use their phone for photo viewing or reading small text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy J3 (2017) uses a PLS screen, which provides good brightness and viewing angles for everyday use. The iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED screen, which produces deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing video and photo enjoyment.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera capabilities. The two devices differ in megapixels for front and main cameras, affecting photo detail and selfie quality.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a 5 megapixel front camera, adequate for standard selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail which is useful for higher quality selfies and clearer video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J3 (2017) features a 13 megapixel main camera, which can capture more detail in photos. The iPhone XS has a 12 megapixel main camera, which balances resolution with other camera technologies for quality images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS size and design
Other features include connectivity options, storage expansion, and physical characteristics. These differences can affect daily convenience and how you use each phone.
Storage Options
The Galaxy J3 (2017) comes with 16GB of internal storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage with a memory card. The iPhone XS offers larger internal options starting at 64GB and up to 256GB but does not support expandable storage.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The Galaxy J3 (2017) uses a micro USB connector and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, letting you use traditional wired headphones. The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, so wireless or Lightning-compatible headphones are needed.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy J3 (2017) has a single physical SIM slot. The iPhone XS supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, which can be useful if you want two phone numbers or plans on one device.
Weight
The Galaxy J3 (2017) weighs 143 grams, making it lighter and easier to carry for those who prefer a lighter phone. The iPhone XS weighs 177 grams, reflecting its larger screen and build.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 4G networks and are unlocked, giving you freedom to choose your carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J3 (2017) or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £76.35 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (142 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J3 (2017) appreciate its simplicity and ease of use, especially for first-time phone users or as a secondary device. Some note that it can be tricky to set up with updates and that the screen may be fragile. The camera quality varies in satisfaction, with some finding it blurry for specific needs. Battery life can require daily charging with light use. Overall, the phone is seen as straightforward and good value for everyday tasks.
Customers praising the iPhone XS highlight its like-new condition, smooth performance, and excellent screen quality. Many appreciate the good battery life and camera, especially for selfies. A few mention minor cosmetic marks or occasional faults, but most find it reliable and well suited for heavier app use and photography. The larger storage options and the support for the latest iOS updates are frequently noted benefits.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) suits those wanting a smaller, simpler phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack. The iPhone XS fits buyers who want a sharper screen, more memory, advanced camera features, and ongoing software updates.
Galaxy J3 (2017) vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy J3 (2017) 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 2400 mAh.
The Galaxy J3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
