Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017)
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Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00
Galaxy J5 (2017)
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2017)?
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and front camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) starts at £60, £2 less than the Galaxy J5 (2016). The Galaxy J5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Front camera
Software updates
Weight
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a higher-resolution front camera: 13 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) specs
The Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2017) differ mainly in memory and front camera quality, with the 2017 model offering 3 GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel front camera compared to 2 GB RAM and 5 megapixels on the 2016. Both share a 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with 720 x 1280 resolution and 4G connectivity. The 2017 model is slightly slimmer and narrower, while the 2016 is a gram lighter and a fraction shorter. Software updates ended for both, but earlier for the 2017. Choose the 2017 if you want better multitasking and selfies. The 2016 suits everyday use where these differences matter less.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software updates and physical design factors that affect how the devices hold up over time. Both phones are unlocked, with software update support having ended some years ago.
Software Updates Ended
The Galaxy J5 (2016) stopped receiving software updates in August 2019, while the Galaxy J5 (2017) had updates until March 2019. This means the 2016 model had a slightly longer period of official software support, which may be relevant if you want a device with a longer update history.
Physical Dimensions
Both devices are unlocked, providing straightforward durability in terms of build. There is a very small difference in size and weight, with the 2017 being a touch slimmer at 8 mm depth and a millimetre narrower, while the 2016 is marginally lighter and shorter.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) screen
Screen quality is important for viewing experience. Both Galaxy J5 models share the same screen size, resolution and type, so the visual experience remains consistent between them.
Display Size and Resolution
Both Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J5 (2017) offer a 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels. This means you get the same sharpness and vibrant colours on both devices, suitable for everyday video viewing and browsing.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) camera
Camera quality is a key factor for many users. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but differ in front camera capabilities, affecting selfies and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy J5 (2017) features a 13 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail compared to the 5 megapixel front camera on the Galaxy J5 (2016). This makes the 2017 model better suited for selfies or video calls where higher image clarity is preferred.
Main Camera Consistency
Both devices have a 13 megapixel main camera, so photo quality for standard shots is similar on either phone. This consistency means the main camera performance will meet similar expectations on both models.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) size and design
Other physical and functional features such as network, storage, and card support are similar, with small differences in size and weight that may influence handling comfort.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy J5 (2016) comes with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage, while the Galaxy J5 (2017) offers 3 GB RAM with the same 16 GB storage. More RAM on the 2017 model helps keep more apps running smoothly in the background, benefiting multitasking.
Size and Weight Differences
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is slightly slimmer and narrower at 8 mm depth and 71.3 mm width compared to 8.1 mm and 72.3 mm on the 2016. The 2017 model is 160 g while the 2016 weighs 159 g. These small differences may affect how the phones feel in your hand or pocket.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and use physical SIM cards. They are unlocked, so you can choose the network provider that suits you. Both also support microSDXC cards, allowing storage expansion.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2016) or Galaxy J5 (2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £2 less than the Galaxy J5 (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers using the Galaxy J5 (2016) generally appreciate the phone as good value for everyday use. Many mention the device looks like new and works well for basic tasks, though some note the battery drains quickly and performance slows as the battery level drops. Scratches and wear on used models are occasionally mentioned but do not detract from overall satisfaction. The phone suits users who want a straightforward device for calls, messaging and light app use.
Reviews of the Galaxy J5 (2017) highlight good condition and smooth operation. Customers enjoy the device for its simplicity and good camera, especially for a first phone for children or beginners. Some mention a small SIM slot and occasional network unlocking issues. The extra RAM and better front camera meet expectations for everyday use and selfies. The 2017 suits users looking for a simple phone with slightly improved performance and image quality.
Both phones appeal to buyers wanting reliable refurbished devices. Choose the 2016 for basic needs with familiar features and longer software support history. The 2017 fits those who value more memory and a higher resolution front camera for selfies.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy J5 (2017) comes down to the RAM, battery and front camera. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £62 for the Galaxy J5 (2016).
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019. Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2017) ended in Mar 2019.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB) and a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 5 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £2 less (from £60 vs £62).
Both come in 16GB refurbished.
