Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy Note9?
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £80 less than the Galaxy Note9. The Galaxy Note9 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9.
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3100 mAh.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 specs
The Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy Note9 differ in screen size, memory, camera details, and physical dimensions, making each suited to different users. The Galaxy J5 (2016) offers a compact 5.2 inch screen and 2 GB of RAM, fitting well for everyday use and simpler tasks. The Galaxy Note9 has a larger 6.4 inch screen and 6 GB of RAM, supporting more apps open at once and providing a roomier display for video or multitasking. Camera options vary slightly with the Note9 having a higher resolution front camera, while the J5 has a higher resolution main camera. The Note9 also supports dual physical SIMs, suits users needing more storage, and is a larger, heavier device.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
- BlackSold out
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Storage
- 16GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 battery life and software updates
Neither device is foldable.
Operating System Support
This means you will use the Android version available at their last update, suitable for general smartphone use but without the newest system features or security patches.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and how sharp images look. Both phones use Super AMOLED screens, known for bright colours and good contrast, but their physical sizes and resolutions differ.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 5.2 inch screen which is easier to handle with one hand and fits comfortably in smaller pockets. The Galaxy Note9 has a larger 6.4 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos, browsing, or using multiple apps at once.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 720 x 1280 resolution providing good clarity for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Note9 has a higher 1440 x 2960 resolution, making text and images sharper and details crisper, which benefits users who prioritise a high-quality viewing experience.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 camera
Camera specifications matter for photo quality and video calls. The front and main camera resolutions differ between these two devices, which affects how detailed selfies and photos will appear.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J5 (2016) comes with a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and casual selfies. The Galaxy Note9 features an 8 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and clearer images for selfies and video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 13 megapixel main camera which can capture more detailed photos compared to the Galaxy Note9's 12 megapixel main camera. This makes the J5 suitable for users who prioritise higher resolution in their primary photos.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 size and design
Other differences include physical size, SIM card options, storage capacity, and weight. These affect usability, convenience, and how much data or media you can keep on the device.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy J5 (2016) comes with 16GB of storage, suitable for everyday apps and moderate media. The Galaxy Note9 offers 128GB, giving much more room for apps, photos, videos, and files without needing frequent clean ups.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy J5 (2016) supports a single physical SIM card, fitting users with one mobile number. The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards, ideal for those who use two numbers or want to separate work and personal calls on one phone.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 145.8 mm tall, 72.3 mm wide, and 8.1 mm deep, weighing 159 g. The Galaxy Note9 is larger and heavier at 161.9 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and 201 g. The J5 fits smaller hands and pockets better, while the Note9 offers a larger device presence.
Carrier and Network Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks, so you can use them with most UK carriers and enjoy fast mobile data where available.
Expandable Storage
Both phones support microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage if needed, which is helpful for storing photos, music, and apps beyond the built-in capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2016) or Galaxy Note9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £80 less than the Galaxy Note9
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (158 g vs 201 g)
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3100 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy J5 (2016) for its fair price and good condition. Many say it runs well for everyday use despite some noting slower speed or battery drain as the charge drops. The compact size and simplicity suit users who want a straightforward phone. A few customers mention minor cosmetic wear but overall satisfaction with the device's performance and value.
The Galaxy Note9 is praised for its condition and features, with many customers happy with the larger screen and storage. Some mention excellent condition phones looking nearly new. A few customers report issues with battery life or overheating, but most find the phone reliable and well-suited for frequent device changers or those wanting more storage and dual SIM support.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) fits users looking for a simpler, smaller phone for everyday tasks, while the Galaxy Note9 suits those who want a larger display, more memory, and additional SIM flexibility.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Galaxy Note9 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9. The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £142 for the Galaxy Note9.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3100 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019. Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022.
The Galaxy Note9 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3100 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £80 more (from £142 vs £62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy Note9 in 128GB.









