Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and Google Pixel 3?
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £59 less than the Google Pixel 3. The Google Pixel 3 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3.
- The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 specs
The Galaxy J5 (2016) and Google Pixel 3 both run Android but differ in size, screen quality, memory, and some features. The Galaxy J5 has a smaller 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280, making it a straightforward choice for everyday use. The Pixel 3 offers a larger 5.5 inch P-OLED screen at a higher resolution of 1080 x 2160, suitable if you want a sharper and more spacious display. The Pixel 3 doubles the RAM to 4 GB and provides more storage at 64GB, compared to 16GB on the Galaxy J5, which benefits multitasking and storing apps. The Galaxy J5 supports expandable storage with a microSDXC slot, while the Pixel 3 provides eSIM support alongside a physical SIM. Camera options vary with the Galaxy J5 having a higher megapixel main camera and the Pixel 3 having a better front camera. Each device fits different needs depending on your priorities in screen, storage, and features.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
- BlackSold out
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Storage
- 16GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 battery life and software updates
Both phones run Android but neither can update to the latest version. They share basic durability features, so your choice here depends more on other qualities.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy J5 (2016) and Google Pixel 3 use Android as their operating system.
Release Year
The Galaxy J5 was released in 2016 and the Google Pixel 3 in 2018.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 screen
Screen size, resolution and type affect how you view content. The Pixel 3 has a larger, higher-resolution screen with a different OLED technology, which suits users wanting more detail and space for videos or apps.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J5 has a 5.2 inch screen, making it compact and easier to use one-handed. The Pixel 3's 5.5 inch screen gives you more room for watching videos or browsing, which is helpful if you prefer a larger display.
Screen Resolution
With 720 x 1280 pixels, the Galaxy J5 offers a clear picture for everyday use. The Pixel 3 has a sharper 1080 x 2160 resolution, providing more detail and clarity, especially noticeable when viewing photos or reading small text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy J5 uses a Super AMOLED screen known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 3 features a P-OLED screen, which also displays rich colours and supports high resolution, offering a quality viewing experience with slightly different display characteristics.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution affect your photos and video calls. Both phones offer good options but focus on different strengths.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5 has a 13 megapixel main camera, which can capture detailed photos and is suitable for everyday photography. The Pixel 3 has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, close in capability but not directly comparable in other aspects beyond megapixels.
Front Camera
The Pixel 3 offers an 8 megapixel front camera, which takes sharper selfies and improves video call quality. The Galaxy J5 has a 5 megapixel front camera, good for basic selfies and video chatting.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 size and design
Other features include storage options, SIM card types and size differences, all of which affect daily use and convenience.
Storage Capacity and Expansion
The Galaxy J5 comes with 16GB of storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more space for apps, photos and files. The Pixel 3 offers 64GB of built-in storage but does not have an SD card slot, so you rely on internal memory alone.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy J5 uses a physical SIM card, which is standard and simple to use. The Pixel 3 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility if you want two numbers or easier switching between carriers.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy J5 measures 145.8 mm tall, 72.3 mm wide and 8.1 mm deep, weighing 159 g. The Pixel 3 is slightly smaller in height and width with 145.6 mm by 68.2 mm, and a depth of 7.9 mm, weighing 148 g. This makes the Pixel 3 a bit lighter and narrower, which may feel more comfortable in the hand.
Mobile Network and Carrier
Both phones support 4G and come unlocked, so you can use them with a wide range of UK carriers without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2016) or Google Pixel 3: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £59 less than the Google Pixel 3
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels)
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (5.5 inch vs 5.2 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy J5 (2016) appreciate its reliability and good condition, often noting it looks like new. Many find it good value for everyday use, though some mention the phone can slow down or the battery drains faster. The phone suits those who want a fair-priced, simple device, with some reports of wear on the exterior in certain conditions. It is also chosen by users who prefer a straightforward phone for basic tasks, including elderly users who benefit from its simplicity.
Reviews for the Google Pixel 3 highlight its excellent condition and capability. Customers enjoy its small and light design paired with strong performance for a phone of its kind. The screen quality is praised, although some mention a slight tint in colour. Battery life can be a concern for a few, but overall it meets expectations for day-to-day use. Some users value the unlocked feature but a few have encountered network compatibility issues with specific SIMs. The Pixel 3 is a good fit for users wanting a compact phone with more storage and a better front camera for selfies.
Both devices have customers who are happy with their purchase and feel the phones match their needs. The Galaxy J5 is favoured by those who want a simpler phone with expandable storage, while the Pixel 3 suits users seeking a sharper screen, more memory, and flexible SIM options.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3. The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £121 for the Google Pixel 3.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2016) ended in Aug 2019. Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16GB, and the Google Pixel 3 in 64GB.
