Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and iPhone 7?
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £4.24 less than the iPhone 7.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 specs
The Galaxy J5 (2016) and the iPhone 7 both date from 2016 and offer 4G connectivity with unlocked SIM cards. The Galaxy J5 has a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 720 x 1280 resolution, making it suitable for those who prefer a bigger, more vivid display. The iPhone 7 offers a smaller 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen with a slightly higher resolution of 750 x 1334, which works well for users wanting a compact device with a crisp display. Both phones share 2 GB of RAM but differ in storage options, with the iPhone 7 available up to 128GB and the Galaxy J5 at 16GB plus a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. Camera preferences might also influence choice: the Galaxy J5 has a sharper main camera, while the iPhone 7 provides a better front camera for selfies.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 price
Colour
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates
They use different operating systems, which may suit different user preferences.
Operating System
The Galaxy J5 runs on Android while the iPhone 7 uses iOS. If you prefer Android's flexibility or its app ecosystem, the Galaxy J5 suits you. If you want iOS and its features, the iPhone 7 is the better fit.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, and panel type. These affect how much you see at once and the visual style of the display.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J5 has a 5.2 inch screen, offering a more spacious display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 7's 4.7 inch screen is smaller, making it easier to hold and use with one hand.
Resolution
The iPhone 7 has a resolution of 750 x 1334, which is slightly higher than the Galaxy J5's 720 x 1280. This means the iPhone 7's screen may show a bit more detail and sharper text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy J5 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for deep blacks and vivid colours, which benefits media viewing. The iPhone 7 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers accurate colours and consistent brightness from different angles.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 camera
Audiovisual specs focus on cameras, which matter if you take photos or selfies regularly.
Front Camera
The iPhone 7 has a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies or video calls than the Galaxy J5's 5 megapixel front camera.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5 features a 13 megapixel main camera, providing higher resolution photos than the iPhone 7's 12 megapixel main camera. This might appeal if you want detailed shots from the rear camera.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 size and design
Other differences include size, weight, storage options, and expandable memory, which affect everyday handling and storage needs.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy J5 is taller at 145.8 mm and wider at 72.3 mm compared to the iPhone 7's 138.3 mm height and 67.1 mm width. The Galaxy J5 is also thicker at 8.1 mm versus the iPhone 7's 7.1 mm. The iPhone 7 is lighter at 138 g, making it easier to carry and hold for long periods compared to the Galaxy J5's 159 g.
Storage and Expandability
The iPhone 7 comes with 32GB or 128GB storage options, offering more internal storage space. The Galaxy J5 has 16GB internal storage but supports a microSDXC card, so you can expand storage with a memory card if you want to store more files or media.
SIM and Network
Both phones use a physical SIM card and support 4G networks, so they are suitable for typical mobile network use in the UK. Both are unlocked, letting you choose your carrier freely.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2016) or iPhone 7: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £4.24 less than the iPhone 7
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 158 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J5 (2016) often praise its good condition and fair price. Many find it suitable for everyday use, though some note it can be slow and that the battery drains faster over time. A few customers mention the phone having visible scratches or wear which was expected and acceptable for the price. Overall, users are happy with its performance for basic tasks and appreciate the larger screen size.
Reviews for the iPhone 7 highlight its excellent condition and smooth performance. Customers appreciate the good battery life and quick setup, with some using it as a straightforward phone for calls and texts. The smaller size and lighter weight make it easy to handle. Some mention minor scratches or issues with specific parts like the microphone, but many are satisfied with the screen and camera quality. The iPhone 7 suits those wanting a reliable iOS device with more storage options.
Both phones appeal to users looking for a refurbished device from 2016. The Galaxy J5 fits those who want a bigger screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone 7 suits users preferring a compact device with higher internal storage and iOS.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 7 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £66.24 for the iPhone 7.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1960 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 iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.
