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Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8

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Galaxy J5 (2016)

Starting at

£62.00
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iPhone 8

Starting at

£90.00£399.00 new
See options
(59 reviews)
(411 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and iPhone 8?

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £28 less than the iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 is the newer model, released in 2017.

Refurbished from

£62£90

Chipset

Qualcomm MSM8916Apple A11 Bionic

Battery

3100 mAh1821 mAh

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDRetina IPS LCD

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels
  • Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
  • The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
  • The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 specs

The Galaxy J5 (2016) and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy J5 offers a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, ideal if you want a bigger, more vibrant display. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and higher storage options from 64GB to 256GB, fitting for those who need more space for apps and media. Both have 2 GB of RAM and 4G connectivity, but the iPhone 8 weighs less and is slightly thinner. The Galaxy J5 supports a microSDXC card for extra storage, which can help if you prefer expandable memory. Camera preferences differ too, with the Galaxy J5 having a 13 megapixel main camera and the iPhone 8 having a 7 megapixel front camera.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 price

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates

Durability covers the operating system, software updates, and build aspects that affect day to day use. They run on different operating systems, which influences the user experience and app availability.

Operating System

The Galaxy J5 (2016) runs on Android, offering access to a wide range of apps and customisation options common to that platform. The iPhone 8 uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and regular app updates. Your choice depends on which ecosystem you prefer.

Software Updates

This means both phones will run versions of their operating systems that no longer receive new features or security patches, which can affect app compatibility over time.

Battery

3100 mAh1821 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP67

Software updates

Ended Aug 2019Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20162017

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 performance

Chipset

Qualcomm MSM8916Apple A11 Bionic

RAM

2 GB2 GB

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 screen

Screen quality affects how you view content, including size, resolution and display type. The two devices offer different screen technologies and sizes, suitable for different viewing preferences.

Screen Size

The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a larger 5.2 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 8's 4.7 inch display is smaller, making it easier to use one-handed and fit in pockets.

Resolution

The iPhone 8 has a slightly higher resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels compared to the Galaxy J5's 720 x 1280 pixels. This means the iPhone 8's screen shows a bit more detail, which can enhance sharpness for text and images.

Screen Type

The Galaxy J5 (2016) features a Super AMOLED screen, known for deep blacks and vibrant colours, which makes videos and photos look lively. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers consistent colours and good brightness, suiting users who prefer natural tones.

Resolution

720 x 1280750 x 1334

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDRetina IPS LCD

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 camera

Camera capabilities differ between these phones, giving each an edge depending on your photography and selfie needs.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 13 megapixel main camera, which captures detailed photos and is suitable for everyday photography. It's a solid choice if you want clear images without extra features.

Front Camera

The iPhone 8 offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which takes sharper selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy J5's 5 megapixel front camera. This makes the iPhone 8 a good pick if you often use your front camera.

Front camera

5 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 size and design

Other differences influence how the phones feel in your hand, how much storage you get, and connectivity options.

Storage Options

The Galaxy J5 (2016) comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDXC card. This is helpful if you want to add extra space for photos and apps without paying more upfront. The iPhone 8 offers larger internal storage options from 64GB up to 256GB but does not support expandable storage.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy J5 (2016) is larger and heavier, measuring 145.8 mm tall and weighing 159 g. The iPhone 8 is more compact at 138.4 mm tall and lighter at 148 g, which might suit you if you prefer a smaller phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.

Carrier and SIM

Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, so you can use them with any UK carrier. Each uses a physical SIM card, making it simple to switch providers or SIMs.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

N/ALightning

Depth

8.1 mm7.3 mm

Height

145.8 mm138.4 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

10 May 201622 September 2017

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

158 g148 g

Width

72.3 mm67.3 mm

Galaxy J5 (2016) or iPhone 8: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £28 less than the iPhone 8
  • you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch)

Buy the iPhone 8 if

  • you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
  • you want a lighter build (148 g vs 158 g)

What our customers say

Customers who choose the Galaxy J5 (2016) often mention it as a good phone for the price with a solid display and decent performance for everyday use. Some users note the battery can drain quickly and the phone may slow down as the battery decreases, which is expected for this model. Many say the phone looks like new or in good condition and recommend it for straightforward tasks. A few mention visible wear or occasional slowdowns but overall satisfaction with the device's value.

Reviews for the iPhone 8 highlight its near-new appearance and reliable performance. Customers appreciate the larger storage options and the sharper front camera. Many users find the phone feels solid and runs smoothly for their needs. Some mention minor marks or a need for charging by evening under heavy use, but overall they are happy with its condition and functionality.

The Galaxy J5 suits buyers who want a larger, vibrant screen and expandable storage on a lower priced phone for everyday tasks. The iPhone 8 fits users who need more storage, a compact size, and a sharper front camera for selfies and video calls.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 FAQs

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone 8 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1821 mAh.

The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £90 for the iPhone 8.

The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1821 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 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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