Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J5 (2016)
Starting at
£62.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2016) and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £130.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016).
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4 inch.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy J5 (2016) and the iPhone SE (2016) are both unlocked 4G phones from 2016 that suit different needs. The Galaxy J5 offers a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen and a higher resolution, making it a good choice if you want a bigger and more vibrant display. It also has more expandable storage options thanks to its microSDXC slot and a higher megapixel count on both cameras. The iPhone SE is smaller, lighter, and has a more compact 4 inch IPS LCD screen, ideal if you prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket. It comes with more built-in storage at 64GB.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and software updates, which affect how long the phone can receive new features and security improvements.
Operating System
The Galaxy J5 runs on Android, while the iPhone SE uses iOS. Your choice may depend on which operating system you prefer for apps and interface style.
Software Updates
This means neither phone will receive the newest features or security patches from their respective developers.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality influences how you experience videos, photos, and everyday use. The two phones differ in screen size, resolution, and technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy J5 has a larger 5.2 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos, browsing, and typing. The iPhone SE has a 4 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy J5 features a 720 x 1280 resolution, which provides sharper images and more detail than the iPhone SE's 640 x 1136 resolution. This benefits users who want clearer text and richer visuals.
Screen Type
The Galaxy J5 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for deeper blacks and more vivid colours. The iPhone SE has an IPS LCD screen, which offers natural colour reproduction and good viewing angles. Each screen type suits different viewing preferences.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
The cameras on each phone affect your ability to take photos and video calls. Both front and main cameras differ in megapixel count.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J5 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone SE's 1.2 megapixel front camera. This is useful if you often use the front camera for photos or video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5's main camera has 13 megapixels, slightly higher than the iPhone SE's 12 megapixels. This means the Galaxy J5 can capture photos with a bit more detail, which may matter if photography is important to you.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, storage, and expandability that can impact daily use and convenience.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy J5 measures 145.8 mm by 72.3 mm and weighs 159 g, making it larger and heavier than the iPhone SE, which measures 123.8 mm by 58.6 mm and weighs 113 g. The iPhone SE is suited for those wanting a smaller, lighter device.
Storage Options
The iPhone SE comes with 64GB of built-in storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, and media without needing extra cards. The Galaxy J5 comes with 16GB but supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage if you want to add more space for files and media.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G networks and use a physical SIM card, so they offer similar connectivity and carrier flexibility.
Device Thickness
The Galaxy J5 is slightly thicker at 8.1 mm compared to the iPhone SE's 7.6 mm, a small difference that might be noticeable if you prefer a slim phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2016) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £130.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 158 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J5 often highlight its condition as looking like new or very good for the price. Many appreciate it as a fair-priced phone that works well for everyday use, though some mention slower performance or battery drainage as the battery ages. The larger screen and camera quality are valued by users who want more from their phone's display and photography. Some customers bought it for elderly users or those with hearing needs, finding it suitable in those cases.
iPhone SE customers commonly praise its compact size and solid battery life, noting it runs smoothly for daily tasks. Many are pleased with the 64GB storage and clean condition of the phones they receive. The smaller screen suits those who want a less bulky phone. Some mention the battery may need attention over time, but overall it meets their needs well. The iOS operating system is appreciated by those who prefer Apple's interface.
The Galaxy J5 suits buyers who want a bigger, more colourful screen and expandable storage. The iPhone SE fits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with more built-in storage and iOS. Both appeal to users looking for reliable refurbished devices from 2016 with unlocked 4G capability.
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 1624 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 SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
