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Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR

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Galaxy J5 (2016)

Starting at

£62.00
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iPhone XR

Starting at

£130.30£399.00 new
See options
(59 reviews)
(301 reviews)

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

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2016) starts at £62, £68.30 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£62£130.30

Chipset

Qualcomm MSM8916Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm)

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Battery

3100 mAh2942 mAh

Screen size

5.2 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina IPS LCD
  • Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
  • The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2942 mAh.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR specs

The Galaxy J5 (2016) and the iPhone XR differ in several ways that suit different needs. The Galaxy J5 (2016) offers a smaller Super AMOLED screen and a microSDXC slot, which is useful for expanding storage. The iPhone XR features a larger Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, higher RAM, and more storage options. Buyers who want a bigger screen, more storage, and ongoing software updates will find the iPhone XR appealing. Those looking for a simpler phone with expandable storage and a compact display might prefer the Galaxy J5 (2016). Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR price

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

Durability covers how long the devices stay current with software and their operating systems. This affects long-term usability and compatibility with apps and services.

Software Updates

This difference matters for users who want to keep their phone current with the latest operating system features.

Operating System Choice

The Galaxy J5 (2016) runs on Android, giving access to its app ecosystem and customisation options. The iPhone XR uses iOS, known for its consistent updates and integration with Apple services. Your preference for Android or iOS will influence which phone suits you better.

Battery

3100 mAh2942 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP67

Software updates

Ended Aug 2019Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20162018

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR performance

Chipset

Qualcomm MSM8916Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm)

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR screen

Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with the device. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type impact viewing experience and battery use.

Screen Size

The iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch screen, which provides more room for video, reading, and apps. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a smaller 5.2 inch screen, making it easier to use with one hand and carry in smaller pockets. Choose based on whether you prefer a larger or more compact display.

Resolution

The iPhone XR offers a resolution of 828 x 1792, giving more pixels and sharper images on its larger screen. The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a 720 x 1280 resolution, suitable for everyday use but with less detail visible on screen. Higher resolution suits those who watch videos or browse photos frequently.

Screen Type

The Galaxy J5 (2016) uses a Super AMOLED screen, which delivers vivid colours and deep blacks, enhancing contrast especially in dark scenes. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and consistent brightness across viewing angles. Your preference for colour vibrancy or natural tones will guide your choice.

Resolution

720 x 1280828 x 1792

Screen size

5.2 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina IPS LCD

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR camera

Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing cameras, important for photos, video calls, and selfies. Differences affect image detail and video quality.

Front Camera

The iPhone XR has a 7 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy J5 (2016) with its 5 megapixel front camera. This suits users who value clearer video chats or sharper self-portraits.

Main Camera

The Galaxy J5 (2016) features a 13 megapixel main camera, providing higher megapixel count for capturing detail in photos. The iPhone XR offers a 12 megapixel main camera, which balances resolution with other imaging features. Those prioritising pixel count might prefer the Galaxy J5 (2016), while others may consider overall camera performance.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

5 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR size and design

Miscellaneous aspects cover size, weight, storage options and connectivity features that affect daily use and flexibility.

Storage Options

The iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, suitable for users with large app libraries, photos, or media collections. The Galaxy J5 (2016) offers 16GB storage but supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage affordably for photos, music or videos.

SIM and Carrier Support

Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. The Galaxy J5 (2016) uses a physical SIM only, while the iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, enabling dual SIM use. This suits travellers or those who want to separate work and personal numbers.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy J5 (2016) is smaller and lighter at 145.8 mm tall, 72.3 mm wide, 8.1 mm deep and 159 g in weight, making it easier to hold and carry. The iPhone XR measures 150.9 mm by 75.7 mm by 0.83 cm and weighs 194 g, offering a larger device with a bigger screen but more bulk.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

N/ALightning

Depth

8.1 mm8.3 mm

Height

145.8 mm150.9 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

10 May 2016N/A

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

158 g194 g

Width

72.3 mm75.7 mm

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

Buy the Galaxy J5 (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £62, £68.30 less than the iPhone XR
  • you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
  • you want an OLED screen

Buy the iPhone XR if

  • you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.2 inch)
  • you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy J5 (2016) appreciate its fair price and good condition for basic use. Many report the phone looks like new or is in perfect condition. Some mention the phone runs well for everyday tasks, though a few note slower performance as the battery level drops. Scratches and wear are noticed in some units, but usually as described. The device suits those who want a reliable phone at a lower price with expandable storage.

Reviews for the iPhone XR highlight its excellent condition and near-new appearance. Customers praise the large screen size and smooth performance. Battery health is often good, though some note replacement batteries are not original Apple parts with warnings. The phone is described as fast, easy to set up and well suited for users wanting more storage and a larger display. Dual SIM support and unlocked status are valued features.

Overall, the Galaxy J5 (2016) fits buyers looking for a compact, affordable phone with expandable storage, while the iPhone XR suits those who want more storage, a bigger screen and ongoing software updates.

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR FAQs

Galaxy J5 (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8916 on the Galaxy J5 (2016), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.

The Galaxy J5 (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £62 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.

The Galaxy J5 (2016) has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2942 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.

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

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