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Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7

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Galaxy J5 (2017)

Starting at

£60.00
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iPhone 7

Starting at

£66.24£179.00 new
See options
(56 reviews)
(699 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone 7?

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) starts at £60, £6.24 less than the iPhone 7. The Galaxy J5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.

Refurbished from

£60£66.24

RAM

3 GB2 GB

Battery

3000 mAh1960 mAh

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDRetina IPS LCD

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels
  • The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
  • The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 specs

The Galaxy J5 (2017) and the iPhone 7 differ in screen size and type, camera megapixels, memory, and storage options. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen which suits those who prefer a roomier display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 7 has a smaller 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen that offers a slightly higher resolution, making it a good fit for users who want crisp visuals in a compact device. The Galaxy J5 (2017) provides more RAM at 3 GB, which helps keep everyday apps open, while the iPhone 7 offers more storage choices, up to 128GB. The J5 has higher megapixel front and main cameras for detailed photos. Each suits different preferences for screen size, camera detail, and storage capacity.

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 price

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates

Durability includes compatibility with updates, operating system, and release year.

Operating System

The Galaxy J5 (2017) runs Android, which offers a wide choice of apps and customisation. The iPhone 7 runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and frequent security updates within its supported lifespan. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem you prefer.

Battery

3000 mAh1960 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP67

Software updates

Ended Mar 2019Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15

Year of release

20172016

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 performance

Chipset

N/AApple A10 Fusion (16 nm)

RAM

3 GB2 GB

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 screen

Screen quality is about size, resolution and display type. These affect how much you see and how vibrant the images appear.

Screen Size and Comfort

The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a larger 5.2 inch screen, making it more comfortable for watching videos, reading and browsing. The iPhone 7's 4.7 inch screen suits those who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly phone that is easier to use with one hand.

Resolution and Display Type

The iPhone 7 offers a slightly higher resolution at 750 x 1334, which provides a sharper image on its smaller screen. It uses Retina IPS LCD technology that delivers accurate colours and good viewing angles. The Galaxy J5 (2017) features a Super AMOLED screen known for deep blacks and vibrant colours, enhancing media viewing with richer contrast.

Refresh rate

N/A60 Hz

Resolution

720 x 1280750 x 1334

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDRetina IPS LCD

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 camera

Audiovisual features focus on camera megapixels, which impact photo detail and selfie quality.

Front Camera Detail

The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a 13 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This may suit users who prioritise clear and sharp self-portraits.

Main Camera Quality

The Galaxy J5 (2017) also has a 13 megapixel main camera, slightly higher than the iPhone 7's 12 megapixels. This difference offers a bit more detail in photos, useful for everyday photography.

Front camera

13 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 size and design

This section covers connectivity, size, weight and expandability. These practical details influence daily use and compatibility.

Storage and Expandability

The Galaxy J5 (2017) comes with 16GB of storage and includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to add more storage with a memory card. The iPhone 7 offers larger built-in storage options at 32GB and 128GB but does not support expandable storage, suiting those who prefer fixed storage with more capacity.

Connector and Audio

The Galaxy J5 (2017) uses a micro USB connector and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to use standard headphones without adapters. The iPhone 7 uses Apple's Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, which may require wireless or Lightning-compatible headphones.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy J5 (2017) is larger and heavier at 146.2 mm tall, 71.3 mm wide, 8 mm deep and 160 g, making it feel more substantial in hand. The iPhone 7 is smaller and lighter at 138.3 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, 7.1 mm deep and 138 g, fitting more easily in pockets and one-handed use.

Network and SIM

Both phones support 4G mobile networks and use physical SIM cards. Both are unlocked, giving you the freedom to choose your network provider.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

Micro-USB + Jack 3.5mmLightning

Depth

7.8 mm7.1 mm

Height

146.3 mm138.3 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

160 g138 g

Width

71.3 mm67.1 mm

Galaxy J5 (2017) or iPhone 7: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £6.24 less than the iPhone 7
  • you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 1960 mAh)

Buy the iPhone 7 if

  • you want a lighter build (138 g vs 160 g)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy J5 (2017) appreciate its condition, often describing it as looking and working like new. Many note it is a good device for everyday use, with some using it as a first phone for children due to its simplicity. The larger screen and good camera quality are appreciated, and several mention satisfaction with the unlocked status and compatibility with their SIM cards. Some mention minor issues such as SIM size compatibility and occasional confusion about storage capacity received.

Reviews for the iPhone 7 highlight its excellent condition and good battery life. Users find setup straightforward, and its size suits those who prefer a compact phone. The physical SIM card slot and unlocked status make it easy to swap networks. Some customers use it as a reliable secondary phone. A few note minor cosmetic issues or specific hardware problems, but many are happy with the overall performance and look of the device.

In summary, the Galaxy J5 (2017) is well suited to users wanting a larger screen and expandable storage for everyday use, while the iPhone 7 appeals to those who prefer a smaller, lighter device with more built-in storage and integration into the Apple ecosystem.

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 FAQs

Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone 7 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1960 mAh.

The Galaxy J5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £66.24 for the iPhone 7.

The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1960 mAh.

The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy J5 (2017) ended in Mar 2019. Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.

Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.

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