Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016)
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Galaxy J5 (2017)
Starting at
£60.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) starts at £60, £132.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy J5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger screen: 5.2 inch vs 4 inch.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy J5 (2017) and the iPhone SE (2016) differ in screen size, camera capabilities, storage, and operating system. The Galaxy J5 offers a larger 5.2 inch Super AMOLED display with higher resolution and more RAM, making it suitable for those who want a bigger screen and smoother multitasking on Android. The iPhone SE has a smaller 4 inch IPS LCD screen and runs on iOS, appealing to buyers who prefer a compact phone with a premium refurb storage option of 64GB. The Galaxy J5 includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage and uses micro USB, while the iPhone SE uses Lightning and has greater built-in storage but no card slot. Your choice depends on whether you want a larger screen and expandable storage or a smaller phone with more internal space and iOS.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and update support, which affect the device's long-term software experience. The phones run on different operating systems, which influences the app environment and user interface.
Operating System
The Galaxy J5 runs Android, giving you access to the Android app ecosystem and customisation options. The iPhone SE uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and consistent app performance. You should choose based on which operating system you prefer or already use.
Update Compatibility
This means you will use the versions of Android and iOS available at their last supported point. Both devices remain functional for everyday tasks but will not receive new software improvements or security updates.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
The screen quality and size influence how much you can see and how content appears. The Galaxy J5 (2017) offers a larger, higher resolution display with a different screen technology compared to the iPhone SE (2016). These differences suit distinct user preferences for viewing experience and portability.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy J5 features a 5.2 inch screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280. This provides more space for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone SE has a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, making it easier to use one-handed or fit in smaller pockets.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy J5 uses a Super AMOLED screen, which typically offers more vibrant colours and deeper blacks. The iPhone SE has an IPS LCD screen, known for consistent colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more vivid display or a compact device.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Cameras are key for capturing moments and selfies. The Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone SE (2016) differ notably in front camera resolution and have similar main cameras, which affects photo detail and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J5 has a 13 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE's front camera is 1.2 megapixels, suitable for video calls and simple selfies. Choose the Galaxy J5 if you prioritise higher quality front-facing photos.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5's main camera is 13 megapixels while the iPhone SE offers 12 megapixels. Both are capable of taking detailed photos for everyday use. The small difference in megapixels is unlikely to be noticeable in typical photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features include physical size, weight, connectivity options, and storage. These affect how the phone feels in your hand and what accessories you can use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy J5 measures 146.2 mm tall, 71.3 mm wide, and 8 mm deep, weighing 160 g. The iPhone SE is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and 113 g. The iPhone SE suits those who want a compact, lightweight phone, the Galaxy J5 is better for a larger device.
Storage and Expandability
The Galaxy J5 comes with 16GB of storage but includes a microSDXC slot for adding more space. The iPhone SE offers 64GB of built-in storage but does not support expandable storage. If you need more storage for apps and media without relying on cloud services, the iPhone SE provides more internal space, while the Galaxy J5 allows flexible expansion.
Connectors and Audio
The Galaxy J5 uses micro USB for charging and data transfer and has a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone SE uses a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm jack. Your choice depends on which charging and accessory standards you prefer or already use.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks with physical SIM cards. This means you can use either with most UK carriers and swap SIM cards easily.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2017) or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £132.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 160 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy J5 (2017) often praise its condition and value, saying it looks and works like new while costing less than a new phone. Many appreciate its simplicity and reliability for everyday use, including as a first phone for children. Some mention the SIM slot size and occasional issues with unlocking, but overall the device meets expectations for a straightforward, easy-to-use phone with good screen size and camera for selfies.
Reviews for the iPhone SE (2016) highlight satisfaction with the phone's size, condition, and performance for everyday tasks. Customers note that it runs smoothly enough for their needs, has solid battery life, and offers good storage capacity. Some users comment on battery wear over time and the small screen size, but find it a fair value for an iPhone at this price. The device suits those who want a compact phone with iOS and reliable performance.
Both phones appeal to different users: the Galaxy J5 suits those wanting a bigger screen and expandable storage on Android, while the iPhone SE fits buyers looking for a smaller, premium refurb with more built-in storage and iOS.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone SE (2016) 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 1624 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1624 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 SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
