Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy J5 (2017)
Starting at
£60.00
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone XS?
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) starts at £60, £78.35 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The Galaxy J5 offers a simpler experience with Android and a smaller 5.2 inch Super AMOLED screen, making it suitable for everyday use and those wanting a straightforward phone. It also offers features like eSIM support and a higher RAM capacity for smoother multitasking. Buyers looking for a more compact, unlocked phone with microSD expansion may prefer the Galaxy J5, while those wanting a more advanced screen, longer software support and greater storage will find the iPhone XS better suited to their needs.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability here covers software updates, operating systems and basic physical features.
Software Updates
This is important if you want a phone that stays current with security patches and new features.
Operating System
The Galaxy J5 (2017) runs Android, offering a familiar experience for those used to Google apps and services. The iPhone XS runs iOS, which provides a different app ecosystem and interface. Your choice may depend on which system you prefer or already use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality influences how you view photos, videos and use apps. The Galaxy J5 (2017) and iPhone XS both have OLED technology but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen, giving you more room to watch videos or view content compared to the Galaxy J5 (2017), which has a 5.2 inch screen. A larger screen suits those who enjoy media or multitasking on their phone.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone XS offers a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436 on its Super Retina OLED screen, which provides sharper images and more detail. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a 720 x 1280 resolution on a Super AMOLED screen, which is still vibrant and clear but less sharp. This difference matters if you want the best possible image quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS camera
Camera quality affects photo sharpness and video clarity. The two phones have different front and main camera megapixel counts, which suits different photography preferences.
Front Camera
The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a 13 megapixel front camera, which is higher in megapixels than the iPhone XS's 7 megapixel front camera. This may appeal to those who prioritise detailed selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
The Galaxy J5 (2017) main camera has 13 megapixels, slightly higher than the iPhone XS's 12 megapixels. Megapixels alone do not determine photo quality but higher counts capture more detail in images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS size and design
Other features like carrier compatibility, connectors, memory expansion and size vary between these phones, affecting how you use and carry them.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked, working with any UK carrier. The Galaxy J5 (2017) uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving more flexibility for dual numbers or travel.
Storage and Expansion
The Galaxy J5 (2017) comes with 16GB storage and supports microSDXC cards, so you can expand your storage with a memory card. The iPhone XS does not support microSD cards but offers more built-in storage options from 64GB to 256GB.
Connectors
The Galaxy J5 (2017) includes a micro USB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users with older accessories. The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector, which works with Apple accessories and newer headphones or adapters.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is 146.2 mm tall, 71.3 mm wide and 8 mm deep, weighing 160 g. The iPhone XS is 14.36 cm tall, 7.09 cm wide and 0.77 cm deep, weighing 177 g. The iPhone XS is slightly larger and heavier, which may influence comfort or pocket fit.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy J5 (2017) or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy J5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £78.35 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy J5 (2017) generally appreciate its condition and value for money. Many mention that the phone works well immediately and is good for beginners or children. Some note that the SIM slot is small and can be tricky with larger SIM cards. A few customers experienced issues with storage options or unlocking, but most found it reliable for everyday tasks and liked the screen and battery condition.
For the iPhone XS, customers often highlight its like-new condition and smooth performance. Many praise the camera quality and battery life as good for their daily use. Some mention minor marks or scratches but still find the phone runs well and feels compact. A few customers report hardware issues such as camera problems or screen lines, but most are pleased with the quality and storage capacity, especially in higher storage models.
Overall, the Galaxy J5 suits those looking for a simpler, effective phone for basic use or as a first device. The iPhone XS fits buyers who want a more advanced screen, longer software support and larger storage for apps and photos.
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy J5 (2017) vs iPhone XS comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The Galaxy J5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy J5 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
