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Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) review

5.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
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5.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) currently has an Informr score of 5.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2600 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

Even though the J3 (2016) is a basic package, there is still a lot to like about the value-conscious handset, even though it reminds us how little has changed in Samsung's strategy in the low-end in past couple of years. Actually, the latter point will be illustrated even better by some of the J3's...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
LaptopMedia
LaptopMedia

The Samsung Galaxy J lineup cannot boast with the same premium looks of the Galaxy S or Galaxy A models, but compensates this with a price that’s easy on your budget. This is exactly the case with the Galaxy J3 (2016) which comes at a reasonable price and, at the same time, provides all necess...

- Dimitar Karamitev & Hristiyan Tsutsev, LaptopMedia
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Samsung Galaxy J3 is an 'almost-there' budget phone which looks and feels right, but makes a few sacrifices in the wrong places. And the one that crops up the most is something that sounds almost trifling: the lack of an auto brightness setting. This means you have to change the screen intensity...

- Andrew Williams, TechRadar
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

For the price, the Samsung Galaxy J3 offers fantastic battery life, solid build quality, and a crisp display. The camera isn't so great and all that bloatware is a bummer, but you can't ask for much more from a $170 carrier phone.

- Ajay Kumar, PC Magazine
Alphr
Alphr

The Samsung Galaxy J3 is a great budget smartphone. It’s reasonably well made and has a great screen that leaves me wondering why more manufacturers don’t specify AMOLED panels on their cheap handsets.

- Jonathan Bray, Alphr


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Samsung backs up the Galaxy J3 (2016) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy J3 (2016) has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




Resources


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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)'s screen size is 5 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8916 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 7.1.1 Nougat) operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2600mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2600 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 660 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy J3 (2016) Specs

Overview
Release Date January 15, 2016
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 7.1.1 Nougat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8916 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1536 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.22 W/kg
Body: 1.18 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Standard Battery, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Sound & Shot
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, FLV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density 294 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2600 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 840 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 660 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 660 minutes
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 14.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.2 x 7.1 x 0.8 cm (5.6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in)
Weight 136 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime, SM-J320, Galaxy Express Prime
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
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