Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) vs. J5 (2016): A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy J5 was a popular mid-range option, and both the 2016 and 2017 models offered compelling features. But which one is truly the better buy? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) clearly takes the crown thanks to its significantly improved battery life and more powerful processor. While both offer a similar display experience, the 2017 model's performance boost makes it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)	Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps	HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2017, June. Released 2017, June	2016, March. Released 2016, April
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	146.2 x 71.3 x 8 mm (5.76 x 2.81 x 0.31 in)	145.8 x 72.3 x 8.1 mm (5.74 x 2.85 x 0.32 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight	160 g (5.64 oz)	159 g (5.61 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53	Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm)
GPU	Mali-T830 MP1	Adreno 306
OS	Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.1.1 (Nougat)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 4.5

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash
Single	13 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF	13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash
Single	13 MP, f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/1.9
Video	1080p@30fps	-

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.1, A2DP	4.1, A2DP
NFC	Yes	Yes (market dependant)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio, RDS, recording
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, proximity
	ANT+	ANT+

Battery
Music play	Up to 83 h	-
Talk time	Up to 21 h (3G)	-
Type	Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3100 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Blue, Pink, Gold, Black	White, Black, Gold, Rose Gold
Models	SM-J530F, SM-J530Y, SM-J530FM, SM-J530G, SM-J530YM, SM-J530L, SM-J530S, SM-J530K, SM-J530GM	SM-J510F, SM-J510G, SM-J510FN, SM-J510Y, SM-J510M, SM-J510GN, SM-J510H, SM-J510MN, SM-J5108, SM-J510UN, SM-J510L, SM-J510S, SM-J510FQ, SM-J510K
Price	About 130 EUR	About 190 EUR
SAR EU	0.35 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body)	0.45 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -85.0dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB	Noise -92.4dB / Crosstalk -95.4dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 97h	Endurance rating 66h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.599 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.378 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 82dB	Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 70dB
Performance	GeekBench: 3667 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	Basemark OS II 2.0: 2180

Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

Significantly better battery life
More powerful processor (Exynos 7870)
Slightly better sunlight display readability
Modern 14nm manufacturing process

Design is similar to the 2016 model, potentially lacking visual appeal for some
Still a mid-range device with limitations in demanding tasks

Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016)

More affordable (potentially)
Compact and lightweight design
Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors

Weaker processor (Snapdragon 410)
Significantly shorter battery life
Older technology

Display Comparison

Both the J5 (2017) and J5 (2016) feature a Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The contrast ratios are very similar, with the 2017 model boasting a slightly better sunlight readability score (3.599 vs 3.378). However, resolution remains the same (likely 720p HD), so don't expect a huge visual upgrade.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is generally comparable between the two. Both feature a standard rear camera setup (likely 13MP) and a front-facing camera (likely 5MP). Image quality will be similar in good lighting conditions, but the 2017 model might offer slightly improved low-light performance due to software optimizations. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, offering 1080p resolution.

Performance

This is where the 2017 model shines. The Exynos 7870 Octa chipset in the J5 (2017) is a noticeable step up from the Snapdragon 410 in the 2016 version. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. The 2017 model also has a more modern 14nm manufacturing process versus the 28nm of the 2016 model, leading to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

The battery life difference is the most significant factor. The J5 (2017) boasts an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours, compared to the J5 (2016)'s 66 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, making the 2017 model a clear winner for users who value battery longevity.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and smoother performance for everyday tasks. The J5 (2016) might be a viable option for budget-conscious buyers who don't heavily rely on demanding apps or games, or if it's available at a drastically lower price.