Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos vs. Galaxy J5 (2017): A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between older smartphones can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos and the Galaxy J5 (2017) both offer budget-friendly options, but cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy J5 (2017) generally wins due to its superior processor, potentially better camera, and exceptional battery life. While the S5 mini Duos has a smaller form factor, the J5's overall performance and longevity make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos	Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

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

Launch
Announced	2014, August. Released 2014, August	2017, June. Released 2017, June
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	131.1 x 64.8 x 9.1 mm (5.16 x 2.55 x 0.36 in)	146.2 x 71.3 x 8 mm (5.76 x 2.81 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	118 g (4.16 oz)	160 g (5.64 oz)
	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)	-

Display
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio)	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.4 GHz	Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	-	Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)
GPU	-	Mali-T830 MP1
OS	Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI	Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	16GB 1.5GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	-	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	8 MP, AF	13 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	LED flash
Single	2.1 MP	13 MP, f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

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

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX	4.1, A2DP
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	No	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Music play	Up to 63 h	Up to 83 h
Talk time	Up to 16 h (3G)	Up to 21 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Charcoal Black, Shimmery White	Blue, Pink, Gold, Black
Models	SM-G800H	SM-J530F, SM-J530Y, SM-J530FM, SM-J530G, SM-J530YM, SM-J530L, SM-J530S, SM-J530K, SM-J530GM
Price	About 250 EUR	About 130 EUR
SAR	1.07 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	0.69 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body)	0.35 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body)

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

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	-	Noise -85.0dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB
Battery (old)	-	Endurance rating 97h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.599 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 82dB
Performance	-	GeekBench: 3667 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos

Compact size
Dual SIM support
Super AMOLED display

Older processor
Shorter battery life
Potentially lower camera quality

Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

Better performance (Octa-core)
Excellent battery life
Larger display
Modern chipset

Larger size (less pocketable)
Design may feel dated

Display Comparison

Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The J5 (2017) likely has a slightly larger display (5.0 inches vs. 4.7 inches on the S5 mini Duos), offering a more immersive viewing experience. Contrast ratios are reported as 'Infinite' (nominal) and 3.599 in sunlight for both, suggesting good outdoor visibility, though real-world performance may vary.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are not fully detailed, but the J5 (2017) likely has a more capable camera system due to its newer chipset and potentially improved sensors. Both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, but expect better image quality and low-light performance from the J5 (2017).

Performance

The J5 (2017) boasts a significant advantage with its Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 Exynos 7870 chipset compared to the S5 mini Duos's Quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. The J5's 14nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency.

Battery Life

The J5 (2017) shines in battery life, with an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours. The S5 mini Duos has a smaller battery, resulting in significantly shorter usage times. This is a major factor favoring the J5 (2017) for users who prioritize longevity.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos is ideal for users prioritizing a compact phone and dual SIM functionality. It's a good option for those who need a basic smartphone for calls and light usage. The Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) is better suited for users who want a larger screen, better performance for everyday tasks, and significantly longer battery life. It's a solid choice for moderate users.