Galaxy J3 (2016)
An entry AMOLED phone that became a global carrier and prepaid staple.
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is a budget Samsung smartphone released Jan 2016, with a launch price of $150. It pairs the Spreadtrum SC9830 with a 5.0" AMOLED 60 Hz display, a 8 MP main camera and a 2,600 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 40/100 — The prepaid-carrier volume phone. Standout strengths: amoled at a true entry price. and removable battery. Main trade-off: very slow chipset.
The prepaid-carrier volume phone.
Galaxy J3 (2016) was everywhere on prepaid shelves — an AMOLED, a Samsung badge and a removable battery at an entry price. It was never fast, but as a first smartphone or a backup it shipped in huge numbers.
Read the full review- AMOLED at a true entry price.
- Removable battery.
- Widely sold on prepaid carriers.
- microSD + jack.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Galaxy J3 (2016) compares
| Galaxy J3 (2016) | OnePlus One | Galaxy S5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC9830 | Snapdragon 801 | Snapdragon 801 |
| Display | 5.0" AMOLED 60 Hz | 5.5" FHD LCD | 5.1" FHD AMOLED |
| Main camera | 8 MP | 13 MP · f/2.0 | 16 MP · f/2.2 |
| Battery | 2,600 mAh | 3,100 mAh | 2,800 mAh |
| Launch price | $150 | $299 | $660 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Galaxy J3 (2016) released?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) was released in Jan 2016.
How much does the Galaxy J3 (2016) cost?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) launched at $150 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the Galaxy J3 (2016) screen size and type?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5.0" AMOLED 60 Hz display.
What chipset does the Galaxy J3 (2016) use?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is powered by the Spreadtrum SC9830 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Galaxy J3 (2016) have?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) ships with 1.5 GB · 8 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Galaxy J3 (2016) battery capacity?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 2,600 mAh battery.
How fast does the Galaxy J3 (2016) charge?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) supports 5 W wired charging.
What is the Galaxy J3 (2016) main camera?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 8 MP main camera.
Does the Galaxy J3 (2016) have a headphone jack?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How long will the Galaxy J3 (2016) get software updates?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) update policy: Ended Android 5.1.
How much does the Galaxy J3 (2016) weigh?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) weighs 138 g.
What colours does the Galaxy J3 (2016) come in?
The Galaxy J3 (2016) is available in 3 colours: Black, White, Gold.
Is the Galaxy J3 (2016) worth buying?
Galaxy J3 (2016) was everywhere on prepaid shelves — an AMOLED, a Samsung badge and a removable battery at an entry price. It was never fast, but as a first smartphone or a backup it shipped in huge numbers. SpecEagle gives the Galaxy J3 (2016) an editorial score of 40/100.
Owner opinions
Unfiltered · oldest deleted neverOwner opinions are rolling out — check back soon. Got something to say right now? Send it to the editors.