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Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) review

5/10 AVG.
RATING
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5/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) currently has an Informr score of 5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 5 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.
Operating system
Android
Processor
1.4 GHz
Screen Size
5"
Camera
5+ MP

What the Critics Are Saying...

Know Your Mobile

Not a bad phone, with some noteworthy qualities, but ultimately trounced by rivals which offer more for the same price. If you're eyeing this up you're better off with a Moto G to be honest.

- Paul Briden, Know Your Mobile
Phone Scoop

Samsung's Galaxy J3 Eclipse is a fine entry-level handset for the non-discerning user. The phone puts its plastic design to good effect and the small footprint should appeal to those with small hands. It's not rugged, but the J3 is tough enough to handle simple abuses.

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
3G.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) has solid or better specs in almost every area, but competition is steep and some rivals offer more.

- James Rogerson, 3G.co.uk
PC Magazine

The Samsung Galaxy J3 emerge isn't particularly special, but it's a good option for Boost Mobile users looking for an affordable phone that's easy to use in one hand. If you prefer a phablet, the LG X Power offers a 5.5-inch screen and longer battery life. The Kyocera Hydro Reach is waterproof and e...

- Ajay Kumar, PC Magazine

Prices (Where to Buy)

Common Questions

Samsung released the Galaxy J3 (2017) on January 13, 2017.

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Samsung's suggested retail price is $234.99. You can compare Galaxy J3 (2017) prices from around the web here on The Informr.

We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) user manual here.

Samsung backs up the Galaxy J3 (2017) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.

If your Galaxy J3 (2017) 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.

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Screen Size
5"

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017)'s screen size is 5 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.
Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 Octa core 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).
OS

The phone runs on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Update Available: 8.0 Oreo) operating system (OS).
Camera
5+ MP

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

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

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 256 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 1380 minutes, 780 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy J3 (2017) Specs

Overview
Release date January 13, 2017
Regions available USA, Canada, UK
Networks
GSM:
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
UMTS:
850/1700/2100 MHz
LTE:
1700/1900/700/850 /2500 MHz
Data:
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
SIM card Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Operating System Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Update Available: 8.0 Oreo)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 Octa core 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1536 MB
ROM No
GPS Type A-GPS
Digital compass Yes
Flightmode Yes
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.49 W/kg
Body: 0.53 W/kg
Languages English
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Standard Battery, Data Cable
Power & battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2600 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to: 780 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to: 780 minutes
Internet Use (Celluar) Unknown
Talk Time Up to: 1380 minutes
Standby Time Up to: 18.3 days
Physical Characteristics
Design type Bar
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA Yes
Material Plastic
Colors Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.1 x 7 x 0.9 cm (5.6 x 2.8 x 0.4 in)
Weight 147 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Antenna Type Internal
Changeable Faceplates No
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel density 294 pixels
Size 5 inches
3D No
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Graphics Yes
Themes Yes
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Mute Key No
Input Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
Predictive Text Entry Yes
Physical keyboard No
Voicemail Key No
Any Key Answer No
Voice Commands Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
External Media Playback Controls No
Fingerprint Sensor No
Call Management
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
Contact List Capacity Depends on system memory
Multiple Numbers Per Contact Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups Yes
Auto Answer No
Voice Activated Dialing Yes
Photo Caller ID Yes
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Email Client Yes
Email Protocols POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
Additional Email Features Gmail
Messaging SMS, MMS, IM
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support Yes
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
WiFi Encryption No
Mobile Hotspot Yes
WiMAX No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 256 GB)
PC Synchronization Yes
TV Out No
DLNA Support No
NFC No
UMA Support No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Java Applications No
Brew Applications No
ECML / Digital Wallet No
PictBridge No
Camera
Main Camera
Aperture
 ƒ/ 1.9
Resolution
 5+ megapixels
Dual lens
 No
Zoom
 4x digital
Flash
 Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
 Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, White balance, HDR, Voice activation, Exposure value
Video Recording Formats
 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
 Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution
 2+ megapixels
Zoom
 Yes
Additional Front Camera Info
 No
Video Recording Parameters
Audio / Video
Audio Playback Yes
Audio Formats AAC, AMR, AMR-WB, MIDI, MP3, M4A, OGG, WMA, WAV
Radio No
Video Playback Yes
Video Playback Formats 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Mobile TV No
Streaming Video Yes
External Speakers Yes
Headset Jack 3.5mm
Custom Ringtones Yes
Vibration Alert Yes
Downloadable Ringtones Yes
Ringtone Composer No
Ringer ID Yes
Haptic Feedback Vibration Yes
Speakerphone Yes
Apps
To-Do / Task List No
Calendar Yes
World Clock Yes
Alarm Yes
Stop Watch Yes
Timer Yes
Calculator Yes
Currency Converter No
Weather Yes
Stocks No
Maps Yes
NotePad Yes
Voice Memos / Recorder Yes
Games Downloadable
Apps Downloadable
Included Software / Apps -
More
Additional comments Other Names (AKA): Samsung SM-J327P, Galaxy Amp Prime 2, SM-J327A, Galaxy J3 Prime, SM-J327T, Galaxy J3 Eclipse, Galaxy J3 Mission, Galaxy J3 Emerge
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017)
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Critic Reviews

Know Your Mobile

Not a bad offering for the price

from Know Your Mobile

Not a bad phone, with some noteworthy qualities, but ultimately trounced by rivals which offer more for the same price. If you're eyeing this up you're better off with a Moto G to be honest.

Read full review

Not a bad phone, with some noteworthy qualities, but ultimately trounced by rivals which offer more for the same price. If you're eyeing this up you're better off with a Moto G to be honest.

Read full review

Less

Phone Scoop

Does fairly well at covering the basics

from Phone Scoop

Samsung's Galaxy J3 Eclipse is a fine entry-level handset for the non-discerning user. The phone puts its plastic design to good effect and the small footprint should appeal to those with small hands. It's not rugged, but the J3 is tough enough to handle simple abuses.

Read full review

Samsung's Galaxy J3 Eclipse is a fine entry-level handset for the non-discerning user. The phone puts its plastic design to good effect and the small footprint should appeal to those with small hands. It's not rugged, but the J3 is tough enough to handle simple abuses.

Read full review

Less

3G.co.uk

A solid entry-level option

from 3G.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) has solid or better specs in almost every area, but competition is steep and some rivals offer more.

Read full review

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) has solid or better specs in almost every area, but competition is steep and some rivals offer more.

Read full review

Less

PC Magazine

A solid, affordably priced midrange Android phone

from PC Magazine

The Samsung Galaxy J3 emerge isn't particularly special, but it's a good option for Boost Mobile users looking for an affordable phone that's easy to use in one hand. If you prefer a phablet, the LG X Power offers a 5.5-inch screen and longer battery life. The Kyocera Hydro Reach is waterproof an...More

The Samsung Galaxy J3 emerge isn't particularly special, but it's a good option for Boost Mobile users looking for an affordable phone that's easy to use in one hand. If you prefer a phablet, the LG X Power offers a 5.5-inch screen and longer battery life. The Kyocera Hydro Reach is waterproof and even more affordable, but its older hardware and software combine for lackluster performance. That makes the J3 Emerge a happy medium, especially when you can find it on sale.

Read full review

Less

User Reviews

Kw

2 months and dead

Has been in case, never dropped.  Have to turn on speaker phone to answer calls or I'm muted though mute button not hit. Phone was on and working. Set down for ten minutes on a table. Picked up to look something up and it wouldn't turn on. After various attempts, it gave a small flash of light on screen then nothing. 

Has been in case, never dropped.  Have to turn on speaker phone to answer calls or I'm muted though mute button not hit. Phone was on and working. Set down for ten minutes on a table. Picked up to look something up and it wouldn't turn on. After various attempts, it gave a small flash of light on screen then nothing. 

Less

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