Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) review

Introduction

Samsung's J-lineup is being fully renovated and the 2016 badge on the model name implies meaningful updates - albeit subtle, which is understandable. After all, this is the Koreans' economy class of smartphones. But the series is obviously important enough for Samsung to even add new digits.

The J3 (2016) here is in a slightly different boat from its siblings. The J5 (2016) has its predecessor from a year ago, the same goes for the J7 (2016), even the basic J1 (2016) and J2 (2016). With no J3 from last season, Samsung is clearly enriching the selection and it's worth noting that there is a Galaxy J3 Pro in existence as well, but it seems intended for the Chinese market only. That one is technically a 2016 model too, released a mere month ago.

Anyway, the J family has proven quite popular among value-conscious smartphone users in developing and mature markets alike. The new generation has a solid base to build on, and that definitely applies to even a fresh newcomer such as the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016).

Key features

• Dual-SIM, Dual Standby capability (only on Dual model), microSIM
• 5.0-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen of 720p resolution and 294ppi, Asahi Dragontrail Glass protection
•  Spreadtrum SC8830 (3G) or Spreadtrum SC9830 (4G LTE) or Exynos 3475 (4G LTE) or Snapdragon 410 (4G LTE) chipset depending on the region
• 1.5GB of RAM, 8/16GB of inbuilt storage, dedicated microSD slot (up to 128GB)
• 8MP main camera with f/2.2 lens, LED flash, 1080p@30fps video recording (only 720p on some models)
• 5MP front camera, f/2.2 lens, 720p@30fps video recording / 2MP on some models
• Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with TouchWiz
• LTE Cat.4 (chipset dependent), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth v4.1; NFC, GPS, GLONASS, BDS (region dependent), microUSB 2.0 port, USB host
• 2,600mAh removable battery

Main cons

• Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is not nearly the latest version around
• 8GB version has only 3GB available to the user
• No MHL (but USB OTG is supported)
• No NFC (so no Android Pay)
• No magnetometer (digital compass), gyroscope or ambient light sensor

One thing that Samsung did well to achieve is a full house of display sizes with the J series, a point that is still incredibly important. Whatever your needs and preferences may be, Samsung has you covered with a "J" device. They all come with the company's trademark Super AMOLED panel from as small as 4.5" WVGA in the J1, to 5.5 HD in the Galaxy J7.

       
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) official photos

However, the allocation of features and overall performance, as well as battery life, isn't quite as linear across the lineup. The power-efficient 14nm Exynos 7870 SoC in the J7 (2016) is obviously the most potent engine while the rest of the family is getting the likes of S410 or a budget-class Exynos.

Still, the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) does come across as a compelling package. For around €140, you get a versatile and well-made device, with a nice and sharp AMOLED display, a decent Chinese-made quad-core SoC, 1.5GB of RAM and a surprisingly well-optimized TouchWiz that makes the most of them. At least, that's what it seems from the surface. Well, join us as we go deeper than that.

Unboxing

The Galaxy J3 (2016) comes in an ordinary white box, which doesn't contain much other than the basics. You get an AC adapter (5.0V/1A) and a USB cable. The charger is even less powerful than the 1.5A one in the J5 (2016) for some reason. You do also get a pair of headphones.

   
The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) box content

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) 360-degree spin

The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a bit wider bezels than the J5 (2016) or the J7 (2016), but Samsung has still tried to keep the overall look and feel consistent.

The device is quite compact with a footprint of 142.3 x 71 x 7.9mm and tipping the scales at 138g. Bear in mind that this includes the 2600mAh battery as well. And even better, it is easily user-accessible by simply popping the plastic back cover - a useful feature that is becoming less and less common with the push towards slim, metal, unibody designs.

     
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) next to Galaxy J7 (2016)

Hardware Overview

The Galaxy J3 (2016) shares the same overhauled and modernized design of its bigger and more expensive siblings. However, in terms of materials, it is much more reminiscent of the previous generation in that it relies entirely on plastic.

Plus, thanks to clever coatings and painting techniques, the body does give off a metal look. Other than that, the small details are taken straight from the new Galaxy J design manual. The frame is chamfered at the front and back while the sides are finished in the phone's main color. They're also flat, for better grip.

At the back, the plain plastic cover of yesteryear is replaced by one that imitates brushed metal. While there's a camera bump, it's not irritating.

As for the main speaker and LED flash, they are still where you would expect them, on either side of the camera. These two are rather reminiscent of Samsung's older design language.

   
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) back

Up front, the Galaxy J3 (2016) display is not afraid to flash some oversized bezels but it's actually alright. Below it, there's Samsung's traditional Home button, which feels nice and responsive and gives pleasant feedback. It's surrounded by a capacitive Task switcher on the left and a Back button on the right. A quick double press of the Home key would start the camera.

Above the display, there's a front-facing camera on the right. Unlike the J5 (2016) and J7 (2016), there is no front LED flash, just the earpiece and proximity sensor. The phone lacks an ambient light sensor as well so the brightness level can only be adjusted manually.

     
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) front

The power button is on the right while the volume rocker is on the left.

     
Power/lock on the right, volume rocker on the left. No surprises here

At the bottom, you'll find the microUSB port and the main (and only) mic. The top houses the 3.5mm headphone jack only.

     
Bottom and top of the device

Removing the back cover reveals the 2,600mAh battery as well as the microSIM and microSD card slots.

 
The battery is removable

Overall, the Galaxy J3 (2016) manages to punch above its budget in terms of look and build quality. Everything is nicely finished, tightly put together and just feels sturdy. The weight distribution is a little uneven, but still, the phone feels nice in the hand.

   
In the hand