The search for a budget smartphone is not always an easy one. With access to hundreds of options, deciding where to put your money for the maximum value means research, research, research. One great option that has excelled in the test of time is the Samsung Galaxy J3, a smart little device that offers plenty of options for users of any age. With a decent camera, a nice display, and a battery life you won’t find even on the newer models, this phone is a brilliant first phone or budget option for anyone looking to access this world more straightforwardly. This review covers everything you need to know about the model.
Samsung Galaxy J3
The Samsung Galaxy J3 made its debut in 2015, and since then it has remained one of the more brilliant options from this manufacturer. So, what are the highlights?
Fantastic Battery
Who doesn’t appreciate a great battery life? It is one of the most desirable features and something that people will always research before they commit to a mobile phone purchase. Of course, it all depends on how much you use it and how you spend your screen time. For instance, if you have conservative levels of usage, then you will be able to expect up to 19 hours of battery life. This obviously decreases if you take a lot of photos, listen to songs frequently, or regularly stream content. There is also the option to preserve battery life when it’s running low, which is always handy.
Vibrant Display
Display is important when it comes to phones, because if this is not right then it makes the whole experience frustrating, to say the least. It is HD, so there are no compromises here, and while you can anticipate the usual interference from things like bright sunlight, it still stands up as a vibrant display.
Fast and Responsive
A phone that responds well to a user’s touch is one that reigns supreme, and the J3 offers just that. Users have often reported that the touch screen is great and will keep up with all the demands without any major or even noticeable glitches to note.
Top-Notch Camera
It has a 13-megapixel camera which allows brilliant photographs in a range of conditions. There are cool filters to try out too, and there is a flash mode for when you might need to take pictures in low light. While you won’t get the professional angle on your photoshoots, this is more than satisfactory for taking snaps of your fun days out or a few selfies to upload to social media.
General Value for Money
The biggest reward is, of course, thanks to all the above features this phone is amazing value for your money. Expect to pay about £120 brand new or cheaper for a used/refurbished model. This price in general is a great one for all the amazing features this model has to offer its users.
SS J3
It’s also worth talking about some of the downsides just in case you were needing the phone for any specific purpose. There is no sense in buying something without all of the information, after all, so here are the few points that don’t shape up compared to the newer options out there.
It Is Not Built for Gamers
If you are an avid gamer, then unfortunately this model is not going to live up to your expectations. People who use their phones to play a lot of games, whether that is through apps or otherwise, need a faster, more capable memory, therefore, to be able to keep up with the demand of modern gaming specs. This one, isn’t it. However, it is fine for low-spec gaming and general app usage, so it is still worth considering if you are just an occasional hobbyist.
No Rapid Charging Options
This may not bother a lot of people, especially those in the market for a more budget phone option. However, in this rapid world of high demand and instant access, not being able to charge your phone up quickly may be a major red flag for some consumers. The battery life, once fully charged, is amazing compared to some newer devices even, but it will require a long time plugged in to maximize the full potential.
Samsung J3
Having a list of pros and cons is always useful, but it is also good to think about the technical details as well. Here are the highlights to help your decision along.
Operating System
The OS supports the most recent updates from Android. This means that you will have access to Android 12, the latest update on the market currently. This is always a nice thing to have in your pocket because it means there will be minimal disruption while using apps and fewer security risks to speak of too.
Memory
With 16GB internal memory, the figure is not too bad. Though there are always options for improvement, adding something like an SD card will increase this so that you’re not being restrained too much.
The Screen
The screen size is around 5 inches, which makes it land firmly in the middle of what’s out there given that the larger phones tend to measure about 7 inches all in. So, the screen is not too small which means it is still great for things like watching programmes or catching up on your video chats. It also means the touch capacity is not restricted by smallness, and it is overall comfortable to hold in your hand for scrolling sessions.
It’s Great for Music
Anyone who enjoys listening to their favourite tunes on their phone while they’re working, working out, cleaning, pottering around, or just generally needing a music fix will be just fine with the J3. That is because there are plenty of sound control options and a respectable volume with great-sounding speakers as well. This makes it fantastic for those who need a dance party every now and then or those who just want to kick back with their best album on repeat for some downtime.
Galaxy J3
So, what is the verdict? Overall, this phone does not seem to be going anywhere and it is incredibly easy to see exactly why that is. For budget phones competing against top-tier models, they have to bring something to the table to make them worth an investment. The J3 consistently delivers on this assignment, and users won’t miss out with regards to quality photographs, streaming or app access. Unlike some brands, older devices are not prohibited from accessing the latest OS updates, which means they are completely secure, and users don’t have the additional worry of losing data or hackers gaining access either.
Overall, the Galaxy J3 has real staying power. There is always a need in the tech market for a phone that will provide the basic functions while retaining the top-tier features of the more expensive models, and this one fits the bill across the board. Aside from a long stretch regarding charging times, there is a lot to be celebrated when you observe the bigger picture. You can take great pictures, access the best apps, and use it with confidence thanks to the user-focused intuitiveness it affords. All in all, it is not going to disappear any time soon.