Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) review: Two steps forward, one step back - SamMobile

In the past one-half yr, nosotros've reviewed the 2017 models of the Galaxy J5 and the Galaxy J7, and it's time now for the J3. Without any further ado, hither is our review of the Milky way J3 (2017).

Galaxy J3 (2017) review: Design

With the new J3, even Samsung's cheapest telephone has a metal housing. This shows us how much Samsung's design philosophy has inverse over the past years. It wasn't that long agone when even Samsung's flagship phones were plastic from the forepart, back, and sides. Because the Galaxy J3 is made of metal, I would debate that it feels manner more premium than the Galaxy S5 (which might not mean much to those who thought the S5 was the ugliest of all Galaxy Due south flagships).

As you might have guessed by now, the frame and the backside are fabricated of metal. The top and bottom of the J3'southward rear side employ safety to help antenna reception. Because the J3 is built like a rock, simply every bit the J5 and j7, this telephone feels better than the more than expensive devices from the A series. The 5-inch screen on the J3 makes this telephone just a scrap bigger than the Milky way A3 (2017), which features a four.seven-inch brandish.

The rear of the phone doesn't show fingerprints unless light hits information technology at the right angle, just it volition scratch rather easily if you don't use a case. This isn't a big downside in my opinion, so I hold with Samsung's conclusion to use a metallic back. Moreover, the metal build is a big step forward, making Samsung'southward budget phones better value for money.

Display

This isn't something we often say virtually displays on a Samsung device, but the J3's brandish is a weak point. This is considering Samsung didn't opt to put an AMOLED panel in this Milky way. Instead, the company chose to use an HD (1280 x 720 pixels) LCD display. Because the pixels in this brandish are bundled in RGB format, the sharpness looks just a fleck better compared to an AMOLED screen with Samsung's PenTile pixel arrangement. The screen is fine, but nothing more than than that.

This brandish doesn't have as much contrast every bit its AMOLED siblings. Viewing angles and brightness are skillful enough, though. People that haven't owned a telephone with an AMOLED display will be quite happy with this display, but it might feel similar a disadvantage to anyone moving from a phone with an AMOLED brandish. LCDs have but lost their charm, every bit evidenced by fifty-fifty Apple moving to an OLED display.

Camera

The cameras on the J3 (2017) do everything they need to. They take decent photos for social media, but won't astonish whatsoever experienced photographers. The 13-megapixel sensor on the rear captures enough detail simply suffers in low-light weather. Videos have a maximum resolution of Total HD and look good enough for a cheap device.

The 5-megapixel selfie camera consistently took proficient photos, fifty-fifty in conditions with not-so-ideal lighting. This is possible considering in that location is an LED flash in a higher place the screen for taking selfies. And no, this flash isn't every bit blinding as you would think it is (since it's more of a bulb that glows continuously instead of flashing when you take a flick). All in all, the J3 isn't a phone y'all should be buying considering of its camera. But if you do buy it, you know its cameras are capable of taking the occasional picture.

Here go a few camera samples:

Software

The J3 (2017) is running Android 7.0 Nougat with version 8.one of the Samsung Experience UI. Because the software is quite like to that on the Galaxy S8, we take features similar Secure Folder, a Theme Store for changing the way the interface looks, and Device Maintenance for keeping your telephone equally fast and ataxia-free as possible. There'southward even the good old FM radio, which has been missing from Samsung's flagships for a long time now.

The interface and menus are intuitive and easy to understand. You lot can choose between having all applications on your abode screens or having a dedicated app drawer attainable by swiping up on the abode screen. Under the Device Maintenance menu in the settings, you can make clean your phone by deleting unnecessary files. McAfee's malware scanner is installed out of the box for enhanced security (a needed feature given Samsung's upkeep phones do not receive monthly security updates in nigh markets).

Then at that place'south Secure Folder for hiding all your of import files in a separate container that no one else tin access without your password. Later unlocking the device, you'll need to unlock the secure folder separately, making this folder platonic for storing documents and keeping away certain applications from your children. Because the J3 doesn't accept a fingerprint scanner, yous are limited to a password or a Pin code for protecting your Secure Folder.

I similar the Dual Messenger feature on the J3 (also available on other devices, such every bit the Note viii). You lot tin can install 2 versions of certain applications, so you can use two accounts inside apps that do not support them, like Snapchat or WhatsApp. It works bully, and both accounts work inside carve up applications.

According to Samsung, the J3 (2017) will receive software updates until July 2019. It is difficult to say if those updates volition consist of large upgrades to the side by side Android versions or pocket-sized security upgrades. Nevertheless, receiving updates for the coming two years is a nice thing to have, even if the phone won't exist on a monthly update schedule.

Performance

Under the J3's hood is a quad-core Exynos 7570 processor. This processor is very energy efficient simply isn't quick at all. This makes the phone adept for calling, text messaging and other light tasks. Considering information technology has 2GB of RAM, spider web browsing with several tabs and switching between apps is possible, but non the all-time experience. If y'all similar gaming or other graphically intense tasks, yous should save up extra money and go for a more than expensive phone.

Battery life

The Galaxy J3 (2017) has excellent bombardment life; this is partly because of the modest hardware, of course. The battery inside the J3 has a ii,400 mAh capacity, which is enough to final a full twenty-four hour period with the kind of hardware the phone has to power. Do notation that an LCD uses more battery when watching a movie, so battery life when streaming Netflix or YouTube isn't as good every bit you would await.

Merely like with most mod Samsung phones, the rear cover of the J3 isn't removable. Meaning that replacing the battery yourself isn't possible. Charging the J3 via the microUSB port is relatively fast, fifty-fifty though this phone doesn't have fast charging, no doubt because of the not-and then-large battery chapters.

Conclusion

All in all, the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) is a solid, affordable phone. Both the build quality and software are large improvements over concluding year'south J3. This Milky way feels very premium and shows how good Samsung has become with its adroitness. The software is intuitive and has some cool features; more chiefly, it'due south at par with flagships like the S8 for the most part.

Information technology is a shame that Samsung decided to get rid of the AMOLED display we saw on concluding twelvemonth's model. It would've made for an fifty-fifty ameliorate device in my opinion. On the flip side, it is likely that a lot of people shopping for a inexpensive telephone have no idea what an AMOLED display is, then these customers won't experience similar they are missing out on a great feature. You should be able to find a few non-Samsung alternatives that offer more blindside for the buck, only if the Korean visitor's phones are the ones you prefer and your budget is limited, the J3 (2017) is an ideal purchase.

Pros	Cons
Good build quality	No AMOLED display
Intuitive software	No removable battery
Fantabulous battery life	Performance not suitable for heavy tasks

Source: https://www.sammobile.com/2017/12/08/samsung-galaxy-j3-2017-two-steps-forward-one-back

Posted by: jacobtures1972.blogspot.com

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