Samsung has launched the Galaxy J7 2017, an updated version of last year’s mid-range J7 smartphone. Here’s how the Samsung Galaxy J7 2017 compares with the 2016 model and the smaller, more affordable Galaxy J3 and J5 handsets.
Although most of the Samsung headlines this year have been about the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, as well as the upcoming Galaxy Note 8, the lower-priced Galaxy J 2017 family also deserves attention. The Galaxy J3 2017, Galaxy J5 2017 and Galaxy J7 2017 are all officially launched, offering updated specs and features compared with last year’s Galaxy J series phones.
The Galaxy J7 2017 is the biggest of these three mid-range mobiles, at 5.5-inches. It’s also the most capable and feature-packed device of the trio, offering improved specs and even splash resistance.
Here’s all you need to know about the Galaxy J7 2017 that’s coming to the UK.
Read next: Best Samsung phones in 2017
Samsung Galaxy J7 2017: Specs
| Phone | Samsung Galaxy J7 2017 |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5-inches |
| Screen resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Water resistant? | Splash resistant (IP54) |
| Fingerprint sensor? | Yes |
| OS | Android Nougat |
| Processor | Exynos 7870 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Battery | 3600mAh |
| microSD? | Yes |
| Rear camera | 13MP f/1.9 |
| Front camera | 13MP w/flash |
Samsung Galaxy J7 2017: How it compares to the other J Series phones
The Galaxy J7 2017 is the biggest of the new Galaxy J Family, at 5.5-inches. This increase in size means the phone is less easy to operate with a single hand, compared with the J3 and J5. However, it still looks smart, offering a curved plastic finish that resembles the Galaxy S6 of yesteryear.
Even better, the new 2017 model is splash resistant. You can get the new Galaxy J7 pretty damp without worrying about it sputtering and dying, something that every other Galaxy J Series phone can’t boast. You also get a fingerprint sensor, just like on the Galaxy J5 2017, to quickly unlock the phone.
That 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display offers Full HD visuals, so you can expect plenty of detail to be packed into your photos and movies. Not to mention rich colours and a strong maximum brightness.
You get from 16GB of storage space, to keep your apps, media and everything else. Luckily the Galaxy J7 2017 can be expanded using a microSD memory card, when needed.
When it comes to performance, the 2017 update of the Galaxy J7 matches the new J7 for the chipset. Samsung’s own Exynos 7870 is packed inside, offering respectable levels of smoothness on a budget. However, the J7 also has an extra gig of memory stuffed inside – 3GB compared with the J5’s 2GB. That should help to reduce any waiting time when messing around with multiple apps, as well as helping out with more demanding tasks and apps.
The J7 2017 also has the biggest battery of the J Series phones, at 3600mAh. That larger screen will no doubt draw more power of course, so we’ll be fully testing the battery life for our in-depth Galaxy J7 review. We’re also glad that the J7 rocks a Type-C USB port, which is both reversible and allows for faster data transfer. The J3 and J5 both make do with an older USB 2.0 connection.
Camera fiends will relish the upgraded snappers on the biggest Galaxy J Series handset. Like the Galaxy J5 2017, you get a 13-megapixel camera on the rear with a f/1.9 aperture lens, which can hopefully take better low-light photos than previous J Series phones. You can also record up to Full HD video, for your home movie purposes.
However, the J7 2017 wins compared with the J5 and J3 2017 when it comes to the selfie shooter. Up front you get another 13-megapixel snapper, complete with an LED flash. That’s great news for anyone who can’t help capturing their mug, even at night or in the club.
Check out our full Galaxy J3 vs J5 vs J7 2017 comparison to see how the J7 2017 compares with its fellow J Series handsets!
Samsung Galaxy J7 2017: UK price and release date
You can grab the Galaxy J7 2017 in the UK from July, although we don’t have a dedicated UK price just yet. The phone will cost €340 in Europe, so expect to pay around £299 in Blighty.