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Samsung Galaxy J3 gets a 2017 refresh

What do you get with a superbudget handset? Dive in and find out.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The Samsung Galaxy J3 update for 2017 is a nice-looking phone for a very low price.

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2 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The stripe along the back adds a little visual flair.

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3 of 8 James Martin/CNET

It runs the latest version of Android, 7.0 Nougat.

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4 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Samsung also made the processor faster and added a greater external storage capacity.

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5 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The battery is removable, just like last year's model.

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6 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Unfortunately, the phone is really sluggish.

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7 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Photos from the 5-megapixel camera (and 2-megapixel front-facing cam) are notably lacking.

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8 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The new J3 for 2017 brings you all the smartphone essentials you need, but we've gotta recommend the Motorola Moto E4 instead; you'll get more for less money. Here's why.

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