Samsung J530FD Galaxy J5 (2017) DUOS (Black) unlocked

I purchased this phone as a replacement to my S7. After managing to break that one, I was after an affordable replacement. I was slightly dubious about getting a lower spec version, but since receiving this phone I am actually kicking myself for ever worrying about getting the newest versions.As a very quick summary; I love that this phone takes an SD card, which means I get more storage room and for the price it is just as fast and the display as clear as more expensive versions.Lengthy summary:I use my mobile a fair bit and for a variety of reasons and so far I haven't found anything to make me want to review this less than five stars (if I do I will update this review with details).When it arrived I popped it on charge and could see it already had around 40%, so enough to start setting things up. It comes with the usual pin to open the sim slots. There are two slots as this phone takes dual sim and an SD card. The first slot takes sim 1 and the SD card and second sim can go into slot 2. I haven't used a second sim, so can't comment on whether this works well or not, but when I downloaded WhatsApp it popped up with a notification suggesting I download a second copy for a different number, so it looks like it is well set up to use a second one and will help you to get it set up properly.The phone picked up my network quickly and I could make calls and send texts, but I had no data coverage. I am not sure if this is related to the phone or to do with my network, but either way it was simple to fix. I won't give full details here as I'm sure the fix varies from network to network, but it is basically to do with needing to set up the APN settings. Google what settings you need and put these into the APN section within settings/network and you should be good to go (or at least I was!).The phone supports 4G and the usual wifi, bluetooth, etc. The screen is large and clear and comes with some basic Android apps installed. Once connected to the internet you can connect to pick up emails and phone numbers you've got linked to your accounts.Sound is perfect, camera is great (actually slightly better than my S7). Apps run without trouble and there's no noticeable slowness due to having a lower amount of ram - I'm finding it works quickly for downloading and streaming.The phone has thumbprint recognition that is quick and easy to set up (it is one of the first things it gets you to do once you switch it on).In the box is a charger (normal speed, not fast charge) and headphones. The phone is sturdy and the standard size of the Samsung range.Oh, and it also has fm transmitter on it! I've not seen this on a phone for a while. I can't say I have used it, but it's nice to have the option!In truth, I wasn't expecting much from this phone, but am really pleased with it. Hopefully I won't break this one anytime soon!

After many years resistance, I finally decided to accept the inevitable and buy a smartphone. Much research followed and I settled on the Samsung J5 (2017) as best for my needs. I wanted a dual sim version, which meant that it would have to be an EU import with all the uncertainties regarding warranty (why can’t we have a UK dual sim version?). However, given that the price was £50 less than the UK single sim version, it seemed worth the risk.I ordered it from Fonogram and the purchase went without incident. The phone arrived in 3 days, in sealed packaging and with a separate UK plug. The phone itself appeared to be from a Polish or Slovakian source, but it was simple to change the language and everything was fairly straightforward to set up.The phone itself seems to be good. Battery life is excellent (probably comfortably lasts a couple of days) and using it as a mobile hotspot has been impressive – I’m getting download speeds more than double my broadband connection – makes me wonder whether there is any point in keeping a landline.Everything has worked as expected and although some of the Samsung bloatware is a bit irritating, there have been no major problems. Pleased with my purchase.

This product is built like a tank. It just carries on working.

The phone arrived before estimated date and the tracking info was accurate. The phone was new and sealed. I have Prime but as the phone was "due in stock" delivery was not the next day. The power plug supplied is for Europe but also included was a USB cable to charge easily in the UK and a basic set of head phones. I have had dual sim phones for many years, none come with UK power plugs unless the seal is broken for them to put a plug in the box.I was delighted with all aspects of this purchase and I feel the vendor is honourable and supplied the phone at a competitive price.

The phone is incredibly Glitchy and pictures/apps/windows dont load or open.

This 2017 model came with Android operating system version 7, however the phone has since upgraded to version 8.It is easy to use and has a significantly large screen to view detail. The NFC works well with my Libre blood glucose monitor and the camera is excellent.

Great size for smaller hands - the wife loves it. Screen is still large enough to have clear and easy to read web pages and email. The dual SIM functionality will come in useful.

I am a senior citizen and moved from a Samsung Galaxy G4 Mini principally because the mic developed a fault (and the screen was a bit small). I use pay-as-you-go and simply do not insure my mobile (so many people seem to waste so much money on unnecessary insurance). The characters on the J5 are simply not bold enough (size for size comparison of characters with G4 Mini. Why would Samsung make such a backward move? However, in principle, the black characters on a white background are a good move: pity that they are harder to read -like for like - than on the G4 Mini !! Surely this is a very basic design error. As I do my serious on-line business communications via laptop (mostly kept in home office) and do not wish to carry out any of my business or financial communications via a mobile phone (how safe would it be if lost and deciphered by thieves who have very sophisticated equipment these days ?) Operational software seems to be a little over complicated and confusing in part. Battery life seems to be reasonable so far.