Galaxy A5 functions. A selection of useful features that owners of Samsung Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 (2017) may not know about. Samsung proprietary shell and pre-installed applications, Android version

January of this year was marked by an update to the Galaxy flagship line And from the popular South Korean manufacturer Samsung. The developers tried to bring the “filling” of the latest versions of A3, 5 and 7 as close as possible to the more advanced and functional colleagues of the Samsung Galaxy S. At the same time, they managed to retain the title of “reliable middle peasants” for the models in the market.

Key Features of Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Frame

The developers released this year's version of the Samsung Galaxy A5 in three different colors: classic strict black, more elegant gold, and for the most stylish and those who like to stand out, they provided azure blue. The phone measures 146 x 71 mm and is only 8 mm thick. The phone weighs 159 g.

Samsung Galaxy A5 - the latest model

Processor and filling

This version of the Samsung Galaxy is powered by an eight-core Exynos 7880 Octa chip processor clocked at 1.9 GHz. The software has been updated to Android Marshmallow version 6.0.1.

Specifications Samsung Galaxy A5

Screen

The diagonal display size is 5.2 inches and the resolution is 1080 x 1920. According to the developers, multi-touch is made using Super AMOLED technology, which allows the phone to maintain the brightness of the picture both indoors and on a brightly lit street.

Camera

The flagship camera has as much as 16 megapixels. At the same time, the front camera does not lag behind the main lens at all - the same 16 megapixels. In addition, the creators of the model took care of post-processing of the photographs taken. Several standard filters and modes have been built into the camera interface, which, presumably, will make your pictures simply incomparable. We haven’t forgotten about high-quality selfies in low-light conditions: there are flashes on both sides of the smartphone, so even in the dark you can take beautiful portrait shots.

Original photo

Various built-in filter options

With this camera resolution, naturally, it won’t be news that the smartphone records video in Full HD quality.

Connection

You can insert two simultaneously working SIM cards into your phone. At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy A5 also has a separate slot for MicroSD, which many users found extremely convenient. Now there is no need to sacrifice one of your calling cards in the name of extra gigabytes of memory for several hundred photos and music tracks.

Memory

As for memory capacity, the A5 boasts very average performance - 32 built-in gigabytes and 3 GB of RAM. This is more than enough for the needs of the average user. Even though the actual memory that is not used by any system files remains only 23 GB. And yet, for those who prefer not to bother with deleting unnecessary information from the phone or simply want to feel confident with a reserve of free space, a separate slot has been thoughtfully provided specifically for MicroSD. The maximum size of additional storage can reach 256 GB.

Battery

The developers equipped the latest version of the Samsung Galaxy A5 with a Li-Po battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. The battery consumption of this model is no different from any other Samsung, so we advise you not to expect stellar performance. 320 hours of standby time, 12 hours of talk time, up to 30 hours of continuous music listening, 8 hours of video. However, the phone supports fast charging mode. As the manufacturer promises, your smartphone will be fully restored within an hour. The remaining characteristics are quite standard for modern smartphones.

The battery of the new smartphone is quite capacious, which means it will last for a longer period of time.

How the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is superior to the 2016 model

• Appearance. The phone has not undergone any fundamental changes. The case materials remained the same - metal and glass. The white color of the available panel options has been replaced by blue. Externally, the model began to look more stylish and serious, and also acquired some features of its premium colleague, the Samsung Galaxy S7. And yet, the updated version of the Galaxy A5 2017 has a slightly more interesting “filling” than its predecessor.
• Convenient notifications. The Always On Display function has been added, due to which current information and notifications are displayed on the gadget screen. Even if your smartphone is in sleep mode.
• Filming. Improved camera. While maintaining the remaining characteristics of the built-in lens, the main camera has increased from 13 to 16 megapixels. The front one has reached the same level - 16 megapixels - from the ridiculous 5 megapixels of the model of that year. Unfortunately, the updated Galaxy 5 does not have the optical stabilization promised at pre-shows and presentations. In other words, thoughtful developers again did not make sure that shaking in the hands did not in any way affect the clarity of photos and videos.
• CPU. At the same time, the manufacturer also updated the processor. The Exynos 7580 with a clock frequency of 1.6 GHz and a Mali-T720MP2 graphics processor has been replaced by a more modern and improved 64-bit Exynos 7880 Octa with a frequency of 1.9 GHz and a Mali-T830MP3 graphics core.
• Memory. The RAM of the new model is 3 GB instead of 2 GB in the 2016 line. The built-in memory is now 32 GB, not 16. Available MicroSD has doubled its volume - up to 256 GB versus last year's 128 GB.

  The latest version of the device will please you with increased memory reserves

• Software. Of course, the Galaxy A5 2017 also comes with a newer Android. If the 2016 models could boast only Android Lollipop version 5.1.1, as well as the ability to upgrade to Android 7.0, then the Galaxy A5 2017 already shows us Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Also not the most advanced version of the software. And the ability to install new software here still does not exceed the range of the previous model: the smartphone can only be updated to Android 7. However, in defense of the fresh Galaxy A5, we can say that the Koreans themselves are more willing to use the sixth version of Android than the latest, “seven”.

  Smartphone software information

• Battery. In addition to the above, the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has slightly more powerful batteries. Now their capacity is 3000 mAh, not 2900 mAh. As they say, a small thing, but nice. It is also impossible not to note a point that users themselves talk about: the charging process for the 2017 phone has noticeably accelerated.
• Other. The main difference (and also the main feature) of the updated Samsung lies in two things. Firstly, the re-released model was equipped with an extremely convenient two-way USB port. It's happened to everyone - you twist the cord this way and that, you try to insert it into the connector, but it magically doesn't fit. Luckily, the guys at Samsung have taken care of your nerves and now the latest Galaxy A5 series comes with USB Type-C. Secondly, the body of the new A5 is certified to the IP68 standard, which guarantees reliable protection of the phone from dust and moisture. According to the developers, the device can be immersed in water to a depth of 1.5 meters and kept there for up to 30 minutes. So, if you have a recent model, you can safely drop this wonderful gadget into the bathtub or fountain. The main thing is to get it out before half an hour has passed.

  The new smartphone case better protects against external factors

Camera in the new version of the smartphone

In general, the camera copes well with its main tasks. Photosensitivity and white balance perform excellent during daytime shooting. Exposure is self-adjusted in seconds. The lack of optical stabilization can seriously spoil the picture. However, once you get used to the camera a little and start holding the phone in your hands more confidently, the slight blurriness will immediately disappear. The fairly high detail of the picture also brightens up this shortcoming a little.

If difficulties with a clear, “quiver-free” picture arise even during the day in good natural light, imagine what starts to happen at night or indoors. Although this is a problem with most smartphones, let alone the average market representative. Just be mentally prepared for a slightly “off” exposure, noise and fine blurring of the edges. As a last resort, console yourself with the thought of properly working autofocus and white balance.

A positive counterbalance to the lack of stabilization is the selfie camera. In addition to the high resolution of 16 megapixels, it will delight you with sharp and high-quality portraits with excellent detail. Indoors or in dim light, developers suggest using the phone screen as a “flash”, which illuminates faces with white soft radiation and allows you to maintain the quality of photos.

Photo: examples of shooting on A5

Daytime shots show excellent quality. Exposure and white balance are adjusted instantly and quite accurately

For quite a long time, Chinese flagships, Nexus and OnePlus, ruled the roost in the segment of $400 devices. Gradually, the situation has changed and today literally everyone is fighting for the wallet of a sufficiently wealthy buyer who does not want to spend money on a flagship. We look forward to announcements of such devices, because in this segment companies create truly balanced solutions that can offer good design, characteristics, cameras, and also operating time, noticeably longer than that of flagships. Today we will get acquainted with one of the most interesting such smartphones - Galaxy A5 (2017).

Design and usability

introduced in 2014. Back then, the main body material, at least for Samsung devices, was plastic (including the flagship Galaxy S5) and the angular metal device looked very fresh. Updated year turned out to be even better, because it was made similar to the Note 5 and Galaxy S6, and the design of Samsung flagships by this time had changed for the better. In turn, the Galaxy A5 (2017) was made similar to the Galaxy S7, although some features combine it with the affordable .

The general idea remains the same - the front and back panels of the smartphone are made of glass with rounded edges, and the frame is made of metal.

At launch, the smartphone is available in black, gold, blue and pink. Compared to the previous model, the shape of the body has noticeably changed. Now the corners are rounded, there are no chamfers on the frame, the “back” is curved like the Galaxy S7. The camera lens looks small and does not protrude, and all surfaces and elements of the body are painted the same color.

The perception of design is a very subjective thing, but the device may seem too calm and neutral, even boring in some ways. On the other hand, it is harmonious and we can say that it will suit literally everyone, regardless of gender and age. The buyer can only choose the appropriate color.

The body shape is comfortable, the A5 (2017) fits perfectly into the palm, and the smartphone can be operated with one hand without any problems. Probably the only criticism of the design is the USB Type-C connector, which is not located in the center of the bottom edge.

The key layout is traditional for Samsung devices. The mini-jack remained on the bottom edge - this is convenient, but the SIM trays have noticeably increased. The main one is located on the left and is intended for installing the main SIM in Nano format. The second one is located on the top edge; you can install a second Nano-SIM and a MicroSD memory card into it. The slots are equivalent, so nothing prevents you from installing the main SIM card and memory card in the second one, and using the first one for a card when traveling.

As before, a fingerprint scanner is integrated into the mechanical key under the screen, and on either side of it there are two backlit touch buttons. The scanner has a small area, so it works a little worse than, for example, in the iPhone, at least in our test sample - we had to get used to placing our finger at the right angle.

Protection from dust and moisture

One of the main innovations in the Galaxy A series is the appearance of dust and moisture protection according to the IP68 standard. The smartphone can remain in fresh water at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. To prevent moisture from getting into the case, the connectors are made hermetically sealed, the SIM receivers have rubber seals, and the speakers are covered with special membranes. This feature makes the line closer to the flagships and sets it apart from competitors who cannot yet boast of a protected design.

Screen

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD resolution. It is covered with protective glass with a 2.5D effect and an oleophobic coating. Medium width side frames.

The minimum brightness is 2 cd/m² and allows you to read comfortably in the dark, the maximum when filled with white is about 400 cd/m². In real life, the maximum backlight level is much higher because the brightness changes dynamically depending on the output image and ambient lighting. Therefore, the image on the screen will be clearly visible even outdoors on a sunny day.

There are several color rendering modes. “Basic” offers almost perfect calibration close to IPS matrices.

"Adaptive" mode offers richer colors and adapts images based on the output image. A separate adjustment for color components has appeared for it, which will allow you to fine-tune everything to suit yourself and change the white balance in any direction. There is a setting to reduce the amount of blue so that your eyes are less tired while reading.

Considering the flexibility of settings, there are no complaints about the display. It has excellent viewing angles, enough brightness in any conditions, and automatic backlight adjustment works well. At the sharpest angles, the image appears to have a purple-greenish tint, but this is typical for all Super AMOLEDs and is unnoticeable during actual use.

It's nice that Samsung added an always-on screen mode for the A-series. It allows you to display a clock, calendar or pictures on the screen in standby mode. You can adjust the time the display is on, and the appearance of notification icons on the screen compensates for the lack of a traditional indicator of missed events.

Hardware platform

The smartphone is built on the Exynos 7880 SoC, which includes 8 Cortex-A53 cores operating at up to 1.9 GHz and Mali-830 MP2 graphics. The platform is made using a 14 nm process technology, which has a positive effect on power consumption and the absence of heating under load.

The amount of RAM is 3 GB, built-in memory is 32 GB (23.5 GB available), you can simultaneously install two NanoSIM and a memory card up to 256 GB. Wi-Fi networks 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2, and FM radio are supported. The presence of NFC and MST allows you to use your smartphone for contactless payments (currently only Privat24 is supported, Samsung Pay may be launched later). Connection to a PC is carried out according to the USB 2.0 standard via a symmetrical Type-C connector.

The device shows average results in benchmarks, on par with smartphones powered by Snapdragon 625. In real life, the Galaxy A5 (2017) is fast and comfortable to use. There is no large margin of safety in terms of graphics performance, but all games available at the time of release will work with normal graphics settings and comfortable FPS.

Software platform

Out of the box, the smartphone runs Android 6.0.1 and the proprietary Grace UX interface, which replaced Touch Wiz and was announced simultaneously with the Galaxy Note 7. In the near future, the manufacturer should update the smartphone to Android 7.0, although I would like the device to be shipped immediately with the current OS version.

In the new version of the interface, the curtain of switches with notifications and the settings menu have changed. The design of built-in applications has been updated. There is a multi-window mode and support for themes. You can find a theme similar to stock Android 6.0 in the app store. Overall, the interface looks cleaner and lighter.

Multimedia

The quality of music playback on the headphones is normal and comparable to competitors. The sound is clear and quite detailed.

Like the J5 Prime, the single multimedia speaker is located on the right, above the power key. When held vertically, you can accidentally cover it with your finger, but in other situations this placement is convenient because the speaker does not overlap while playing games or watching videos, and is also a little less muffled in pockets. The volume is sufficient for games and videos. The quality is ok. Sometimes the sound feels slightly muffled because special membranes have to be used to ensure moisture protection.

Working hours

The smartphone runs on a built-in 3000 mAh battery. Compared to last year's Galaxy A5, the capacity has increased by only 100 mAh, but modern technology has made it possible to achieve more noticeable improvements.

With Always on display (AON) enabled, most users can expect up to two days of use under average load. By disabling AON, the result can be slightly improved. If you use the device “to its fullest”, then the charge will definitely be enough for a day of work. There is support for fast charging - the process takes about an hour.

Cameras

The 2017 Galaxy A5 received updated cameras. Both modules have a resolution of 16 megapixels and an f/1.9 aperture, although these are, of course, different modules. The main camera has fast and accurate autofocus and is equipped with a flash made from a single warm diode, which is not inferior in brightness to competitors equipped with two diodes. The equivalent focal length of the lens is 27 mm. Video recording capabilities are limited to shooting in 1080p 30 fps resolution. Compared to the Galaxy A5 (2016), the camera has lost optical stabilization, and the device is also formally inferior to some competitors due to the lack of the ability to shoot 4K video.

However, there are no particular problems with the quality of shooting. In good conditions there is nothing to complain about. The module provides good detail and has a wide dynamic range. In the evening and at night you can take a good photo, but the images show traces of aggressive post-processing, characteristic of most Samsung smartphones.

Conveniently, the camera can be launched by double pressing the mechanical Home key. The application has a simple interface. By swiping you can switch between the menu for selecting color filters and shooting modes, as well as to the front camera. There is a “Pro” mode, but it only allows you to adjust white balance, ISO, exposure compensation and exposure metering. There is no ability to control shutter speed and focus. There will be no problems with macro shooting, but I would like to see a full-fledged manual mode.

Site evaluation

Pros: body materials; Ease of use; screen; Always on Display function; IP68 protection; speed of work; modern platform; good cameras; operating time and fast charging; NFC and MST; updated interface

Minuses: the fingerprint scanner takes some getting used to; Android 6.0.1 out of the box; no optical stabilization (compared to A5 (2016)); the moisture-proof membrane slightly worsened the sound of the speaker

Conclusion: After the successful Galaxy A5 (2016), we expected that the new device would be at least as good and our expectations were justified. A5 (2017) is different from its predecessor, but most of the changes can be called evolutionary. We systematically increased the characteristics, made the device protected from moisture, and made it possible to simultaneously use two SIMs and a memory card. The design has become more universal, although it may not appeal to everyone. The development of the A-series is reminiscent of how the company changes its flagships; cheaper devices receive many unique features of the Galaxy S line. It’s nice that the price has remained virtually unchanged; the Galaxy A5 (2017) is worth the money and remains one of the best devices in its class. But within a year, competitors have made a noticeable step forward and narrowed the gap. Therefore, the question may arise - why should you choose Samsung? With comparable prices and features beyond features, design and branding, it's time to start looking at unique features. For the A5 (2017), these will be IP68 protection, an interesting color palette, a separate microSD slot, the Always on display function, potentially better integration with payment services and a larger selection of branded cases and accessories.

Compare prices

Mobile phones are an integral part of IT technology. Samsung deservedly occupies a leading position in the world of sales of electronic devices. They can rightfully be called the best manufacturers of these goods. The most famous smartphones are the Galaxy family, developed on the Android platform. The most popular Galaxy models are the J, A and S series devices. The Galaxy family is represented in all price segments (budget, mid-range and fashion). The letter designations of the series correspond to each price range.

The J-series are budget models, made from inexpensive materials and equipped with a simple body, but at the same time have good hardware. A-series models are in the middle category of price and quality. And S-series gadgets belong to the fashion version.

In January 2017, Samsung introduced the third generation of Galaxy A-series smartphones to the general consumer. Among the new products in this line, the Samsung Galaxy A5 stands out. The average price for Samsung Galaxy A5 in Russia is approximately 27,900 rubles.

The functionality of the Samsung A5 (2017) was generally good, but it seems that it was deliberately limited so that it would not be compared with the flagship S-series devices.

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

The A5 is in many ways similar to other devices in the Galaxy family: it also has rounded corners, a square camera eye and an oval fingerprint scanner on the home key. On either side of it there are still illuminated “task” and “back” keys. But instead of plastic, the body is now made of glass and metal. The 2017 model weighs a little more than last year's (157 g), but thanks to its rounded shape, it is comfortable to hold in your hands. Not only the front panel, but also the back panel is made of 2.5D glass. Above the display there is a panel where the speaker is located in the center, and a light sensor eye and a camera are installed on either side of it.

From the back, the A7 looks similar to the Galaxy S7, the advanced model from 2016, with the camera and flash rounded to the edges. On the right side there is a speaker grille, which was previously located on the bottom end, and below it is the power key. On the left is a tray for one SIM card, which can be removed with a pin. Above there are volume buttons. At the bottom there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a microphone hole and a USB Type C port. In addition, the A5 is equipped with plastic strips to separate the antennas. At the top there is a slot for a SIM card and a flash drive, as well as a hole for a second microphone.

A5 (2017) is available in four colors - black (black sky), blue (blue fog), gold

(golden sand) and peach.

Specifications

Operating system - Samsung A5 runs on Android OS v6.0.1 Marshmallow with the manufacturer’s proprietary interface. The curtain is designed better and combines color with standard applications. In the previous version of Android, it is dark gray, and messages, dialer, contacts and settings are made in white.

Single sim (nano sim) or dual sim (nano sim, dual stand by) are used as SIM cards.

The RAM memory capacity is 3 GB (and it is equipped with LPDDR3 chips). At the beginning of work, 1.5 GB are already occupied, and while using the smartphone, about 1 GB remains free, but there is nothing to worry about. Android works based on the Linux kernel. According to the policy of this OS, the RAM memory should not be empty, and if there is nothing there, then it must be loaded with secondary programs. But if the owner decides to play some heavy game, the system will immediately allocate the necessary space for it. The transition between different tasks is smooth, invisible to the user.

The capacity of the built-in memory is 32 GB, of which 23.5 GB is allocated to the user section. There is also a separate MicroSD slot for cards, their capacity can be up to 256 GB. USB OTG function is also supported.

A5 (2017) has the following dimensions: 71.4 mm * 146.1 mm * 7.9 mm (width-height-thickness).

Equipped with an eight-core processor with a frequency of 1900 MHz.

NFC and MST technologies support the Samsung Pay function, which allows the owner to pay for purchases with a smartphone in all shopping centers and generally make any payments. All transactions made are protected by a fingerprint, so payments are absolutely secure.

The A5 (2017) has two separate SIM card slots. They support all European networks from 2nd to 4th generation. Wi-Fi networks are supported by a wireless module. To determine the location, the navigator uses GLONASS and GPS satellites. Stereo sound transmission and energy-saving mode are provided by Bluetooth version 4.2. The USB Type C port charges and connects various accessories.

Touch finger scanner

Built into the main hardware button. Was created to unlock your smartphone, make Samsung Pay payments and use a secure folder.

To set up the scanner, you must first set a password or pattern to unlock your phone.

Connection

The smartphone supports three navigation systems: American JPS, Russian GLONASS and Chinese BeiDou. Navigation works great both outdoors and indoors.

Design

A5 (2017) has a thoughtful ergonomic design that facilitates human interaction with this smartphone and reduces the likelihood of damage. It is made to fit the hand, and therefore all its elements on the body can be controlled without problems. And if it’s still difficult to operate with one hand, then you can turn on a special mode in which the menu will decrease in size. The scanner is located on the front panel and works quickly. The camera does not protrude from the body, which reduces the likelihood of damage. In addition, the phone can be placed on any surface without fear of dropping it; it will lie flat.

But the main advantage of the case is its dust and water resistance. The smartphone has maximum protection against dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard. The last property is generally unique for such devices: A5 (2017) will withstand immersion in water to a depth of 1.5 m and for up to half an hour, and nothing will happen to it! True, this only applies to fresh water.

After the smartphone has been in water, the following text appears on the screen: “Checking the port. Moisture detected. To charge the device, the charging/USB port must be dry” (see photo).

There is nothing wrong with this message. In order to continue using the smartphone, the user simply needs to dry this port.

Sound

Water resistance is great, but it does make the sound a little muffled, especially in the bass. The sound will be sufficient for a call, and you can use speakers and headphones to listen to music and movies. The saturation of the sound will depend on the quality of the headphones. For finer sound tuning there is an equalizer with preset settings. The kit includes quite decent earplugs. Of course, there is an FM radio.

Screen

The screen diagonal is 5.2 inches. The display is made using Super AMOLED technology and has a resolution of 1920 * 1080 pixels (FullHD). There is touch control, the type of touch screen is multi-touch, i.e. it supports several touches at the same time (this device has 5 of them).

A5 (2017) is also equipped with a light sensor. The number of colors the device has is 16 million, with bright and rich shades chosen. True, they look like this if you look at the screen directly, and from the side the picture will “float” a little, but it’s unlikely that anyone will look at it that way.

The device has an Always On Display function, i.e. the screen is always on. When the phone is locked, the time and recent notifications are displayed.

In addition, this mode also displays two buttons for calls and photos. Thanks to Super AMOLED technology, this function consumes very little energy.

In addition to the color variety, the A5 (2017) screen has another important advantage - it saves battery power. This is achieved due to the fact that in AMOLED matrices, not the entire panel is illuminated at the same time, but each pixel independently. The battery is consumed in a gentle mode, since the black pixels do not light up. In this case, the correct transmission of black occurs. Therefore, compared to other smartphones with a similar battery, the A5 (2017) will last much longer. So in economy mode, this phone (as well as other Samsung models) is simply beyond praise.

Brightness is controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation), its flickering can be noticeable at reduced brightness, and at full brightness the human eye does not see it (but this does not mean that it does not notice it). Thanks to the adaptive brightness on the AMOLED display, information in the sun is perceived and read much better than on an IPS display (another smartphone display technology).

The sensor is covered with especially durable glass with an oleophobic coating that protects against stains and dirt.

Cameras

Samsung A5 (2017) is equipped with two cameras, rear and front, both 16 megapixels. Since the lens does not protrude from the body, it is necessary to use ISOCELL modules with small pixels (1 micron). There is autofocus, the focal length of the camera is 27 mm. There is an LED flash.

The main camera takes very decent photos during the day, although in slightly colder shades (the white balance is not quite adjusted). At night, unfortunately, the pictures don't come out as good as during the day. However, this applies to all middle-income earners. So far, only flagship Samsung S-series take excellent night photos.

The A5 (2017) has digital stabilization, but no optical stabilization. This means that the photos will be beautiful only if you shoot motionless, but when shooting on the move, the picture is slightly blurred.

Thanks to the wide selection of filters available, any Galaxy A5 (2017) user will feel like a professional photographer.

There is a smart button, which makes it easier to take selfies. You just need to select the position of the shutter button on the screen.

Here is an example of a photo taken during the day:

And here's how he takes pictures at night:

Photo taken at night

The A5 (2017), like other smartphones, has standard applications.

In addition to the usual ones, it has the following applications installed:

• Office suite Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, voice recorder that converts voice to text.
• HTML5 (but not Java, which is what almost all mobile applications are built on).
• Payment systems Samsung Pay and uBank.
• Search engines Google and Yandex.
• Not only the Google Play Store, but also the Samsung store itself.
• Samsung club applications - gifts from Samsung, Samsung Members, essentials, notes.

Autonomy

The A5 (2017) socket charges 100% in about an hour and forty minutes. It will take 7-9 hours to charge from a computer. The battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh. When browsing websites on the Internet and surfing social media. networks it will work for a day and a half. The charge will last less than a day for gaming.

In emergency mode, the phone will be able to work for a maximum time; if necessary, you can send a message or your coordinates.

You can play almost all games on the A5 (2017), all the new ones work great. Just don’t forget that playing games will run out of charge much faster than reading some information on the Internet. By the way, the A5 (2017) has no problems with the Internet, navigation is fast, and sites do not freeze.

What's new in 2018?

As already mentioned, the A5 (2017) smartphone runs on Android OS 6.0.1. In August last year, it was updated to Android 7.0, and in April 2018, smartphones in this line were launched based on Android 8.0.0.

Advantages and disadvantages of the A5 smartphone (2017)

Advantages:

• High Internet speed;
• According to reviews from various users, the processor and display are simply cool;
• Large memory capacity (built-in memory 32 GB + microSD with a maximum capacity of 256 GB);
• Two cameras that allow you to take high-quality photographs;
• Waterproof (in fresh water);
• With Samsung Pay, you can make various payments directly from your smartphone.

Flaws:

They are known to often be a continuation of advantages, and this is once again confirmed by the features of A5 (2017).

• Due to the protective membranes that provide water resistance, the sound comes out muffled, and the bass suffers more;
• Of course, thanks to the bright color palette, the quality of AMOLED displays is unrivaled, but many consumers complain that their eyes get tired quickly;
• As the same users write in their reviews, they were sometimes let down by the fingerprint sensor.

In general, to summarize, we can say that the Galaxy A5 (2017) is the best choice in terms of price and quality.

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Photos in the interior

Specifications

• Android 6.0.1 with Clean UI, upgrade to Android 7
• Screen 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display
• Exynos 7880 chipset, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), Mali-T830MP3 GPU
• 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory (about 23 GB of memory is available to the user out of the box)
• Battery Li-Ion 3000 mAh, fast charging, operating time in mixed mode - 2 days (test result), in 3G/4G data transfer mode - 13/16 hours, video playback - up to 19 hours, talk time - up to 16 hours
• Installing two nanoSIM cards, as well as a microSD memory card (up to 256 GB)
• Front camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, facial enhancements (eyes, skin color, face tone)
• Main camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, LED flash, autofocus
• Two microphones, noise reduction system
• IP68 water protection, up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters
• FM radio
• Fingerprint sensor located on the front panel
• USB Type C 1.0
• 4G FDD LTE - B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B17(700), B20(800), B28 (700); 4G FDD TDD - B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)
• GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
• ANT+, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4+5 GHz, NFC, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.2
• Sensors – accelerometer, barometer, fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor
• Samsung Pay
• Color options: black (Black Sky), gold (Gold Sand), blue (Blue Mist), pink (Peach Cloud)
• SAR value – 0.52 W/kg (head), 1.39 W/kg (body)
• Dimensions – 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight – 159 grams

Contents of delivery

• Smartphone
• Charger with USB Type C cable
• Instructions
• Wired stereo headset
• "Paper clip" for removing the SIM tray

Positioning

Samsung decided that the A-series should offer models in the mid-price segment, and the model range is built based on the size of the phones: smaller screen - smaller index. From this logic it is clear that A3 is the smallest device, and A7 is the largest, while A5 is exactly in the middle. From sales of the A-series in 2016, it is known that the A5 and the 5-inch smartphone form factor became the most popular; this device sold significantly better than others.

A-series models have become iconic for the market and their price segments; during the transition from the first to the second generation, their sales in Russia increased noticeably.

But the most important thing is that these devices can be perceived as somewhat simplified versions of the company’s flagships in terms of filling, but not at all simplified in terms of materials. Not all buyers need the features of flagships; they are willing to spend 2-3 times less money, but get a decent, reliable device.

Considering that Samsung directly competes with Apple in the market, to some extent the A-series is a response to the older iPhone models that are still on the market. So, the 2017 A5 is a clear competitor to the iPhone 6/6s, which also costs less. Comparing with the famous Chinese, we will get competitors from their line with similar positioning, for example, this could be Huawei Nova.

The 2017 A5 model was created for those who want to buy a smartphone from a major manufacturer (read, brand), and at the same time get a good set of characteristics, decent performance and quality materials. To some extent, the 2017 A5 can be considered a universal smartphone that can safely claim to be a business model. It is balanced in its capabilities, is not the most expensive, and, accordingly, it is not a flagship. This is a very smart choice for those who are used to counting money and buying a smartphone for a long time. In my opinion, the 2017 A5 will become a bestseller in its price segment, as it offers a number of unique finds that other companies do not have. However, let's talk about this in detail.

Design, dimensions, control elements

In the A-series, the design is to some extent inherited from older models, the same body materials, no noticeable simplifications or savings. The A5 model looks expensive and stylish, regardless of what color you choose. There are four color options in total; there are no pink phones in Russia yet.

I have a black A5, it is classic and looks good. The mirror surface reflects the surrounding world, plays in the light, the device looks very interesting, and hand marks are practically invisible. I’ll add here that the screen with a splash screen can always work (AlwaysOn Display function), which none of the competitors have. In the end, we get an unusual device that has no analogues on the market; it can be distinguished from any other at first glance.

If we talk about which color is the best, then I like blue, it is a delicate shade, very unusual, perfect for girls, however, look for yourself.

Please note that the front and back panels are the same color, as is the side metal edging (6000 series aluminum). The device also looks good in pink, but it is definitely only for girls.

The gold phone is somewhat rustic, but everyone has their own tastes.

The fact that the device has a glass back and front does not hinder it at all, since Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is quite reliable and protected from accidental falls, although depending on your luck. This device is completely identical in mechanical protection to the Galaxy S6 EDGE, the quality is at the same level. I once recorded a video about how this phone survives collisions with sharp objects or asphalt, you can watch this video.

The innovation of the A-series in 2017 was water protection, which was taken from the S7/S7 EDGE, the implementation is exactly the same. The SIM card tray is protected by rubber gaskets, the microphones and speakers are protected by membranes, the protection level is IP68, which allows the phone to be kept at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to half an hour. This does not mean that the phone needs to be washed under water, much less with soap or something similar. But if you drop it in water, nothing will happen to it. There are practically no models with water protection in this price segment.

Now about the control elements. Under the screen there is a mechanical key, it contains a fingerprint sensor, it is simplified compared to the S7/S7 EDGE, it works a little slower, but there are no problems because of this. Nice solution that just works. On either side of it are two touch keys.

On the left side there are two volume keys, on the right side there is an on/off button. There is a microphone at the bottom and top ends, there is a noise reduction system, it does its job perfectly: you can be heard well in any conditions, even when the wind blows strongly in your face.

At the bottom end there is also a 3.5 mm jack for a headset or headphones and a USB Type C connector for the charger. On the upper end and left side you can see trays, in the upper one a nanoSIM card and a memory card are installed, in the lower one there is a second nanoSIM card. In the A3, for example, installing two SIM cards and a memory card is impossible; it has a combined slot.

The speaker is located on the right side surface, due to this it can overlap in the pocket, and it will not be heard very well. The speaker itself is average in volume, but very pleasant.

The phone dimensions are 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight is 159 grams. Compact, fits perfectly in the hand due to the small roundness of the body at the back. Not slippery, although from the photographs many people think that it should slip out of their hands, but this does not happen. This size is one of the most popular on the market and is liked by most buyers.

Compared to Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Display

The presence of a SuperAMOLED screen has always been an advantage of the A-series; the technical characteristics of this display are as follows: 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display.

For my taste, the quality of the screen is excellent for its class, it has a large reserve of brightness in automatic mode, the display is easy to read in the sun, just like the previous year’s model (in the S7 EDGE the screen has greater brightness, as a result, it is even better in the sun) .

The screen has an AlwaysOn Display option, that is, you can see application icons, clocks or pictures all the time, the screen operation does not drain the battery much, in 12 hours it’s a couple of percent. Until now, this function has not been widely available in the mid-price segment, which makes the 2017 A5 stand out and puts it on par with Samsung flagships.

In terms of all its characteristics, the screen in the 2017 A5 outperforms its competitors; there is nothing better in this segment. As a result, this is one of the strengths of the model. I also like the fact that they brought here automatic brightness adjustment to suit your preferences; in the first two weeks the phone “gets used to” you and is adjusted to your taste.

Battery

The built-in Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh, supports fast charging (1 hour 20 minutes). There is no built-in wireless charging, which is found in flagship models.

In mixed mode, the device lives quietly for two days with 3-5 hours of screen operation, data transmission in LTE and two hours of calls.

Play unconverted video in HD quality in MX Player at maximum brightness - up to 19 hours! This is an excellent indicator considering the size of the battery; many Chinese show comparable results on a 5000 mAh battery.

The operating time of the 2017 A5 becomes its strong point; even with a heavy load, it will not be possible to discharge it faster than in a day; on average, this is two days. Those who use only calls can easily count on 5-6 days of work; of course, it all depends on the operator and the number of these calls. But in general, we can state the fact that operating time is the strong point of this model.

Traditionally, there is a power saving mode, when the screen backlight and processor frequency are limited. In this mode, many will not experience problems with the operation of the device, but the operating time will increase by at least 20 percent. In maximum energy saving mode, everything on the screen turns gray, and the device can provide hours of operation even with a small charge.

Communication capabilities

GPS/GLONASS works perfectly, a cold start takes about ten seconds, navigation works perfectly, there are no problems. By the way, this distinguishes A-brands from many Chinese companies, where the implementation of antennas is such that you can expect anything from typical functions.

Another strong point is the support of almost all necessary LTE frequencies, here the device also shows its strengths (analogs in this price segment cannot boast of this; as a rule, they save on antennas).

Finally, the device has NFC and ANT+ support, which will appeal to those who use sports sensors. Bluetooth version 4.2.

If we talk about Wi-Fi, then it uses 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4+5 GHz, there is a repeater mode (distributing a Wi-Fi signal to other devices as an access point).

The version is USB 2.0, but the USB Type C (1.0) connector is used, so fans of modern connectors will be happy; for the rest, it’s time to come to terms with the transition to the new standard.

Memory, RAM, performance

Samsung uses its own chipsets in A-series models, which can be considered a plus; they are improving year by year. For example, in 2016, chipsets in the A-series were made at 28 nm, now it is 14 nm, which gives an increase in performance and operating time. The chipset in the A5 2017 is Exynos 7880, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), Mali-T830MP3 graphics processor.

In synthetic tests, this processor performed well. In real life, everything also works perfectly, you will not feel any shortcomings in performance, the model is at the same level, and the safety margin will last for at least a couple of years.

The device has 32 GB of internal memory (23.1 GB available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. 3 GB of RAM, which is enough for most consumers. And given the screen resolution, everything becomes very good, this solution is balanced, and there are no noticeable compromises.

Camera

The front camera is 16 megapixels (f/1.9), as usual, there is no autofocus, so it’s worth finding the distance from which the pictures are best taken, this is about half a meter, that is, an outstretched arm. The quality of the front camera is good, but don't expect anything special from it; after all, the main camera is better. There is a traditional improvement in skin color and tone, you can enlarge your eyes, and at the same time make your face thinner. Girls will definitely like these “improvements”.

The main camera is 16-megapixel (f/1.9), of course, there is autofocus, as well as additional shooting modes, including PRO, but it differs from the flagships, since the camera is simpler. This camera is on par with the best Chinese manufacturers or a little better, that is, it gives good, rich pictures during the day and indoors; in the dark it is not so good, but this is generally typical for this segment. There is no 4K mode when recording video, but it is unlikely that consumers of this device need it so much, since recording regular FullHD video will completely satisfy them.

Look at the examples of pictures and videos, I think they will all tell you about the quality of the camera.

Software

The model was originally released on Android 6.0.1, but many interface elements are similar to what we see in Android 7 and Clean UI on S7/S7 EDGE. I advise you to read about what appeared in Android 7, since this model will soon receive this version of the OS.

I won’t describe the standard Android functions; you can read about them in a detailed review.

Unlike top models, there is a built-in FM radio, which looks like a nice bonus.

When using KNOX, you can install any program in duplicate, for example, install two WhatsApp messengers on one device and use them for each SIM card (two numbers, two messengers). You can even correspond with yourself. Exactly the same trick can be done with any software; not a single phone allows you to simultaneously work with two instant messengers on the same device with different numbers. Today, many Chinese manufacturers offer something similar in their smartphones, but the implementation is different everywhere.

Of course, this model supports the Samsung Pay service.

I will not dwell on standard software from Samsung, for example, S Health, you can find relevant articles on our website.

Impression

The vibration alert is average, the ringer volume is also average - perhaps I would like there to be more headroom, but the phone is still audible, and you can feel it in your pockets when it vibrates. Rather, there is no reserve in terms of volume, but how will anyone perceive this moment? The device cannot be called quiet.

I liked the 2017 A5, as well as this entire series, and the previous models. The strengths remain exactly the same - excellent materials and design of the case, bright and eye-catching design, which is complemented by AlwaysON Display; competitors have nothing like that. When choosing between models in this series, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the 2017 A3 is aimed at those who make more calls, spend less time online, and watch movies. An excellent compact phone with a long battery life, I’ll talk about it in a separate review.

You can choose the 2017 A7 for its screen size, 5.7 inches versus 5.2 in the A5. However, in other respects these devices are almost similar, everything is the same. In the table you can see how all A-series devices differ.

The price of the 2017 A5 in Russia is 27,990 rubles; for comparison, the previous year’s model costs 21,990 rubles. In my opinion, the advantage of the 2017 device is obvious: IP68 protection, AlwaysOn Display, updated Android and new operating modes, increased battery life, better performance. In a word, it’s worth finding the money and buying an updated model; it will definitely last longer.

Oddly enough, in the Samsung lineup there is another competitor for this device, this is the Galaxy S6, a flagship from two years ago, which today sells for 30,000 rubles. It doesn't have memory cards or water protection, but it does support Gear VR, which the 2017 A5 doesn't have. Usually, previous flagships act as stronger models than the current middle class, but when comparing these devices, everything is not so clear; I would still recommend the A5 2017.

In the Apple line there is an old iPhone 6, its 16 GB version costs 28,990 rubles (refurbished device) or more than 35,000 rubles. In my opinion, it does not have any advantages, it loses in terms of screen, memory, and service life; there is no protection from water even close. In a word, here you are only buying a brand name and quite old hardware with the worst prospects for updates in the short term. If you want an iPhone, look at the new models, but be prepared to pay more.

A good alternative is the Huawei Nova; this 5-inch model also has 3 GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, a similar battery, and comparable cameras. But the IPS screen is something to keep in mind, there is also no water resistance, and of course there is no Samsung Pay. The price of this device is 23,000 rubles, which is noticeably cheaper and quite justified, taking into account other characteristics. But the performance of the device is not bad and it looks good.

If you look at models with water protection, then nothing but the Sony Xperia X Performance comes to mind. But the price of this device in federal networks is 40 thousand rubles; it belongs to a completely different class of devices, as evidenced by the use of Snapdragon 820. At the same time, other characteristics are very similar to the A5 2017, so they can be compared. It is more profitable to purchase the A5, since Sony does not have any special advantages at a higher price. The model is already a year old, now it will be replaced by an updated version, it will be shown in the coming days. But the price will not be lower, and as a result, it will not be able to become a competitor.

With your permission, I will not take into consideration a huge bunch of Chinese models, after all, their positioning is completely different, these are C-brands with all the ensuing consequences. Samsung has come up with a very interesting, high-quality model that will become a bestseller in the mid-price segment. This device looks good, lasts a long time and offers a set of features that will satisfy anyone who is not ready to buy flagship products. The phone has its own face, moreover, it is easy to remember. You should definitely take a closer look at this device if you are looking for a 5-inch Android smartphone.

Advantages

Workmanship
Protection class IP69
Very good battery life

Flaws

Middle chamber
Sensitive back panel

• Price-quality ratio
  Great
• Place in the overall ranking
  66 out of 200

• Price/quality ratio: 82
• Performance and Control (35%): 77.8
• Equipment (25%): 80.9
• Battery (15%): 92.8
• Display (15%): 88.7
• Camera (10%): 67.4

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B O The larger of the two models, Galaxy A5, is offered by the manufacturer at a recommended price of 28,000 rubles, but many sellers are already asking a little less for it - from 22,000 rubles (as of mid-February).

Samsung Galaxy A5 is equipped with a 5.2-inch display with Full-HD resolution. Within the walls of the test laboratory, the panel looked very convincing due to its good brightness and decent contrast. Useful feature: a mode called “Always On”. In it, a mid-range smartphone informs the user about notifications, current time and battery status with minimal energy consumption.

Inside the Galaxy A5 is a Samsung-developed Exynos 7880 processor, which is supported by 3 GB of RAM. During the practical test, of course, this mobile phone is clearly inferior in terms of performance, which has a more powerful processor. Built-in storage is limited to 32 GB, but can be expanded via MicroSD cards up to 256 GB.

After the criticism was taken into account by the manufacturer, in addition to expandable internal memory, the smartphone is also equipped with a waterproof case. In particular, thanks to compliance with the IP69 standard, the Galaxy A5 (2017) can withstand even 30 minutes of immersion in water (to a depth of 1.5 m).

Solid middle class: Samsung wants to conquer the market with the Galaxy A5 (2017)

16 megapixels in double packaging

In terms of camera characteristics, Samsung clearly did not skimp when creating the Galaxy A5 (2017). Cameras with a resolution of 16 megapixels each are installed on both the front and back sides of the body. The main camera offers users a focal length of 27 mm and an aperture of f/1.9. First of all, it is the “main” camera that produces decent and clear images. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a bit disappointing. Here, the shooting results are much darker and poorer in detail. The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) shoots video only in Full-HD resolution.

The 3000 mAh battery also turned out to be convincing. Overall, the battery lasted 9 hours and 12 minutes during our endurance test. Thanks to the fast charging function, the Galaxy A5 (2017) requires 1 hour 54 minutes to fully restore its energy reserves.

Samsung Galaxy A5: it uses two cameras with a resolution of 16 megapixels

Is this the right price?

Samsung doesn't make many mistakes with the Galaxy A5 in 2017. We miss the image stabilization for the main camera, and the results from the front camera seem disappointing. But the price dynamics for the Galaxy A5 (2017) are getting really interesting. Although the price-quality ratio here is quite good, however, at a cost of about 450 euros, the Galaxy S7 is already in close proximity.

In addition, Samsung adds several items to the list of equipment in the S7, and the main camera of the top-level model is much more convincing. Moreover, when the S8 hits the market at the end of March, prices for the S7 should probably drop even more. We can only hope that the retail price of the Galaxy A5 will also be adjusted accordingly.

Alternative options

Samsung Galaxy S7

In the meantime, you can get it by paying from 29,000 rubles. Thus, this alternative option is only slightly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017). The Galaxy S7's 32GB internal memory can also be expanded using a MicroSD memory card.

Additionally, our currently "Number 3" smartphone ranking is waterproof according to IP certification standards. Superb performance, a really good camera and a great display complete the list of talents of this top-end smartphone.

Honor 6X

Using this example, the manufacturer once again proves: a good smartphone should not cost exorbitant amounts of money. At the same time, a large middle-class device with its dual camera differs from many available “comrades-in-arms”. In professional mode, the dual camera allows you to get very good results. However, it is not ideal.

TEST RESULTS
Productivity and management (35%)
Equipment (25%)
Battery (15%)
Display (15%)
Camera (10%)
CONCLUSION The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) brings to the market an excellent mid-range smartphone that features high performance, a good battery and a bright display. In addition, Samsung has equipped the device with a waterproof case, fast charging function and a fingerprint scanner.	81.4% OVERALL RESULT

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) test results

Characteristics and test results of Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

Price-quality ratio	82
OS during testing	Android 6.0 with Samsung TouchWiz
Current OS	Android 7
Is there an OS update planned?	Android 8
App Store
Weight	159
Length x Width	146 x 73 mm;
Thickness	8.0 mm;
Expert design review	Fine
Expert assessment of work speed	Fine
Download speed: PDF 800 KB via WLAN	6.8 s
Download speed: main chip.de via WLAN	0.8 s
Download speed: chip.de test chart via WLAN	14.0 s
Sound quality (speakerphone)	Fine
CPU	Samsung Exynos 7880
Processor architecture
CPU frequency	1.900 MHz
Number of CPU cores	8
RAM capacity	3.0 GB
Battery: capacity	3.000 mAh
Battery: easy to remove	-
Battery: surfing time	11:27 h:min
Battery: charging time	1:54 h:min
Fast charging function	Yes
Charger and fast charging cable included
Battery: discharging time/charging time	6,0
Wireless charging function	-
WLAN	802.11n, ac
Voice over LTE
LTE: frequencies	800, 1.800, 2.600 MHz
LTE: Cat. 4	up to 150 Mbit/s
LTE: Cat. 6	up to 300 Mbit/s
LTE: Cat. 9	-
LTE: Cat. 12	-
Screen: type	OLED
Screen: diagonal	5.2 inches
Screen: size in mm	64 x 115 mm;
Screen: resolution	1.080 x 1.920 pixels
Screen: Dot Density	425 ppi
Screen: max. brightness in a dark room	447.1 cd/m²
Screen: staggered contrast in a bright room	32:1
Screen: staggered contrast in a dark room	145:1
Camera: resolution	15.9 megapixels
Camera: measured resolution	1,625 line pairs
Camera: expert assessment of image quality	Fine
Camera: VN1 noise	1.5 VN1
Camera: minimum focal length	3.6 mm;
Camera: minimum shooting distance	8 cm;
Camera: Shutter Time with Autofocus	1.15 s
Camera: optical stabilizer	-
Camera: autofocus	Yes
Camera: flash	LED
Video resolution	1.920 x 1.080 pixels
Front camera: resolution	15.9 megapixels
LED indicator	-
Radio	Yes
SIM card type	Nano-SIM
Dual SIM	-
Protection against dust and moisture (IP certificate)	IP68
Fingerprint's scanner
User accessible memory	23.1 GB
Memory card slot	Yes
USB connector	Type-C-USB 2.0
Bluetooth	4.2
NFC	Yes
Headphone output	3.5 mm;
HD Voice	Yes
SAR	0.52 W/kg
Firmware version during testing	A520FXXU1APLL
Test date	2017-02-01