Samsung’s Galaxy A series began life as a mid-range handset aimed at a younger, stylish consumer, and became a firm favourite of many people. Mainly, thanks to its design and range of features.
Recently, Samsung announced the latest Galaxy A series, which includes the 5.7-inch A7, 5.2-inch A5, and 4.7-inch A3 smartphones.
As with previous years, there is no naming change with the A series. The only differentiator being the year – 2017 – added.
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A Series
In terms of design, Samsung has graduated from the square-edged design of previous models and aligned the 2017 A series with the design style of its more recent S series handsets.
“At Samsung, we are always trying to ensure our customers have the most advanced products on the market,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The latest Galaxy A series is a testament to this. We integrated our unique approach to design, as well as the features Galaxy customers have come to love, to provide added performance without compromising on style.”
Features
The three phones have a range of updated features:
- 16MP rear-facing camera on both the A7 and A5; 13MP rear-facing camera on the A3
- 16MP front-facing camera on both the A7 and A5; 8MP front-facing camera on the A3
- 3GB RAM on both the A7 and A5; 2GB RAM on the A3
- 32GB onboard storage (expandable) on both the A7 and A5; 16GB onboard storage (expandable) on the A3
- Metal body and 3D glass back
- IP68 rating
- USB type-C port (both the A7 and A5 also include Samsung’s Fast Charge Technology)
- Always On display
- Samsung Pay
Specifications
Full specifications of the 2017 A series:
1. Galaxy A3
| Network | LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators |
| Display | 4.7” HD Super AMOLED |
| AP | 1.6GHz Octa Core |
| OS | Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) |
| Camera | Rear : 13MP (F1.9), Front : 8MP (F1.9) |
| Video | MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio | MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus |
| Additional features |
MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option * Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC) |
| Sensor | Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall, Fingerprint Scanner, Barometer |
| IP Code | IP68 |
| Memory |
2GB RAM + 16GB Storage Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) |
| Dimension | 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9mm |
| Battery | 2,350mAh |
2. Galaxy A5
| Network | LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators |
| Display | 5.2” FHD Super AMOLED |
| AP | 1.9GHz Octa Core |
| OS | Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) |
| Camera | Rear : 16MP (F1.9), Front : 16MP (F1.9) |
| Video | MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio | MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus |
| Additional features |
MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option * Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC, eSE) |
| Sensor |
Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall Fingerprint scanner, Barometer |
| IP Code | IP68 |
| Memory |
3GB RAM + 32GB Storage Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) |
| Dimension | 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9mm |
| Battery | 3,000mAh, Fast Charging |
3. Galaxy A7
| Network | LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators |
| Display | 5.7” FHD Super AMOLED |
| AP | 1.9GHz Octa Core |
| OS | Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) |
| Camera | Rear : 16MP (F1.9), Front : 16MP (F1.9) |
| Video | MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio | MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus |
| Additional features |
MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option * Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C,NFC (UICC, eSE) |
| Sensor |
Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall Fingerprint scanner, Barometer |
| IP Code | IP68 |
| Memory |
3GB RAM + 32GB Storage Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) |
| Dimension | 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9mm |
| Battery | 3,600mAh, Fast Charging |
According to Samsung, the Galaxy A will be available in Russia in early-January and will be expanded to global markets during the year.
Pricing and availability for South Africa have not yet been confirmed.