Samsung Galaxy A3 Comprehensive Review Pricing and Features

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy A3

In December 2014, Samsung introduced the world to the Samsung Galaxy A3, a compact and elegant addition to its mid-range smartphone lineup. The Galaxy A3 brought several intriguing features that made it stand out among its peers in the competitive smartphone market. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a noteworthy example of Samsung's innovation during that era.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy A3 is a fusion of durability and style, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 4 on the front, coupled with a plastic back and an aluminum frame. This combination not only provides a premium look but also ensures durability against everyday wear and tear. Weighing just 110.3 grams and with dimensions of 130.1 x 65.5 x 6.9 mm, the Galaxy A3 is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle, making it a convenient choice for users who prefer smaller, more compact devices.

The device comes in a variety of colors, including Pearl White, Midnight Black, Platinum Silver, Soft Pink, Light Blue, and Champagne Gold, providing users with a range of options to match their personal style.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy A3 boasts a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. With a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, the display provides a decent viewing experience for media consumption, web browsing, and social media use. Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection ensures that the screen is resistant to scratches and minor impacts, adding to the device's longevity.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy A3 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 306 GPU. This configuration ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming, although it might struggle with more demanding applications.

The device is available in two RAM configurations: 1GB and 1.5GB, paired with 16GB of internal storage. This storage capacity can be expanded via the microSDXC card slot, allowing users to store additional music, videos, and apps.

Operating System

The Galaxy A3 initially ran on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and is upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. This ensures that users have access to a host of Android features and improvements, including enhanced security, app permissions, and overall smoother performance.

Camera

The Galaxy A3 comes equipped with a single 8 MP rear camera, featuring an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus. The camera also includes LED flash and panorama capabilities, allowing users to capture essential moments with decent clarity and detail. The device supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring smooth and clear video quality for memorable events.

On the front, the phone sports a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is ideal for video calls and social media selfies. While not groundbreaking by today’s standards, the cameras on the Galaxy A3 provide satisfactory performance for everyday photography needs.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A3 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery. With a talk time of up to 12 hours on 3G and a music playtime of up to 60 hours, the battery offers decent endurance for daily use. While not the most extensive battery life on the market, it suffices for moderate smartphone usage.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Galaxy A3 supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing users with reliable connectivity options for browsing and communication. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities for wireless internet access.

The device features Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE for efficient wireless connectivity with various peripherals. Additionally, it supports positioning technologies such as GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, ensuring precise navigation.

For audio enthusiasts, the Galaxy A3 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Furthermore, the phone has an FM radio with recording capabilities, adding to its multimedia features.

NFC support is present in LTE models, allowing for convenient mobile payments and data sharing. The microUSB 2.0 port enables efficient charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

The Galaxy A3 comes equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user interaction with the device.

Its endurance rating stands at 65 hours, and the device offers an overall balanced performance for its time. With SAR EU ratings of 0.24 W/kg (head) and 0.30 W/kg (body), it adheres to safety standards for electromagnetic exposure.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A3, although discontinued, encapsulates a blend of design, functionality, and performance suitable for those seeking a compact smartphone. While newer models have surpassed it in terms of technology and features, the Galaxy A3 remains a notable choice for entry-level users or those who appreciate smaller, easy-to-handle devices.