Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and More

Body and Design

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) boasts an elegant design with premium materials, setting it apart in its segment. The device features a glass front and back made from Gorilla Glass 4, providing durability and a premium feel. Its aluminum frame adds a touch of sophistication, making it both aesthetically pleasing and solid in hand. The phone measures 144.8 x 71 x 7.3 mm and weighs 155 grams, offering a comfortable and balanced grip.

Display

The Galaxy A5 (2016) sports a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, equating to a pixel density of approximately 424 pixels per inch. This ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, with deep contrasts and bright colors, making it ideal for media consumption. The use of Super AMOLED technology also contributes to better visibility in direct sunlight.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Exynos 7580 Octa chipset with an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. In some markets, particularly China, the device features a Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset. The device houses the Mali-T720MP2 GPU, and for the Chinese market, the Adreno 405 GPU is used, enhancing the gaming and graphic performance.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. While the internal storage might seem limited, it can be expanded via microSDXC, using the shared SIM slot in the dual SIM model. This flexibility is useful for users who require additional space for apps and media.

Camera

The device is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring f/1.9 aperture, autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS), allowing users to capture sharp and clear images. Additional camera features include LED flash, panorama, and HDR support. It can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture, also capable of 1080p video recording, making it suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

Powering the Galaxy A5 (2016) is a non-removable 2900 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering a substantial endurance rating of 91 hours. The device supports 18W wired fast charging, which is convenient for quickly topping up battery life. Official figures suggest a talk time of up to 16 hours over 3G and up to 75 hours of music playback, making it reliable for extended usage.

Operating System

Initially launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, the Galaxy A5 (2016) is upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat. This upgrade ensures users have access to improved features and security, enhancing the overall user experience.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, UMTS, HSPA, and LTE, delivering robust connectivity options. It supports 4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, and 40, with download speeds up to 300 Mbps. Wireless connectivity is facilitated through Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and FM radio. The microUSB 2.0 port supports USB OTG for data transfer and peripheral connectivity.

Sound and Multimedia

For audio, the Galaxy A5 (2016) includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatile listening options. The audio quality is decent with noise suppression and crosstalk measurements at -93.4dB and -53.0dB respectively. This is suitable for regular music listeners and call clarity.

Sensors

The smartphone is equipped with several sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and quick unlocking, an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the user experience by supporting various apps and features that rely on motion and orientation.

Colors and Pricing

The Galaxy A5 (2016) was released in several color options: Black, White, Gold, and Pink, appealing to a broad range of consumer preferences. When launched, the device was priced around 160 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option within the mid-range segment.

Conclusion

While the Galaxy A5 (2016) has been discontinued, it remains a noteworthy option for users seeking a well-balanced smartphone experience. It combines a premium design, reliable performance, and reasonable pricing, making it a solid choice during its time. Despite advancements in the smartphone industry, the A5 (2016) holds its own in offering essential features with a touch of elegance.