Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) presents itself as a well-constructed device, combining durability and elegance. The smartphone features a glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, delivering a premium feel. The aluminum frame adds to the structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight profile. The dimensions of 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm and weight of 157 grams make it a manageable and comfortable device for everyday use. Additionally, the device offers IP68 dust/water resistance, making it more resilient to the elements than many of its competitors at this price point.

Display

The Galaxy A5 (2017) boasts a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. This ensures vibrant color reproduction and excellent viewing angles. The screen occupies around 71.5% of the front panel, which provides a good balance between display size and ease of use. Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection ensures the screen is resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Powered by the Exynos 7880 chipset, the device runs an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocking at 1.9 GHz. Accompanied by Mali-T830MP3 GPU, this setup delivers decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. With 3GB of RAM, multitasking is generally smooth, although it might struggle with resource-heavy applications. The inclusion of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, upgradeable to Android 8.0 Oreo, provides a user-friendly interface with a range of software improvements.

Storage

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) provides generous storage options, with 32GB and 64GB internal storage capacities. Both configurations support expansion via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to significantly increase storage, ideal for media-heavy users.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 16 MP rear camera, which features an aperture of f/1.9 and a 27mm wide lens, promising decent low-light performance and dynamic range. The camera supports features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, with video recording capabilities at 1080p@30fps. On the front, a 16 MP selfie camera with similar specs facilitates high-quality self-portraits and video calls.

Battery Life

A 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery powers the device, providing impressive battery life. With talk time up to 16 hours on 3G and music playback up to 53 hours, the Galaxy A5 (2017) is well-suited for moderate to heavy usage throughout the day. The device supports 18W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port. It also features a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, ensuring easy and secure unlocking. Essential sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and a barometer, enhancing the overall usability of the smartphone. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide array of audio peripherals.

Network Compatibility

The device supports GSM / HSPA / LTE networks, with bands covering 2G, 3G, and 4G platforms. This makes the Galaxy A5 (2017) versatile and capable of high-speed connectivity, with LTE Cat6 delivering download speeds up to 300 Mbps.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio setup includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, providing flexible listening options. Audio quality is decent, with noise suppression and crosstalk in acceptable ranges, ensuring good sound reproduction for calls and media playback.

Color Options and Variants

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is available in various color options, including Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist, and Peach Cloud. This variety allows consumers to choose a model that best fits their style. The device is available in several model numbers, including SM-A520F, SM-A520K, and SM-A520W, with variations catering to different market needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) stands out as a solid mid-range smartphone option, offering a good mix of features, design, and performance at an accessible price point. While it might not match newer models in raw power or camera advancements, it remains a reliable choice for users seeking a balanced device with modern features.