Samsung Galaxy A9 2016 Specs Prices & Pros and Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016) showcases a premium design with a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and a sturdy aluminum frame. This combination lends the device a sleek and modern look. The dimensions are 161.7 x 80.9 x 7.4 mm, and it weighs 200 grams, providing a solid but comfortable feel in the hand. The phone is available in several attractive colors: Pearl White, Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, and Pink, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Display

The device boasts a 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 75.9% maximizes the display area, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection ensures durability against scratches and minor impacts, maintaining the display's pristine condition over time.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy A9 (2016) is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 processor, featuring an octa-core CPU with four Cortex-A72 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.4 GHz. This architecture ensures a balance between performance and power efficiency, capable of handling everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The Adreno 510 GPU supports smooth graphics rendering for gaming enthusiasts.

The device is equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps and media files. The inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot allows for expansion up to an additional 256GB, catering to users who require more storage capacity for their files and applications.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016) initially runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, but it is upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. This upgrade provides improved features, enhanced performance, and better security options. The user interface is Samsung's TouchWiz, offering a range of customization options and features unique to Samsung devices, enhancing the overall user experience.

Camera

Main Camera

The rear camera is a 13 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, 28mm wide lens, autofocus, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which aids in capturing sharp and stable images, especially in low-light conditions. The camera supports features like an LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and it can record videos at 1080p@30fps, ensuring clear and high-quality video recording.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor with a wide 24mm lens and an f/1.9 aperture, ideal for selfies and video calls. It also supports full HD video recording at 1080p@30fps, making it well-suited for vlogs and live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Battery

The device houses a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, providing extended usage time, with an endurance rating of 103 hours. It supports 18W fast charging via a microUSB 2.0 port, which allows it to recharge rapidly, minimizing downtime and keeping the device ready for use throughout the day.

Connectivity

The Galaxy A9 (2016) comes equipped with comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band support, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, EDR, and LE support ensures seamless pairing with other devices. It also features GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for precise location tracking, NFC for contactless payments, and an FM radio with RDS and recording feature for those who enjoy traditional media.

Additional Features

The device is equipped with several sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, which adds a layer of security and convenience for unlocking the phone. Other sensors include an accelerometer, proximity, and compass sensor, enhancing its functionality further for users who demand more from their smartphones.

Overall Impression

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016) was a flagship entry in Samsung's A series lineup, offering a strong combination of design, display quality, and performance. Although discontinued, it remains a solid choice for users who appreciate a large display and premium design, paired with capable hardware specifications. Its upgradeability to Android Marshmallow ensures that it stays relevant, with features that cater to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts.

Overall, the Galaxy A9 (2016) is a testament to Samsung's ability to produce high-quality smartphones that deliver in terms of both aesthetics and functionality, even years after their initial release. Whether for media consumption, photography, or efficient multitasking, this device continues to hold its ground in the ever-evolving smartphone market.