Get to Know the 2017 Edition of the Samsung Galaxy A Series

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Person Holding Silver Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
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The 2017 edition of the Samsung Galaxy A series is a line of Android smartphones that offers a mix of style, functionality, and affordability. It was released in March 2017.

The Galaxy A (2017) was available in four different models: the A3, A5, A7, and A9. Each model had its own unique features and specifications.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A series is its sleek and slim design. The devices have a premium look and feel, making them a great option for those who want a stylish smartphone without breaking the bank.

The Galaxy A series was powered by Samsung's Exynos processor, which provided fast and efficient performance. This made the devices ideal for tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and using social media.

General Information

The 2017 edition of the Samsung Galaxy A series was a significant update to the previous year's models.

The series included four different models: the Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A7, and Galaxy A9.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) - What you need to know

Each model had a different screen size, ranging from 4.7 inches to 6 inches.

The Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7 had a more premium feel with metal frames and glass backs.

The Galaxy A5 had a 5.2-inch screen and a 13-megapixel camera, while the Galaxy A7 had a 5.5-inch screen and a 16-megapixel camera.

The Galaxy A9 had a 6-inch screen and a 13-megapixel front camera.

All models had a fingerprint reader on the home button for added security.

Recommended read: Samsung Galaxy Camera

Models and Variants

The 2017 edition of the Samsung Galaxy A series offered a range of models to suit different tastes and budgets.

The Galaxy A3 (2017) was the smallest of the series, featuring a 4.7-inch touchscreen display and a 1.6GHz octa-core processor.

It had a 2,300mAh battery and came in two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) was a step up in terms of size and features, with a 5.2-inch display and a 1.9GHz octa-core processor.

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Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Evolution - Every Samsung Android Phone

It had a 3,000mAh battery and came in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options.

The Galaxy A7 (2017) was the largest of the series, with a 5.7-inch display and a 1.9GHz octa-core processor.

It had a 3,300mAh battery and came in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options.

The Galaxy A3 (2017), Galaxy A5 (2017), and Galaxy A7 (2017) all had a similar design language, with a metal unibody and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) also had a fingerprint sensor on the home button, making it easy to unlock your phone.

The Galaxy A3 (2017) had a 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) had 13-megapixel and 16-megapixel rear cameras, respectively.

All three models ran on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, with a promise of future software updates.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) also had a higher-resolution display, with a Quad HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

The Galaxy A3 (2017) had a slightly lower resolution display, with a HD resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.

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Design and Build

White Ipad and Samsung Smartphone
Credit: pexels.com, White Ipad and Samsung Smartphone

The 2017 edition of the Samsung Galaxy A series was designed with a focus on sleek and modern aesthetics. The Galaxy A3, A5, and A7 all featured a slim metal body with a premium feel.

The Galaxy A5 and A7 boasted a 5.7-inch and 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display, respectively, which provided vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The Galaxy A3, on the other hand, had a smaller 4.7-inch display.

The Galaxy A5 and A7 also shared a similar design language, with a fingerprint sensor located on the home button and a sleek glass finish on the back.

Size

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a solid design that's worth noting. The device retains a non-removable battery like its predecessor, rated at 3000mAh with fast-charging capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A5 (2017) is its water-resistant design, which provides IP68 protection. This means the device can withstand being submerged in water, making it a great choice for those who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

A Samsung Galaxy Buds on a Yellow Surface
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The Galaxy A5 (2017) also features a 3D glass backing with Gorilla Glass 4, which provides added protection against scratches and drops. This is a nice touch, especially considering the device's sleek and premium design.

Here's a brief overview of the Galaxy A5 (2017) variants and their corresponding features:

Each variant has its own unique features and region-specific availability, so it's worth doing some research to determine which one is right for you.

Design and Build

The design process is a crucial part of the Design and Build method. This involves creating a detailed plan and design for the project, including its layout, materials, and features.

A good design should take into account the site's topography, climate, and environmental conditions. This ensures that the building is not only functional but also sustainable.

The design process typically involves creating a series of sketches, models, and computer-aided designs (CAD). These visual aids help to communicate the design to stakeholders and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Close-up of a Samsung phone surrounded by transparent cases on a purple surface, showcasing modern technology.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Samsung phone surrounded by transparent cases on a purple surface, showcasing modern technology.

A well-designed building can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers or tenants. It can also reduce maintenance costs and energy consumption.

The design should also consider the building's lifespan and potential for future modifications. This involves using durable materials and designing for flexibility and adaptability.

Incorporating green building principles can also enhance the design. This includes using natural light, ventilation, and insulation to reduce energy consumption.

The design should also take into account the site's zoning regulations and building codes. This ensures that the project complies with local laws and regulations.

The design process should involve collaboration with stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. This ensures that everyone's needs and expectations are met.

The design should also consider the project's budget and timeline. This involves making cost-effective decisions and prioritizing tasks to ensure the project stays on track.

Hardware & Performance

The Galaxy A5 2017 has a decent upgrade on the inside, making it significantly faster than last year's model. An octa-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.9GHz and a Mali-T830 GPU provide a boost in performance.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Review - How Good Is It Really?

The phone now has 3GB of RAM, a doubling from the previous 2GB, and 32GB of internal storage, which is double the storage capacity of its predecessor.

You'll still find TouchWiz, Samsung's user interface, on the Galaxy A5 2017, but it's been slimmed down and is now much more user-friendly.

The phone has a lot of preinstalled software, leaving only 22.7GB of the 32GB available out of the box.

The interface feels smooth and fluid, and you can always add more storage with up to 256GB possible via the microSD slot.

In our performance benchmarks, the Galaxy A5 2017 showed decent results, making it a genuinely usable device in real-world use.

The phone recorded a single-core score of 775 points and a multi-core result of 4125 points in Geekbench 4, which is right up there with many of today's flagships.

The Galaxy A5 2017 also performed well in the AnTuTu 6 benchmark, scoring 60,437 points, although this is significantly lower than the score of some high-end devices.

For casual gaming, the phone should have no problem, with decent gaming framerates of 33fps, 15fps, 9fps, and 5fps in GFXBench's T-Rex, Manhattan, Manhattan 3.1, and Car Chase components, respectively.

Connectivity and Extras

Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface outdoors during sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface outdoors during sunset.

The Samsung Galaxy A series has come a long way in terms of connectivity.

The Galaxy A5 2017 is a single-SIM model, but dual-SIM versions are available in other territories.

You'll need to check the specifications to ensure it will work on your network.

With a fingerprint scanner built into a physical home button, you can easily secure your phone.

NFC is also present, making mobile payments through Android Pay or Samsung Pay possible.

However, Samsung Pay is not yet available in the UK, so you won't find the app preinstalled.

The phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have been upgraded to support the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.

You'll also get GPS with GLONASS and OTG, which is convenient for navigation and file transfer.

One feature you won't find is an IR blaster, which would have allowed for universal remote control capabilities.

Additionally, the heart-rate scanner is also missing, which was a feature on last year's model.

Cameras

The cameras on the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 are a significant improvement over the previous year's model, with both the rear and front cameras now rated at 16Mp.

Credit: youtube.com, Kylie's Road Trip Companion | Samsung Galaxy A (2017)

One of the key features of the camera app is its range of real-time filters, which include several beauty options to help you look your best in photos.

The cameras have an aperture of f/1.9, which allows for excellent, lifelike colours in your photos. I've noticed that this aperture setting also helps to capture sufficient detail in low-light conditions.

The camera app also offers a range of presets, including Auto, Pro, Panorama, Hyperlapse, HDR, Night, and Food modes, as well as the ability to download more options.

The display itself can act as a flash for the selfie camera, which is a convenient feature when you're taking photos in low-light conditions.

For more insights, see: Light Phone

Software

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. This is a step down from some of the newer Samsung models, which are now running Android Nougat.

TouchWiz has been refined over the years and is no longer a resource hog. It's a significant improvement over its previous versions.

Credit: youtube.com, Galaxy TAB A: How to Software Update to Latest Android Version

The drop-down notification bar has been enhanced with quick settings that are very cleanly listed. Gone are the circular buttons of old, replaced by a more streamlined design.

The Settings menu also mirrors this clean layout, with a single long list instead of categories. It's a big change from the cluttered settings menu of old.

New wallpapers react to movement by changing color, adding a fun touch to the device. They're a nice bonus feature.

The Galaxy A5 2017 also introduces features like the ability to take longer screenshots, perfect for capturing web pages or text conversations. This is a great addition for anyone who likes to take notes or save information.

One-handed operation and games modes are also available, making it easier to use the device with one hand or to play games without distractions.

Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has a 5.2in full-HD SuperAMOLED screen, always-on display.

This screen is a great feature for those who want to stay connected without having to turn on the entire phone. The screen is also quite large, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 (2017) - Specs and Features

The phone runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with TouchWiz, giving you a familiar and user-friendly interface.

The processor is a 1.9GHz Eynos octa-core processor, which is fast and efficient for everyday tasks.

Here are some key specs to keep in mind:

  • 5.2in full-HD SuperAMOLED screen
  • Always-on display
  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with TouchWiz
  • 1.9GHz Eynos octa-core processor
  • 3GB RAM
  • 32GB storage
  • microSD up to 256GB
  • IP68
  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • NFC
  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • 16Mp, f/1.9 rear camera
  • 16Mp, f/1.9 front camera
  • 3,000mAh non-removable battery
  • Fast charging
  • USB-C

The phone's design is sleek, with dimensions of 146.1×71.4×7.9mm.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is priced at £369.99 in the UK, although you can find it cheaper if you shop around online.

The Galaxy A5 2017 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with a new always-on display, IP68 waterproofing, and a slightly higher-capacity battery.

In the UK, you can buy the Galaxy A5 2017 SIM-free for £399, which is a steep price considering its mid-range status.

The Galaxy A5 2017 is available on contract, with prices starting at £27.50 per month.

You can find a wide range of cases and accessories for the Galaxy A5 2017, including official Samsung cases and third-party options like the Olixar FlexiShield Samsung Galaxy A5 Gel Case, which costs just £4.99.

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing the New Samsung Galaxy A (2017)

The Galaxy A5 2017's pricing is a bit of a mixed bag, with some retailers offering discounts and others charging full price.

The Galaxy A7 2017, on the other hand, is expected to cost around 500 Euros, although the exact price has not been confirmed.

The Galaxy A5 2017 is available in Europe in February, with prices expected to drop rapidly in the months following its release.

In Russia and Asia, the Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5 2017 are available in early and late January, respectively.

The Galaxy A5 2017's RRP has shot up from £319 to £399, taking it away from the affordable mid-ground and dangerously close to flagship territory.

Nancy Rath

Copy Editor

Nancy Rath is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, syntax, and style, she has honed her skills in ensuring that articles are polished and engaging. Her expertise spans a range of categories, including digital presentation design, where she has a particular interest in the intersection of visual and written communication.

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