When the update is displayed on Samsung A5. Overview: Samsung A5 (2017 year) - decent update

Samsung, for the first time, released Galaxy A5 in 2014, continued to improve the model, adding to his Arsenal for one updated A5 per year. At the time of creation of this review, the official price of Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F / DS in Russia is $ 484, and in Ukraine according to the portal Mobcompany.info - $ 408.

The updated model inherited some features previously inherent in flagmans. In comparison with the previous version, the device got a fresh processor, protection against dust and water, increased memory volumes and a USB Type-C port. But in some way the smartphone is still inferior to his predecessor.

1. Characteristics of Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

The device got a good stuffing, but if you compare it with competitors, the cost A5 SM-A520F will seem overpriced.

1.1. Design, case materials, sizes and weight

Smartphone comes in black, gold, blue and pink body color.

Most often, the domestic buyer will meet options in black and gold colors. The side faces are made of metal, the screen is protected by tempered glass with rounded edges, the rear wall is also made of glass. The curved rear panel and relatively small dimensions contribute to a good grip. However, due to the glass and the wicked form, the device constantly strives to slip out of the hands.

It seems that the manufacturer has a little overwhelmed with roundings of the corners. And yet, the frames from above and the bottom of the screen for some reason more than in the A5 2016. Subjectively, the previous version looks "cultural". But there are improvements. For example, the rear camera lens is now lying with a panel.

The body is assembled well. Moreover, it is protected from dust and water from the IP68 standard. It can be 30 minutes to lie at the depth of one and a half meters, without prejudice to the inputs of the device.

At the bottom of the screen there is a mechanical key "Home", with a built-in print scanner. On the sides of it - the touch buttons for switching back, and display the list of running applications.

It is noteworthy that the device received separate slots for setting cards. The first tray for SIM is located on the left side, next to the volume buttons. And on the top of the face there is an extra hole in which the combined slot is placed for another SIM and a memory card.

On the right face there is a power button and the lattice of the main dynamics.

On the bottom - symmetrical USB connector Type-C, a microphone hole and a 3.5 mm connector for headphones.

All this is placed in the housing with dimensions of 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, and weighing 159 grams.

1.2. CPU

The manufacturer has installed a fresh 64-bit SAMSUNG EXYNOS 7880 chipset into the smartphone, with an integrated graphic chip MALI-830 MP2. SOC includes 8 cortex-a53 cores, the maximum frequency of which reaches 1.9 GHz. The processor is made according to the modern 14-nm technical process, with all the consequences. For example, energy efficiency is improved, there is no essential heating. As a result, the level of performance does not fall at intensive loads.

Test Antitu gives the average for the current standards the result of 60 thousand points. There are no complaints to the performance of the device in everyday use. The device has enough power for almost any tasks. The exception is the most resource-intensive 3D games. For example, on the maximum graphic settings, all the favorite "tanks" turn into a slideshow. But, with the basic settings, graphics can be counted on a smooth game with 50-60 FPS.

1.3. Memory

SAMSUNG A5 2017 is equipped with 3 GB of RAM. For a device of this class, this is normal. If you do not assume that, together with the OS and the launched services, the shell from Samsung eats up a half gigabyte. The manufacturer has recently trying to optimize the shell in every possible way, but the net Android will work faster in any case.

The volume of the built-in drive is 32 GB, the user is available approximately 23 GB. By modest calculations, this with your head is enough to install an impressive list of applications, a couple of "heavy" games, and for storing the photographs and videos. The memory expansion slot is always available to install a MicroSD card with a maximum volume of 256 GB.

1.4. Autonomy

Built-in non-removable battery for 3000 mAh and the uncomfortable chip with technical process 14-nm give a good result. The device in the usual, mixed use runs up to two days from one charge. With intensive operation of the battery, there is enough for a day. Lovers Watch TV shows on the smartphone are lucky: FullHD video is reproduced for 17 hours. In HD resolution via MX Player - up to 19 hours, and on full brightness!

Extend the operation time will help the power saving mode, due to restriction of performance and other tricks. Fast charging is supported, from 0 to 100% the device is charged in just 1 hour.

1.5. Camera

SAMSUNG A5 SM-A520F is equipped with a 16 megapixel sensor of the main chamber, with an equivalent focal length of 27 mm, and aperture F / 1.9. The flash is quite bright, although it consists of one LED. An application interface for shooting is concise, easy to learn. There is a scant mode Pro. It is a separate section, which simply suffered the basic settings: ISO, white balance and exposure.

During the day, the camera takes off well, at the level of good-quality middling from China. The color reproduction of the pictures is good, close to natural, the level of detail is high enough. White balance is defined correctly, the dynamic range is wide. In the evening and at night, things are not so fun. In automatic mode, the appearance of noise, the loss of detail and the rear of bright objects is provided. In addition, the device focuses slowly, very often the blurred picture is obtained.

It affects the lack of optical stabilization. This is a significant downgrade compared with the 2016 version. But it is not all that bad. If you install a smartphone to a tripod, manually adjust the sensitivity and exposure, you can achieve an acceptable result. The maximum resolution of the recorded videos is FullHD (30 FPS). By quality, the result is not bad. But other manufacturers offer at least the possibility of shooting at 60 fps, or 2k and 4K permission.

The frontier received wide-angle optics, and can be removed with a resolution of 16 megapixel. Photos are obtained by good, but nothing special to wait. By the quality of the pictures, the front camera is significantly inferior to the main one. But there are branded chips that smooth the skin, increase their eyes and allow you to adjust the face form. Focus fixed, configured to shoot at close range. Because of what distances are obtained by non-veins. In the twilight, instead of an outbreak, the face is illuminated due to the bright screen backlight filled with a white background.

1.7. Display

The device is equipped with a 5.2-inch display with solid FullHD (1920 × 1080) resolution. Excellent image clarity is achieved due to the high density of pixels (424 PPI). The Superamoled matrix is \u200b\u200bused, with a saturated color reproduction characteristic of it, and deep black. "Divorced" gamma is regulated in the settings, if desired, you can activate more calm tones. The viewing angles are good, colors can be distorted only under extreme corners. Maximum brightness high reserve.

There is a blue filter, for those who worry about their eyes. One of the main advantages of this smartphone is the Always ON DISPLAY feature. This is a chip moving from flagship models to the middle segment. Thanks to it, the current time and date, charge level and missed notifications are displayed on the locked screen. The screen is covered with 2.5d glass, with good oleophobic coating. Touchscreen recognizes 5 touches of simultaneous touch.

1.8. Communication

SAMSUNG A5 2017 you can simultaneously install 2 Nanosim cards. A set of supported mobile networks includes 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE-A Cat6), with all the widespread frequencies. The smartphone is equipped with a Bluetooth V4.2 module, and two-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi A / B / G / N / AC. Due to the presence of NFC and MST, the machine can be used for contactless payments. Implemented support for the payment service Samsung Pay. True, the owners of the "A" series is temporarily unavailable.

For navigation and geopositioning, you can use GPS + A-GPS, GLONASS and Beidou. With the role of the navigator, the smartphone copes flawlessly: satellites finds for 10 seconds, accurately determines the location.

1.9. Sound

The external speaker received a non-standard location - on the top of the right edge.

Accordingly, it will not overlap, regardless of which position the smartphone lies on the table, or is in his hands. Undoubtedly, this is a plus, but the sound seems muffled. This is due to the fact that the speaker is protected from dust and moisture inwards using a special membrane. If you make a discount on this, the sound can be considered not bad.

It is quite clean, moderately loud, almost all musical instruments are transmitted. Is that bass not heard. When using headphones - without surprises, you can enjoy quite normal sound. There is a built-in samsung software equalizer. Also supported FM radio. The device has two microphones: one conversational, second for noise reduction.

1.10. Operating system

From the SG A5 2017 box comes with Android OS 6. The fast release of the update to Android 7 is promised. Traditionally, Samsung smartphones are installed on top of the system branded shell from the manufacturer. Only instead of TOUCHWIZ, as in Note 7, grace ui is used. A relatively new shell inherited from Touchwiz not only voracious resources. But also a pleasant eye, bright and customizable interface, with a built-in designer manager.

There are also branded software chips, also inherited in the legacy of the flagships of past years. For example, split the screen into 2 parts for two applications, control of one hand, a quick start of the camera double pressing the "Home" button and others.

1.11. Features

In order for the scanner to work, you need to make a finger at the right angle, and only when the screen is enabled. That is, to unlock the device, you first need to press the HOME button, and then scan the print. Fortunately, re-for this to press the button and spend on the scanner it is not necessary - it is enough to make a finger.

2. Pros and Cons Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

Advantages:

design (for amateur)
dust- and moisture protection of the IP68 case
at the same time, you can use two SIM and memory card.
a good display, the function "Always Active Screen", the ability to filter blue
normal autonomy

Disadvantages:

no optical stabilization
there is no possibility of shooting at 60 frames per second and in the 4K resolution
features of the scanner imprint

3. Alternatives

OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T are characterized by higher performance. Honor 8 is also more powerful, and his camera is better. Xiaomi MI 5S offers a more practical metal case and a convenient dactyloscopic sensor. Meizu Pro 6 is a music flag with 4 GB of RAM. And finally, Galaxy S6 is located in the same price category, but the camera is so cooler.

4. Our opinion about SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 (2017)

In general, Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is a good smartphone that has got the flagship chips from the "Senior Brothers". As can be seen from the review, it does not stand out for the best performance and camera among competitors. But pleases with autonomy, water and the Always on Display feature.

I want to praise the manufacturer for seeing small luggles of a large company to meet the user. We are talking about individual slots under 2 sim and memory storage, as well as a chamber module that does not stick out of the case.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 Smartphone (2017)
SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 Smartphone (2017)

Photos in the interior

Specifications

Android 6.0.1 C Clean UI, update to Android 7
5.2 inches screen, Superamoled, FullHD, 424 PPI, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic adjustment of brightness for your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, Alwayson Display
EXYNOS 7880 chipset, 8 cores to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), MALI-T830MP3 graphics processor
3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of Integrated Memory (the user is available from the box of about 23 GB of memory)
Battery Li-Ion 3000 mAh, fast charging, operation time in mixed mode - 2 days (test result), in 3G / 4G data transmission mode - 13/16 hours, video playback - up to 19 hours, in conversation mode - up to 16 hours
Installing two NanoSIM cards, as well as microSD memory cards (up to 256 GB)
Frontal camera 16 megapixels, f / 1.9, facial improvements (eyes, skin color, face tone)
Main Camera 16 Megapixels, F / 1.9, LED Flash, Autofocus
Two microphones, noise reduction system
Water protection IP68 Standard, up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters
FM radio
Fingerprint sensor, located on the front panel
USB Type C 1.0
4G FDD LTE - B1 (2100), B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B4 (AWS), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B17 (700), B20 (800), B28 (700); 4G FDD TDD - B38 (2600), B40 (2300), B41 (2500)
GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
Ant +, 802.11 A / B / G / N / AC 2.4 + 5GHz, NFC, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.2
Sensors - accelerometer, barometer, fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, approximation sensor, light sensor
Samsung Pay.
Color solutions: Black (Black Sky), Golden (Gold Sand), Blue (Blue Mist), Pink (Peach Cloud)
SAR value - 0.52 w / kg (head), 1.39 w / kg (body)
Dimensions - 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight - 159 grams

Contents of delivery

Smartphone
Charger with USB TYPE C Cable
Instruction
Wired stereo header
"Clip" to extract the SIM tray

Positioning

Samsung decided that the A-Series should offer models in an average price segment, and the model range was built on the basis of the size of the phones: less screen - less index. From this logic it is clear that A3 is the smallest apparatus, and A7 is the largest, while A5 turned out to be exactly a contemporary. From sales of the A-Series of 2016, it is known that A5 and the 5-inch smartphone form factor became the most popular, this unit was sold significantly better than others.

The A-series models have become iconic for the market and their price segments, when moving from the first to second generation, their sales in Russia increased markedly.

But the most important thing is that these devices can be perceived as in some extent simplified by the company's flapping of the company, but not simplified on materials. Not all buyers need flagship functions, they are ready to spend 2-3 times less money, but get a decent, reliable apparatus.

Considering that the Samsung market competes directly with Apple to some extent a-series is an answer to old iPhone models that are still present on the market. So, the A5 2017 is a clear competitor for the iPhone 6 / 6S, which is also less. Comparing with the famous Chinese, we will get into the competitors this apparatus of their line with similar positioning, for example, it can be Huawei Nova.

The A5 2017 model was created for those who want to buy a smartphone from a major producer (read, brand), while getting a good set of characteristics, decent execution and quality of materials. To some extent, the A5 2017 can be considered a universal smartphone, which can safely qualify for the title of business model. It is balanced in its capabilities, is not the most expensive, and, accordingly, this is not the flagship. This is a very reasonable choice for those who are accustomed to count money, buys a smartphone for a long time. In my opinion, it was the A5 2017 that will be a bestseller in its price segment, as it offers a number of unique finds that other companies are not. However, let's talk about this in detail.

Design, dimensions, control elements

In the A-series design to some extent inherited from senior models, the same materials of the body, no noticeable simplifications and savings. Model A5 looks expensive and stylish, and regardless of how the device you choose. There are four color solutions, there are no pink phones in Russia.

I have an A5 of black, it is a classic and looks good. The mirror surface reflects the world around, plays the light, the device looks very interesting, and the traces of hands are practically not visible. I will add something here that the screen with the screensaver can constantly work (AlwaySon Display feature), which does not have any of the competitors. In the end, we get an unusual apparatus that has no analogues on the market, it can be distinguished from any other at first glance.

If we talk about what the color is the best, then I like the blue, it is a gentle shade, very unusual, perfectly suitable girls, however, look at yourself.

Please note that the facial and rear panels are one color, as well as the side metal cant (aluminum 6000 series). In a pink color, the device also looks good, but it is just just for girls.

A golden phone to some extent rustling, but here everyone has his tastes.

The fact that the device has a glass back and the front part, it does not interfere with it, since Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is quite reliable and protected from random drops, although someone as lucky. This mechanical protection device is completely identical to Galaxy S6 EDGE, quality at level. I somehow recorded a roller about how this phone survives when a collision with sharp objects or asphalt, you can watch this video.

The innovation of the A-Series of 2017 was the protection against water, which was taken from S7 / S7 EDGE, the implementation is exactly the same. The SIM card tray is protected by rubber gaskets, microphones and dynamics - membranes, protection level - IP68, which allows the phone to be at a depth of 1.5 meters to half an hour. This does not mean that the phone needs to be washed under water and even more so with soap or something like that. But if you drop it into the water, then nothing happens to him. In this price segment of models with protection from water practically no.

Now about the control elements. Under the screen there is a mechanical key, a fingerprint sensor is selected into it, it is simplified compared to S7 / S7 EDGE, it works a little slower, but there are no problems because of this. A good solution that just works. On the sides of it - two touch keys.

On the left side of the volume are two keys to adjust the volume, on the right side - the on / off button. On the lower and upper end - on the microphone, there is a noise reduction system, it perfectly copes with its task: you are well audible in any conditions, even when the wind blends greatly into the face.

On the bottom, the 3.5 mm connector is also located for a headset or headphones and a USB Type C connector for a charger. You can see trays in the upper end and left face, the Nanosim card and the memory card is installed in the top, in the bottom - the second nanosim card. In A3, for example, installing two SIM cards and memory cards is impossible, there is a slot combined.

The speaker was located on the right side surface, due to this, it can overlap in his pocket, it will not be very well audible. The speaker itself is the average, but very pleasant.

Phone sizes - 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight - 159 grams. Compact, perfectly lies in her hand due to small roundabouts of the corps behind. Not slippery, although many people think that he should slip out of her hands, but this does not happen. This size is one of the most popular on the market, it likes most buyers.

In comparison with Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Display

The presence of a superamoled screen has always been the advantage of the A-series, the specifications of this display are as follows: 5.2 inches, Superamoled, FullHD, 424 PPI, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic adjustment of brightness for your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaySon Display.

My taste, the quality of the screen is excellent for its class, it has a lot of brightness in automatic mode, in the sun display well read, as well as the model of the previous year (in the S7 Edge screen has a large brightness, as a result, the sun is even better) .

The screen has the Alwayson Display option, that is, you can see icons of applications, hours or pictures constantly, the battery does not discharge the screen, in 12 hours this is a pair of percent. Until now, the massively of this function in the average price segment was not, which would noticeably allocate the A5 2017 and puts it in the championship with Samsung flags.

By combination of characteristics, the screen in the A5 2017 wins competitors, there is nothing better in this segment. As a result, it is one of the strengths of the model. I also like what the automatic adjustment of brightness for your preferences brought here, the first two weeks the phone "gets used to you" and is configured to your taste.

Battery

Built-in Li-Ion Battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh, a fast charge is supported (1 hour and 20 minutes). Built-in wireless charging, which has flagship models, is not here.

In mixed mode, the device calmly lives two days at 3-5 hours of screen operation, data transmission in LTE and two hours of calls.

Playing non-converted video in HD quality in MX Player at maximum brightness - up to 19 hours! This is an excellent indicator, taking into account the size of the battery, many Chinese show a comparative result on a 5000 mAh battery.

The time of work A5 2017 becomes its strength, even with a large load, discharge it faster than the day, it will not work, on average this is two days. Those who use only calls can calmly count on 5-6 days of work, of course, everything depends on the operator and the number of these calls. But in general, you can state the fact that the time of work is the strength of this model.

Traditionally, there is a power saving mode when the screen illumination is limited, the processor frequency, in this mode, many will not experience problems with the operation of the device, but the operation time will increase by 20 percent at least. In the maximum power saving mode on the screen, everything is painted in gray, and the device even with a small charge can provide opening hours.

Communication capabilities

GPS / GLONASS work is implemented perfectly, the cold start takes about ten seconds, navigation works on the top five, there are no problems. By the way, it is distinguished by A-brands from many Chinese companies, where the realization of the antenna is such that it is possible to expect anything from typical functions.

Another strong party becomes supported by almost all required LTE frequencies, then the device also manifests itself from a strong side (analogues in this price segment should not boast, as a rule, there is saving on antennas).

Finally, the device has an NFC, support for Ant + What will like to those who use sports sensors. Bluetooth version 4.2.

If we talk about Wi-Fi, then 802.11 A / B / G / N / AC 2.4 + 5GHz is used, there is a repeater mode (distribution of a Wi-Fi signal to other devices as an access point).

USB version 2.0, but USB Type C connector (1.0) is used, so that lovers of modern connectors will be happy, the rest is time to accept the transition to a new standard.

Memory, RAM, Performance

Samsung use their own chipsets in the A-series models, which can be considered a plus, they improve the year by year. For example, in 2016, chipsets in the A-series were performed on 28 Nm, now it is 14 nm, which gives an increase in productivity and work time. Chipset in the A5 2017 exynos 7880, 8 cores to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), MALI-T830MP3 graphics processor.

In synthetic tests, this processor has shown well. In real life, everything is also working on perfectly, you will not feel any drawbacks in performance, the model at the level, and the reserve of strength is enough for a couple of years at least.

Included memory in 32 GB (23.1 GB available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. RAM 3 GB, which is enough for most consumers for the eyes. And given the resolution of the screen, everything becomes quite good, this decision is balanced, and there are no noticeable compromises here.

Camera

The frontal megapixel front camera (F / 1.9), as usual, no autofocus, so it is worth finding the distance from which the pictures are best obtained, it is about half a meter, that is, an elongated hand. The quality of the front camera is good, but do not wait for something special from it, after all the main camera is better. There is a traditional improvement in the color and tone of the skin, you can enlarge your eyes, and at the same time make your face thumb. Girls these "improvements" will definitely like.

The main chamber is 16 megapixel (F / 1.9), of course, there is autofocus, as well as additional shooting modes, including Pro, but it differs from the flagships, since the camera is easier. This camera is on the same level with the best Chinese manufacturers or a little better, that is, it gives good, rich pictures during the day and indoors, in the dark it is no longer so good, but this is generally characteristic of this segment. When recording a video, there is no 4k mode, but it is hardly necessary to consumers of this device so much, since the recording of the usual FullHD video will fully satisfy them.

Look at the examples of pictures and videos, I think that they all will tell about the quality of the camera.

Software

The model initially entered Android 6.0.1, but many interface elements are similar to what we see in Android 7 and Clean UI on S7 / S7 EDGE. I advise you to read about what appeared in Android 7, since this model will soon receive this version of the OS.

Describe the standard Android functions will not, you can read about them in a detailed review.

Unlike top models, there is a built-in FM radio, which looks like a pleasant bonus.

When using KNOX, you can deliver any program in two instances, for example, install two WhatsApp messenger to one machine and use them for each SIM card (two numbers, two messenger). You can even correspond with yourself. Exactly the same trick can be done with any software, no phone allows you to simultaneously work with two messengers on one machine with different numbers. Today, many Chinese manufacturers offer something similar in their smartphones, but everywhere realization is different.

Of course, this model supports SAMSUNG PAY service.

I will not stop on the standard samsung software, for example, s Health, you can find the appropriate articles on our website.

Impression

The vibrating alert medium, the volume of the call is also medium - perhaps I would like to be more reserve, but still the phone is heard, and it felt in pockets when vibration. Rather, there is no volume in volume, but here who is how to perceive this moment, it is impossible to call a quiet apparatus.

I liked the A5 2017, as well as the whole series, and the previous models. The strengths remained smoothly the same - excellent materials and execution of the hull, bright and catchy design, to which Alwayson Display is opposed, the competitors do not have anything like. Choosing between the models of this series, I want to pay attention to the fact that the A3 2017 is focused on those who are more calling to a lesser extent in the network, watching movies. An excellent compact phone with a lot of work time, I will tell about it in a separate review.

You can choose the A7 2017 by the screen size, 5.7 inches against 5.2 in A5. However, otherwise these devices are practically similar, everything is equally. In the table you can look at how all the devices of the A-series are different.

The price A5 2017 in Russia is 27,990 rubles, for comparison, the model of the previous year costs 21,990 rubles. In my opinion, the advantage of the 2017 apparatus is obvious, it is IP68 Protection, Alwayson Display, updated Android and new operating modes, increased battery life, better performance. In a word, it is worth finding money and buy an updated model, it will surely serve longer.

Oddly enough, in the Samsung model range there is another competitor for this apparatus, it is Galaxy S6, the flagship of two years ago, which is selling today for 30,000 rubles. He has no memory cards, protection against water, but it supports Gear VR, which is not in the A5 2017. Usually, previous flagships act as stronger models than the current middle class, but in comparison of these devices everything is not so unambiguously, I would still advise the A5 of 2017.

The Apple line has an old iPhone 6, its 16 GB version costs 28,990 rubles (restored apparatus) or more than 35,000 rubles. In my opinion, it does not have any advantages, loses the screen, memory, and the service life, no protection from the water is not even close. In short, here you only buy a brand and rather old iron with the worst prospects for updates in the short term. Want an iPhone - look at new models, but be prepared to pay more.

A good alternative is Huawei Nova, in this 5-inch model also 3 GB of RAM, there is an imprint sensor, a similar battery, comparable cameras. But the IPS screen should be remembered, and there is no protection from water, and, of course, there is no Samsung Pay. The price of this device is 23,000 rubles, which is noticeably cheaper and is fully justified, given the other characteristics. But by execution, the device is not bad and looks good.

If you look at the model with protection from water, then nothing but Sony Xperia X Performance, does not come to mind. But the price of this device in federal networks - 40 thousand rubles, it relates to another class of devices, as which says the use of Snapdragon 820. At the same time, other characteristics are very similar to the A5 2017, so they can be compared. It is more profitable to purchase A5, since Sony has no special advantages at a greater price. The models are already a year, now it will be replaced by an updated version, it will be shown in the coming days. But the price will not be lower, as a result, she will not be able to become a competitor.

With your permission to take into consideration a huge bunch of Chinese models I will not, after all, their positioning is completely different, these are C-brands with all the resulting consequences. Samsung has a very interesting, high-quality model that will become a bestseller in an average price segment. This device looks good, it works for a long time and offers such a set of opportunities that will satisfy all who are not ready to buy flagship products. The phone has its own face, moreover, it is easily remembered. You should surely look at this machine if you are looking for a 5-inch android smartphone.

Not so long ago, the Samsung Smartphones line was updated. Changes were sufficient to tell about them.

SAMSUNG smartphones design at all times few people left indifferent. So it turned out this time. Stylish, but not screaming design in many ways, it turned out from the company thanks to a pleasant combination of glass and metal in the housing, each face of which very juicy refracts light. Especially the front panel with 2,5d-glass and the rear wall made of glass, elegantly bending closer to side faces. With regard to this phone, it is quite possible to call his design premium.

If you continue to develop the topic of the case, then you can mark the traditional HOME mechanical button under the screen. The button is combined with the fingerprint scanner, which works fast enough, but not always immediately configured. Due to the fact that the button, which means, the scanner itself is very narrow, during the configuration often the message falls out with a request to move the finger, and not just apply it in the same position.

The volume keys and POWER are separated on different sides of the phone, which is convenient, and do not have to search for them and memorize, what is higher and how lower. Two trays for SIM cards are also striking. In Galaxy A5 2017, the main SIM card is installed on the right side of the case, and the tray is double from above. A second SIM card and memory card is installed in the top tray. Now use the second SIM card will be even more convenient, since you do not have to choose between it and the memory card to 256 GB.

What Samsung succeeded in their smartphones is in the level of protection against water. So it turned out this time. Galaxy A5 meets the IP68 standard. That is, it is not only a hundred percent protected from dust, but also is able to spend up to 30 minutes in fresh water at a depth of one and a half meters without any consequences. It is always not unnecessary and very pleasant to allocate a smartphone against the background of direct competitors in its price segment. By the way, it is worth this phone from 22,000 rubles, which is quite a bit for a high-quality phone.

In conclusion, the features of the case can be noted that three colors are provided for it, including black, blue and gold. Although the gold color is not even very gold. At least, not as striking.

Display

The display diagonal is 5.2 inches, which is a lot, given the dimensions of the smartphone himself. The display resolution is predictable FullHD, and the matrix, of course, Super AMOLED. The display is good and bright, as it should be, given its characteristics, but it is especially pleased that it changes significantly less color when viewing at an angle than before. From pleasant add-ons, you can mark the coming to the younger models of Samsung, the Always On Display feature. Now you can display Galaxy A5 information about the date, time, battery status and basic notifications. Given the features of AMOLED-displays, it is conveniently doubly, as not only frees the owner from the obligation to periodically take the phone from the table and include it, but also does not significantly spend the battery. At the same time, the clock constantly change its position on the screen. It is easy to find an explanation from the point of view of the technological features of AMOLED-displays.

Camera

Cameras in the phone, naturally, two. Both are now 16 megapixel and with Light F / 1.9. Pictures on the main chamber are obtained very good. Actually, the Korean giant is famous for its cameras in smartphones. With bright lighting, snapshots are very clear and saturated, but it is worth a little muffle the lighting and choose a shooting object with insufficient contrast, as the camera can begin to be mistaken. The number of possible camera settings will delight many lovers to dig in manual modes. There is even a mode for shooting food that allows you to take a snapshot with a clear center, slightly blurred edges and special brightness settings. The main chamber is not that it does not repel, but, on the contrary, even slightly recessed into the housing, but it is a pity that there was no optical stabilization site.

Iron

The performance is based on the exynos 7880 processor with a frequency of 1.9 GHz and the MALI T-860 graph with a frequency of 700 MHz. RAM in the phone 3 GB. Performance iron gives more than enough for applications and almost enough for all, even the coolest games. It happens to reduce the frequency of frames, but it is far from always turning out to be critical. So the gameplay will not be overshadowed by rolling and braces. In the benchmark test Antutu Galaxy A5 gains about 60,000 points.

It is worth noting that the smartphone is predictable running Android 6, but in the near future should receive an update to the seventh version of the green robot.

The volume of built-in memory is large and is 32 GB. But only 23 GB is available to the user. Although this, too, is enough for a very large number of photos and not one album of your favorite artist. But it is still nice that it is possible to install memory cards with a volume of up to 256 GB, which I told about previously.

Sound in headphones traditional for samsung. There is nothing to add nor down. But the external speaker turned out to be very interesting. To begin with, it is worth noting where it is located. It is located on the side face, slightly above the POWER button. Original and convenient solution. Now it will definitely not be able to accidentally close with hand at any orientation of the device. True, the large holes in the case for this speaker look a little strange, but it sounds very good. Basins, naturally, no, but distinguishable high frequencies are, which is nice. The volume is although not small, but not expedient. We assume that it is above average.

02.06.2017

Preface

Hello everyone. Here, I decided to finally make a review on one of the novelties from Samsung - Galaxy A5 2017. What prompted me to buy exactly this smartphone? After all, I have a wonderful and perfectly working! Yes, it is good for everyone: both the screen, and power, and everyone can only. But there is one "but". And this is "but", in fact, overlaps the numerous advantages of this flagship of 2013. Battery. Which constantly swept up, as nothing to do. In this flagship, I already changed the batteries with a bunch, and they all worked no more than six months, and originals, and their Chinese counterparts.

And now, at the end of 2016, I saw the announcements of the updated A-series line, and the middle apparatus, with number 5, I was attracted by characteristics, and appearance. Although the price, of course, at that time was biting. So, after reading the reviews even for him, who were just started to appear, I already knew exactly that as soon as it appears on sale - I will buy it precisely! And I bought it!

Criterias of choice

For me, the camera has always been important in smartphones. Although it is clear that for high-quality frames it is better to have a mirror, but still it is nice to have a phone, and a high-quality camera in a single bottle. And if this bottle is also beautiful, then it is even better. And beautiful, you will not argue with it! Well, for me, at least.

Battery. It was important not a container, but how economically charge is spent. And according to reviews, this smartphone holds well.

Districtness and microeshness. And desirable, all together, which is rarely even with the flagships.

Protection against water and dust, well, that is, IP68 standard. There was never a secure phone yet ...

Appearance

And what I still like it is a high-quality assembly. And even though I was constantly constantly embarrassed by a peculiarity of some other smartphones with fixed batteries, one must admit that such smartphones are actually felt by monolithic. Well, although it also was different to the good quality of the assembly, it is very surpassed by this parameter.

Plus, the speaker here is located not on the back of the smartphone, and on the side. It's very cool, because when you play on a smartphone, it will not turn out to close the speaker. And when he lies on the table, the sound is overlapped, again, will not. As for me, this is the most good location. Although the sound quality before it does not reach. Yes, loud, yes there is a hint of bass. But probably, its not the best sound is caused by protection against water.

The buttons are performed quite in the spirit of Samsung, clearly and minimalist. Click clearly and do not hang in their familiar holes. As well as the Home button, to which I used to, is also present and maintains its work, part-time serving the fingerprint scanner. But more on that later.

On the back of the smartphone there are a camera and a flash. The camera does not stick out of the housing, and there is no fear of scratching eyes. The flash also does not stand out.

Screen. Display

The more - the better - I think. And therefore, to take a smartphone with a diagonal of less than five inches. And I took a smartphone with a diagonal of 5.2 inches. And permission not lower than Full HD. Because less I already see a grain of the display. And 2k so at all. Okay, this is all chatter, because it decides not permission, but the number of PPI. So? Just reading about the A3 2017, which has a HD-resolution too grainy, refused to buy it in favor of A5 2017, who has everything in order with this case. And my favorite amoled with acid colors in place, everything like I love. Of course, in the display settings, you can also turn off this acidity, but I did not. Let him not naturally look, but it's nice.

No graininess can be seen. Review angles widest. But when deviating to the side, it is still seen that the colors are not inverted, but a small proportion of green, very small, is present. And this is such a feature of this model. What is interesting, it was not observed in this, but between these smartphones several years of difference. But we will not forget that there was a flagship, and this is a middle pepper ...

As for the tactile sensation, everything is fine here. The glass Gorilla Glass fourth generation makes itself felt. I don't know about durability, I did not check and not going, and the finger slides on this "monkey" like oil. As for oleophobic coating, it seems to be, but there is no special effectiveness. But what I want is if any smartphone to use, carry your finger on it, then traces from them will remain in any way. They also appear, and more or less erased, discomfort is not felt.

An interesting fact read on one site about oleopobu - they say, there is some marriage on these new smarts - in some places, it is quickly erased, and the traces are too visible from it. I do not know how it looks live, his ter, ter, pacala, wipe, wipe - but did not notice such a defect, or he doesn't look bright on my device. Yes, it does not matter because I immediately pasted tempered glass on the screen to prevent the appearance of scratches. After all, no matter how they assure that Gorilla Glass protects against scratches, then I managed to plant a scratch ... True, this glass does not fully cover the display, because the A5 2017 is now a new-fashioned 2.5D.

It was always unhappy that the shell of Tacviz had a slow, overloaded, even externally and beautiful. And I was strange to see how everything was done on the flagship more slowly than on inexpensive Chinese smartphones with clean Android. Now I will say another - the shell changed its name and began to look much better - and ... most importantly - just flies.

Really flies, not kidding. Everything opens quickly that the gallery is that the dialer, the camera. Neither lags, no brakes notice, surprisingly.

The version here is Android 6, seeing marmaladic.

Supported by air update, and I constantly turn on it, in order to detect "Nuuu", that is, the seventh version that Samsung promises in the spring. Soon summer, and there is no new version. And I would love to. Won, middling or even basic from LG come out at once with a seven, and what about us? Still a gear. How is that?

In general, the design of the new shell from Samsung is different not only visually, and practically, the settings menu have slightly changed, even there is support for what I am extremely delighted, because it will not risk custom firmware in order not to get a "brick". And here you can externally change Android, which will not need any firmware - it will be enough to go to the Samsung brand store and registering, download the necessary themes, and some other icons want. That I, strictly speaking, did.

There is still a blue light filter that reduces the eye voltage by limiting the amount of blue light. In fact, the screen is simply done in dim, and gives more yellow.

I have never used a device with such a screen parameter.

By the way, there is no LED that signals about missed calls, messages, turns on the screen and shows a screensaver with a clock, if you spend your palm over the LED. The first time suffered from this, then I got used to, especially, instead of the LED there is one feature, which was only available only to the flagships of the last generation, is Always On Display, which thanks to the amoled technology constantly displays hours and notifications to the screensaver, or you can also put the calendar. And this function eats the battery charge is not so much.

In the "Optimization" item, the battery, memory and RAM are cozy. Everything is comfortable and understandable.

There is in this smartphone and NFC support for payment. All standard.

The print scanner, as I said, is present, and before I did not understand this chip. But experiencing on their own experience, I realized that the fingerprint scanner is comfortable. First of all, due to protection. Because no nobody, whose comprint is not made, so to speak, will not be able to unlock the smartphone, and thereby see its internal content. The speed of the scanner of the scanner does not cause complaints, everything is fast enough, it is only worth attaching a finger to the Home button, as the screen is unlocked immediately. Even in some narrow-directed applications, the type of banking, this way to enter your personal account is also triggered. Very comfortably. And I got used to unlock the smartphone with the help of a scanner that, taking another device from Samsung in the hand, mechanically trying to unlock it in the same way!

Otherwise, the shell over a clean android is worthwhile, it is convenient to use. Otherwise, this is all familiar "Robot".

Performance. "MOE", RAM

It's time to say a little and about the hardware. Inside the new smartphone, the processor of its own development from Samsung - Exynos 7 Octa 7880 is working. If dry numbers are needed - here, 8 Cortex-A53 cores up to 1.88 GHz, Mali-T830 mp3 950 MHz. Now according to personal feelings: if the flagship was like and quick, although it is heavy by the shell, then everything is much higher and faster here. All operations are performed simply lightning, programs open quickly, use one pleasure. I understand, now there will be those who will say that even last year's flagships will be faster and more powerful than. It is possible, so there is, because neither, nor, and even more so, I did not use, because I used old, and I am directly comparing it with the new A5 2017, and for me it is much shuntering my previous apparatus. If you judge the test in Antutu, it can be seen that this is a real middle journal and gaining "total" 60078 points.

Yes, it's a bit, but for me, who seen the figure on the flagship of 2013 in 28,000 points, is a monster in a good sense of the word ☺.

As for heating under loads - for me it became a pleasant surprise in the sense that, as I tried a smartphone to load, to cause warmth from all of his sides, it didn't work out. In even while the work desks are leafing, the screen has already become tangible warm, and if you sit a little on the Internet, the screen has already beyond decently. It was worth going to the toy, even if the undemanding, such as Angry Birds, was felt even stronger. And if you take a photo or writing a video - then the smartphone was simply painfully kept in hand, because the heating was felt both in front and rear.

Vladimir Nesterov

Samsung company in 2017 updated its Galaxy series A lineup, today we will tested the average brother of this family -. I would like to note that the manufacturer listened to some wishes of his fans, the model turned out to be really good, although not without small shortcomings. Tested A5 fully during the week as the main phone. The review is based on the sensations and impressions of the average user.

This model has a fairly simple:

smartphone itself Galaxy A5;
charger with USB and Micro USB cable;
clipboard for opening trays;
simple headphones;
special adapter for interaction with old phone models;
passport, warranty card.

In essence, a copy of the older brother A7 with small differences: the battery capacity is smaller, the screen diagonal is also. Smartphone is produced in several colors: black, blue, gold. We had a black version of the smartphone on the test. Designers of the company worked on fame - the smartphone looks elegant.

The phone supports two full-fledged SIM Nano-SIM format plus microSD memory card with an extension up to 256 GB. Tray Two:

the first is located on the top of the phone, it is designed for 1 SIM card and a memory card.
the second is located on the left side of the model and is intended for the second SIM card. The solution is very successful, because the top tray can be used with the main card, and the side, if necessary, set the second SIM card.

On the top of the smartphone, the tray is located under the sim card with a memory card, an additional microphone. The main speaker in this model moved to the right face - a very good solution for gamers, now the sound will not be covered during the game. The sound itself at the dynamics is not very loud, but sufficient, so as not to skip the incoming call. On the same side there is a "Turn on / off" a device.

Below can be seen: USB TYPE-C connector, headphone socket, spoken microphone. The sound in the headphones is not perfect, but pleasant for everyday listening as an MP3 player. On the left side, the volume control buttons and the second tray under the SIM card are placed.

Touch control buttons in this model are under the screen. From left to right, visible: List of recent applications, the main button with the built-in fingerprint scanner to exit the desktop, return button. The "Home" button in contrast to the previous version of this model is slightly recessed into the housing and not bean. The scanner works very quickly, recognizes all the touch, during testing problems did not arise with it.

On the back cover, the main camera with a flash is installed. Cameras in Galaxy A5 two, both of 16 megapixel: front and main. Optical stabilization in them is not. The quality of the filming of the main chamber is average, a little worse than the A7 of the same year of release. Although the camera A7 is far from ideal.

In A5, an inventory processor is installed from Samsung - 8 nuclear exynos 7 Octa 7880 with a clock frequency to 1.9 GHz. RAM in the phone 3 GB. The results of the tests of the smartphone are quite good:

Antutu - Dingle-Core - 766 balls, Multi-Core - 3958;
ANTUTU BENCHMARK - 61760 BALS;
graphic test showed FPS - 59.9.

All these indicators will be lacking enough for a couple of years. You can play on this smartphone in almost all modern toys. Network shooters are better to put on medium settings, and on the maximum A5 it will become clearly to slow down.

On networks have everything you need for work, plus NFC and Samsung Pay. With payment using the phone through the terminal, there are no problems. Navigation systems GPS, Glanss work medium, the reception of the signal is fast.

The phone battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh. According to the results of tests, we can say with confidence that for the whole day it will be enough. If exploitation is not very active, then the charge is enough for a greater period of time. When playing a video on the maximum brightness of the battery, there is enough for 14 hours of uninterrupted playback.

The display has a 5.2 inches diagonal, with the branded Super AMOLED display from Samsung. Permission from the Full HD screen 1920x1080 points, while the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. AMOLED display from this company has always been famous for its image quality, excellent viewing angles.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 Test results.

Final output: In general, we liked the model, many wishes of users took into account. Excellent screen, good performance, thoughtful ergonomics of the entire device. Price - yes, bites, but it is still, but a brand. With a limited budget, it is better worth paying attention to Chinese manufacturers , or Russian .

Cons Samsung A5 2017:

not a low price tag, but you need to take into account that it is still, but a brand.
a little slippery housing, especially by side metal faces.
the main camera is very medium, but maybe this deficiency will be fixed in the future by updating the firmware.

Pluses Galaxy A5:

a good processor that will easily cope with most modern toys, both now and in a couple of years.
a good battery, the capacitance of which will be enough for a whole day of work.
the successful location of the main dynamics.
waterproof using IP68 technology.
there are interesting solutions in the model:

in the presence of contact on the screen, it is enough to connect to the subscriber only to bring the phone to the ear, the connection will occur automatically, it is very convenient.
extreme energy saving allows with a small charge of the battery extend the phone's time of 5-10 times.