Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)’s specs
As usual, the line Galaxy A presents three models for 2017: the Galaxy A3 (2017), the Galaxy A5 (2017) and the Galaxy A7 (2017). The main difference between them is a screen size: 4.7 ", 5.2" and 5.7" accordingly. Although, the specifications differ too, though mostly in the Galaxy A3 - it has always been much weaker. As for the A5 (2017), it is almost the same as the A7 (2017) in the "iron" respect.
- The official site Samsung.
- Firmware for Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017).
- Manual for Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017).
We tested the smartphone Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) before its official release, so some of the characteristics in the table can be updated. As you can see, the changes are clearly visible, if compared to the Galaxy A5 (2016).
First of all, it concerns the processor, which is performed by the chip Octa Samsung Exynos 7880. It is a bit stronger than the chipset Exynos 7580 Octa, that was used for its predecessor, but is also made by the outdated 28-nm process technology. The new chip offers 8 cores Cortex-A53, working at a frequency of 1.88 GHz, and at the same time, it is able to work now with LPDDR3-1033 memory, whereas the previous version provided only 933 MHz for the memory.
Even in its time, Exynos 7580 surprised by its comparatively week graphics - Mali-T720 MP2, the accelerator of initial level. Exynos 7880 had more modern and faster GPU - Mali-T830 MP3, with three executive conveyors and worked at a frequency of 950 MHz. However, architecturally, it is also the initial-level solution, though, if compared to its predecessor, the frequency became higher (it was 668 MHz) and had more execution units - the speed increase will be visible to the eye.
In general, this hardware platform is sufficient for today's time and shows a good average level.
Support of Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi 802.11n also corresponds to the average level of the market. It would be interesting to see 802.11ac. As for LTE, there is compatibility with the sixth category, which gives up to 300 Mbit / s at the reception.
We should also note two 16-megapixel cameras, but for smartphones of that level from other manufacturer 4K video recording is already available, not only Full HD.
3 GB RAM is also perceived as the standard for the market, at least for normal and not cheap manufacturers. 24 of 32 GB of storage are available to the user, which is also good. In addition, the version with 64 GB of memory is expected.
Compared to the year 2016, we have a faster processor, a more powerful accelerator, and increased amount of RAM (by 1.5 times). The screen remains the same, and the cameras have become better. At the same time, the battery capacity is increased by only 100 mAh and compiles 3000 mAh. This may cause a negative effect on the battery life, the user can only rely on the optimization in the Android 6.
Performance Testing
The rival of the Samsung Galaxy A5 Rival is the Huawei Nova - a mid-range device on the Qualcomm platform, which has similar characteristics, and is clearly to be a competitor of the Galaxy A5 (2017) on the market.
Smartbench 2012 shows the superiority of the Galaxy A5 (2017) over the opponent. This is not a victory, but a certain advantage.
The Chinese smartphone wins the browser test.
3DMark is also won by the Huawei Nova. It is likely that the processor in the Galaxy A5 (2017) is not so powerful, especially in its graphics, as it seemed after the first test.
In Basemark tests the Samsung was ahead, as well as in the first - old Smartbench 2012. It is noticeable, that in the tests the Huawei wins in graphics but is weaker in the overall performance.
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) in Antutu
Now let's see how the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) showed itself in Antutu - a popular place.
Here the Huawei Nova is the fastest.
Autonomy Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)
Autonomy, measured by our method showed better results in the Galaxy A5, although the difference is not so noticeable. It remained 82% of the battery of 3000 mAh. The Huawei lost a little more, despite the battery being by 20 mAh larger.
It is also possible to note some progress in comparison with the Galaxy A5 (2016). Despite the more modest chip, the previous version of the smaller battery left 73% after our test. The difference in 2-3 percentage points could be explained by the difference in battery capacity, but 9 percentage points clearly indicate that the new smartphone has much better energy efficiency.
The schedule of consumption looks typical: the biggest expenses for three-dimensional graphics. However, when compared to the Galaxy A5 (2016), the new model optimized all the components - from graphics to energy consumption at rest.
Samsung has always been good at built-in power control. In this model, it is also presented in the settings in the form of optimizing the processor’s and memory work.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) should provide a good level of autonomy.
Games on the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) has on board not the most powerful, yet modern accelerator. It can be expected that its performance together with the increased processor speed is enough to make all the games fly.
- Riptide GP2: excellent, everything flies;
- Asphalt 7: excellent, everything flies;
- Asphalt 8: excellent, everything flies;
- Modern Combat 5: excellent, everything flies;
- N.O.V.A. 3: excellent, everything flies;
- Dead Trigger: excellent, everything flies;
- Dead Trigger 2: excellent, everything flies;
- Real Racing 3: excellent, everything flies;
- Need For Speed: No Limits: excellent, everything flies;
- Shadowgun: Dead Zone: excellent, everything flies;
- Frontline Commando: Normandy: excellent, everything flies;
- Frontline Commando 2: excellent, everything flies;
- Eternity Warriors 2: excellent, everything flies;
- Eternity Warriors 4: excellent, everything flies;
- Trial Xtreme 3: excellent, everything flies;
- Trial Xtreme 4: excellent, everything flies;
- Dead Effect: excellent, everything flies;
- Dead Effect 2: excellent, everything flies;
- Plants vs Zombies 2: excellent, everything flies;
- Dead Target: excellent, everything flies;
- Injustice: excellent, everything flies.
Thus, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) handled excellently with all our test games. Apparently, the games that will be able to slow down the smartphone are either not made yet or the phone’s display resolution allows the device to cope with the load.
