Software
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) comes with Android 6.0.1 system, which looks not very modern for the beginning of 2017. Obviously, the device is going to receive the update to Android 7 in the near future. The next version of Touch Wiz is also available; however, it does not have changes if compared to those that we had already described on the example of the more advanced gadget.
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) has three main screens by default: the main home screen with Google search, weather widget, major applications, including Samsung Pay and Google Apps folder. The second screen comes with the recommended Samsung applications, Yandex search, protected folder, and Microsoft applications folder. The third Screen is the Briefing app that pulls various news.
Another feature of the interface - Samsung Notes application brought out to the panel at the bottom of the screen. It allows you to take notes and store them in the Samsung cloud. Overall, Samsung, like Apple, is on the way of the service development, so most of the smartphone’s functions will not be available without account of the Korean company. Only Gmail is not enough.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a secure data storage on the smartphone. Here the user can put data and applications. Having access to them can be got only by means of a fingerprint. The storage will be blocked, if someone tries to gain unauthorized access through the phone.
At present the smartfone supports two payment systems. The first is Russian Ubank, the second - Samsung Pay. The choice between them depends on the user’s bank card. However, we suppose that in the future Samsung will cover all the major banks, working with the population. The difference is that Ubank is mainly focused on payments, whereas Samsung Pay gives also a possibility for offline shopping.
There is also Yandex app on the smartphone, which offers search and news clips.
The Samsung Essentials widget offers to install additional apps for your smartphone, and the pre-installed ones are located in the folder menu. It is not put out to the main screen – it is such modesty. There are well-known S Health, S Voice, Audio, Browser, File Manager, the Samsung accounts management, the already mentioned protected folder and the Samsung products store application, where you can buy even a fridge.
We should note that Audio recording supports a dictation mode, i.e. it converts voice to the text.
From the Microsoft applications, we can find Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype. There is also Word, but it is located on the home screen.
In general, the set of applications is pleasant and helpful. The only disadvantage is necessity to make a Samsung account. It can bind users to a single brand of smartphones.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is a good phone. The excellent marks should be left for the flagships of the Korean company and its competitors. Smartphone of this price level should be good: nice, comfortable, modern, moderately productive and accessible.
We have not found any serious flaws in the device. It has made a very good impression.
The only disadvantage is moving to USB Type-C, at least, this connector cannot be found in every other smartphone. The branded cables and chargers make feel sad not only because of their price, but also by the fact that they cannot be bought at any place.
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) ’s Price
At the time of preparation of this article, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) was not available for selling. The average price of the previous model (2016) is about 350$, it is possible to find cheaper. Probably, the Galaxy A5 (2017) will cost not less - in the range of $ 350-400.
Huawei Nova
The Huawei Nova, which we tested in parallel, is in the same price range. It can be purchased for about 350$. However, we can get only IPS display for this money.
Xiaomi Mi5
The Xiaomi Mi5 with 32 GB accumulator costs about 330$, and appears to be an interesting offer. The device is made on the Snapdragon processor 820, can shoot 4K video, but has only a 4-megapixel front camera and an IPS screen diagonal of 5.15 inches and resolution of Full HD.
ASUS ZenPhone 3
The 5.5-inch ASUS ZenPhone 3 costs about 410$. It has 4 GB of RAM, is built on the Snapdragon 625 base, and supports the fingerprint reader. However, the device can offer only an IPS-display and a front camera with the resolution of only 8 megapixels.
As you can see, there are variants; however, the Super AMOLED remains the strong point of Samsung.
Pros:
- nice design;
- high-quality assembly;
- fingerprint scanner;
- good Super AMOLED-display;
- good autonomy;
- good cameras;
- protection against moisture and dust.
Cons:
- USB Type-C, at least now;
- slippery and easy soiled body;
- molded case;
- Android 6 from the box.
The reviews about the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) can be read and left in the comments or on our forum.
