Review Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017): Evolution

For a long time in the segment of devices for conditional, $ 400 ruled a ball Chinese flagship, Nexus and OnePlus. Gradually, the situation has changed, and today for the purse enough secured a buyer who does not want to spend money on the flagship of the fight just about anything. We look forward to announcements of similar devices, because in this segment of the company to create truly balanced solutions that can offer good design, features, camera, and more – working time, significantly more than the champions. Today we look at one of the most interesting of these smartphones – Samsung Galaxy A5 2017.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017: REVIEW AND TEST

DESIGN AND USABILITY: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

The first Galaxy A5 presented in 2014. Then the main body material, at least in the Samsung devices, was plastic (including the flagship Galaxy S5) and the angular metal machine looked very fresh. The updated line of the 2016 year was even better, because it did look like a 5 Note and Galaxy S6, and the design of Samsung flagships by this time changed for the better. Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 made similar to the Galaxy S7, in turn, although some features combined with it’s affordable the J5 of Prime.

The general idea remains the same – the front and rear panel of the smartphone are made of glass with rounded edges, and the frame is made of metal.

At the start of sales of the smartphone is available in black, gold, blue and pink colors. Compared with the previous model significantly changed the shape of the housing. Now the rounded corners on the frame there is no chamfer, “rest” is curved like a Galaxy S7. The camera lens looks small and not sticks, and all members of the body surface and the same color.

Design Perception – a very subjective thing, but the device may seem too calm and neutral, in something even boring. On the other hand, it is harmonious and you can say that will suit literally everyone, regardless of gender and age. Buyers just have to choose the right color.

Case comfortable, Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 perfectly fits in your hand, a smartphone can be operated with one hand without any problems. Probably, the only remark to the design – connector USB Type-C, is not located in the center of the bottom edge.

The key layout is traditional for Samsung devices. Mini-jack was left on the bottom – it is convenient, but the SIM tray has increased markedly. The main is to the left and is intended to set the main SIM Nano format. The second is located on the upper side, it is possible to install a second Nano-SIM and MicroSD memory card. Slots equivalent, so there is nothing stopping to set the second basic “sim card” and the card, and the first to use the card to travel.

As before, in the mechanical key under the screen is entered fingerprint scanner, on either side of it are two touch-sensitive backlit buttons. The scanner has a small area, so it works a little bit worse than, for example, on the iPhone, at least in our test – had to get used to putting the finger at the correct angle.

PROTECTION AGAINST DUST AND MOISTURE: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

One of the major innovations in the series of Galaxy A – is the emergence of protection against dust and moisture according to IP68 standards. The smartphone can be up to 30 minutes is in fresh water to a depth of 1.5 meters. To the moisture got into the connector housing are made watertight, the receivers SIM have rubber seals, and the speakers are covered with special membranes. This feature makes the line closer to the leader and sets it apart from the competition, which can not yet boast a protected execution.

SCREEN: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is set to 5.2 inches Super AMOLED display with Full HD resolution. It covers safety glass with 2,5D-effect and oleophobic coating. Side frames of medium width.

The minimum brightness is 2 cd / m² and makes it comfortable to read in the dark, the maximum by pouring white – of the order of 400 cd / m². In life, the maximum illumination level is much higher, because the brightness is changed dynamically depending on the displayed image and ambient light. Therefore, the screen is well visible even outdoors on a sunny day.

There are several modes of color reproduction. “Basic” offers nearly perfect calibration to approximate IPS matrices.

“Adaptive” mode offers richer colors and adapts the image according to the displayed image. For him, there was a separate adjustment of the color components that allow more fine-tune all by itself, change the white balance in any direction. There is an option to reduce the amount of blue to eyes less tired in the process of reading.

Given the flexibility of the display settings to no complaints. He has excellent viewing angles, brightness lacking in any environment, work well automatic backlight adjustment. Under the acutest angles in the image appears purplish-greenish tint, but it is characteristic of all Super AMOLED and quietly in actual use.

It’s nice that Samsung added for the A-series mode is permanently incorporated screen. It allows you to display in the standby clock, calendar or pictures. You can adjust the time included the display and appearance of the icons on the screen notifications for the lack of a traditional indicator of missed events.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017: SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

HARDWARE PLATFORM: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

The smartphone Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is based on the SoC Exynos 7880, which includes 8 core Cortex-A53, clocked at up to 1.9 GHz and graphics Mali-830 MP2. The platform is made on the process technology of 14 nm, which had a positive impact on energy consumption and no heating load.

RAM – 3 GB of built-in – 32 GB (23.5 GB available), you can simultaneously install two NanoSIM and memory card of up to 256 GB. Supported Networks Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac (2,4 + 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.2, has FM-radio. Availability of NFC and MST allows you to use your smartphone for contactless payments (currently only supported Privat24 can later be launched Samsung Pay). Connection to a PC is done via USB 2.0 standard through a balanced connector Type-C.

The device shows the average results in the benchmarks, at the level of smartphones Snapdragon 625. In the life of Samsung Galaxy A5, 2017 is fast, comfortable to use. The Large margin of safety in terms of graphics performance there, but all the games available at the time, will work with normal graphics settings and comfortable FPS.

SOFTWARE PLATFORM: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

Out of the box, the smartphone is running Android 6.0.1 and Grace UX proprietary interface, which replaces the Touch Wiz and was announced simultaneously with the Galaxy Note 7. In the near future, the manufacturer has to update the smartphone to Android 7.0, although it would be desirable to directly supply unit with the current version of the OS.

The new version of the interface has changed shutter switches with notifications settings menu. Re-design of embedded applications. There are multi-mode, support for themes. You can find in the app store theme, similar to the stock Android 6.0. Overall, the interface is cleaner and easier to look.

MULTIMEDIA: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

Music playback quality headphones common and comparable competitors. The sound is clear and detailed enough.

As J5 Prime, the only multimedia speaker is on the right, above the power key. With vertical hold, it can accidentally cover up a finger, but in other situations, such an arrangement is convenient because the speaker is not obstructed during the games or watching a video, as well as slightly less muffled in his pockets. Volume is sufficient for games and video. Normal Quality. Sometimes there is a sound slightly muffled because for moisture protection is necessary to use a special membrane.

WORKING HOURS: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

The smartphone Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is powered by a built-in battery capacity of 3000 mAh. Compared with last year’s Galaxy A5 capacity increased by only 100 mAh, but the modern process technology to achieve more significant improvements.

When activated Always on display (AON), most users will be able to count on two days with an average load. AON disabling the result could be a little better. If you use the device “in full”, the charge will last exactly one day of work. There is support for fast charging – the process takes about an hour.

CAMS: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 received updated camera. Both modules have a resolution of 16 megapixels and f / 1.9 aperture, although it is, of course, different modules. The main camera has a rapid and accurate autofocus, equipped with a flash of a warm diode that brightness does not concede to competitors, equipped with two diodes. Focal lens – 27 mm. The possibilities are limited shooting video in 1080p resolution 30 f / s. Compared to the Galaxy A5 (2016) lost camera optical image stabilization, the device also formally loses some competitors due to lack of ability to shoot 4K video.

However, some are no particular problems with the recording quality. In good conditions, nothing to complain about. The module provides good detail and has a wide dynamic range. In the evening and at night you can make a good shot, but the pictures show signs of aggressive post-processing, which is characteristic for most Samsung smartphones.

Conveniently, the camera can be started by double-clicking the Home key mechanical. The application has a simple interface. Swipe can switch between the color filters and the selection menu capture mode and to the front chamber. There is a “Pro” mode, but it only allows you to set the white balance, ISO, exposure compensation and metering method. Opportunities to control exposure and focus there. With macro shooting will be no problems, but I would like to see a full manual mode.

The front camera is good. As basic, it can be used not only under ideal conditions. When taking selfie have the opportunity to correct skin tone, facial contours, and eye size. There is also a function of the group (panoramic) Self, though, and so wide-optics – capture a small company gets no special treatment.

PROS of Samsung Galaxy A5 2017: body materials; Ease of use; screen; function Always on Display; protection IP68; speed; modern platform; good camera; operating time and fast charging; NFC and MST; updated interface
CONS of Samsung Galaxy A5 2017: a fingerprint scanner needed to adapt himself; Android 6.0.1 «out of the box”; No optical stabilization (compared with A5 (2016)); WATERPROOF membrane slightly worsened sound speaker

CONCLUSION AND PRICE: SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 2017

After the successful Galaxy A5 (2016), we expected that the new unit would be at least as good and our expectations were met. Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 differs from its predecessor, but most of the changes can be called evolutionary. Systematically built up characteristics make the device protected from moisture, were given the opportunity to simultaneously use two SIM and memory card. Design has become more versatile, though it may not please everyone. Development of the A-series reminiscent of how the company is changing its flagships, cheaper phones get a lot of unique features of the line Galaxy S. It’s nice that the price has not changed much, Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 good value for money and remains one of the best devices in the classroom. But for the year competitors have made a significant step forward and closed the gap. Therefore, the question may arise – why choose cost Samsung? Given the comparable price and features, in addition to performance, design and brand, it’s time to start paying attention to unique features. For Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 they will be protection IP68, an interesting color palette, a separate microSD card slot, the function Always on display, potentially better integration with payment services and greater choice of branded covers, accessories.

Title: Review Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017): Evolution
Updated: 2017-02-01
Author: Dan Green

http://nsmartphone.com/review-samsung-galaxy-a5-2017-evolution/

ANDROID

What will be the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active: an attempt to look into the future

Author:  Dan Green | January 30, 2017

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New smartphone Samsung Galaxy S8 Active – perfect for those who need secure in every sense of the device, while delivering the most advanced and high-performance “stuffing.”

We expect that this year the tradition, Koreans released shockproof and waterproof version of the Galaxy S8. Most likely, it is true, it will be sold only in the United States through the mobile operator AT & T.

Given the large number of innovations that have distinguished Galaxy S8 from the S6 and Galaxy S7, its “active” version also promises to be quite unlike any of their predecessors.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 ACTIVE: SPECIFICATIONS

Since it is a smartphone, which will be sold primarily in the US market, as the hardware base is likely to be selected chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. It should be supplemented by 6 Gb RAM LPDDR4 and drive UFS 2.1 minimum capacity of 64 Gb.

While ordinary Galaxy S8 has a curved screen like the Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S8 Active, we assume, will get the classic flat screen. At least because the device is so much stronger.

But the hardware buttons at the bottom of the screen “active” Galaxy S8 are unlikely to get it. Otherwise, Samsung will have to either bet a smaller display or do based 5.5-inch diagonal frank “brick” of the screen, which is large even by the standards of “all-terrain” gadgets.

The rest of “iron” should be identical to the original except for, perhaps, the battery, which will have a much greater capacity in accordance with the requirements for smartphones protected class.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 ACTIVE: PROTECTION

It can be expected that the new product will meet the IP68 standard, which is available in the “simple” version of Galaxy S8. This means that the smart phone will easily withstand immersion to a depth of 1.5 meters for half an hour.

Of course, the Samsung can make a secure flagship tests even passing on the more advanced IP69 (smartphones such exist), but in practice, there is no great need. Is that the divers will be important.

Also, Samsung Galaxy S8 Active must be certified in accordance with military standard MIL-STD-810G, developed by the US Department of Defense. Through it the device will be able to withstand:

• Salty environment (eg, sea water);
• Dust and sand;
• Condensation of moisture;
• Heavy Rain;
• Vibration and shock;
• Solar radiation;
• High or, conversely, cold.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 ACTIVE: RELEASE DATE

Last year, Samsung Galaxy S7 Active entered the market in June, but this year in view of the transfer start Galaxy S8 in April may be that the S8 Active gets to the buyer is not until August, and sometimes even in September.

In general, such delays are undesirable, however, the “active” flagship Samsung is not so much competition. The vast majority of smartphones are protected sufficiently slow “iron” and the weak multimedia capabilities.

It’s worth noting that the Galaxy S8 is unlikely to be sold anywhere other than the mobile operator AT & T in the US (as mentioned in the beginning). So those who wish to purchase it in Russia will have to decide whether to unlock stuff gadget to work in local networks.

Title: What will be the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active: an attempt to look into the future
Updated: 2017-01-30
Author: Dan Green

http://nsmartphone.com/will-samsung-galaxy-s8-active-futures-specs-release-date/

Review of new smartphone Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 – the youngest and most affordable model in the updated line of A-Series in 2017. Outwardly, it looks the same as the older model, the A5, and the A7, only smaller.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 (2017) REVIEW

DESIGN: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

The smartphone is available in four colors – gold, pink, blue and black; the latest version has visited the editorial office. Like the older models, Samsung Galaxy A3 boasts a 2.5D glass on the front panel, metal frame, and glass rear panel. Due to the rounded corners and smooth edges, and small size it fits nicely in the hand and tries to slip, despite the smooth surface of the rear panel.

The boxes around the screen is relatively small (display occupies 67.9% of the front panel), traditionally for Samsung smartphones, it uses the hardware Home button (with built-in fingerprint scanner) and touch the Back button and the Tasks (illuminated at the time of contact), which further increases the “useful area “the desktop by removing from it the standard toolbar buttons to the screen system.

The top of the microphone is noise-canceling and a slot for SIM-card and microSD memory card, on the left – the volume buttons on the right – the power button and multimedia speaker on the bottom – connector USB Type-C, a microphone and a 3.5 mm jack for a headset.

Overall, the device looks good, but the front it looks clearly more advantageous than the rear – due to the mainly 2.5D glass. Note also that the black version, in our view, a few plays “color” version of the smartphone. It is also worth noting that as the rest of the model A-Series 2017 chassis Samsung Galaxy A3 is protected from dust and moisture under the standard IP68 (complete dust ingress protection, it can be submerged to a depth of one and a half meters for up to 30 minutes).

SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 (2017): SPECIFICATIONS

DISPLAY: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 uses Super AMOLED-display diagonal of 4.7″ and a resolution of 720 × 1280 pixels. the pixel density of 312 PPI – see some graininess can only be staring at the screen at close range; in normal use, smartphone image perceived dense fonts – smooth.

Although the AMOLED, the colors of the display are quite quiet, close to those of the IPS-matrix. However, in the display settings, you can switch from video mode “Main” (default) in the more “colorful” – “Adaptive Display” (the strongest effect) or more moderate, but still much more intense than the “main” – ” AMOLED film “and” AMOLED Photo “. Here, by the way, you can activate the blue filter, which makes the image warmer and more pleasing to the eye when reading long text on a white background.

The screen is bright, it remains quite readable even in direct sunlight. Thanks, AMOLED black – really black, not gray flashes on when viewed at an angle. However, a large angle of the image appears greenish tinge, characteristic for this technology.

Measurements made in the “Basic”, show almost ideal characteristics -line color temperature near 6500K standard, correct gamma curve and color gamut, slightly larger than the standard sRGB.

CALLS, MULTIMEDIA: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

In addition to charts hit one SIM version of Samsung Galaxy A3, on sale in Ukraine will dual SIMs option (with optional microSD memory cards instead of the second SIM-card). The earpiece is loud enough, the interlocutor is heard well, but the media could be louder – on the street through the clothes is quite possible to call and hear. By the sound of the headphones, specific claims have arisen unless the high frequencies might sound a little brighter.

HARDWARE PLATFORM PERFORMANCE: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

The smartphone is based on its own eight-processor Samsung Exynos 7 Octa 7870, manufactured on 14 nm technology. It includes the ARM Cortex-A53 cores with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz, as well as the video subsystem Mali-T830. This processor is designed for mid-range models, and in his time has been used in the smartphone Galaxy J7 (2016). RAM is 2 GB, internal – 16 GB (of which the user can use 10 GB), with the possibility of its expansion with microSD memory cards.

The chipset refers to the middle class, and in benchmarks smartphone expectedly demonstrates appropriate performance – relatively speaking, between “medium” and “medium-high”.

It will be enough for any modern problems, except maybe the most difficult three-dimensional games.

SOFTWARE: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

Samsung Galaxy A3 is running Android 6.0.1, supplemented by a new proprietary shell – Grace UX (the first time we saw her in the Galaxy Note7). It is distinguished by the updated notification panel and a new kind of setup menu; In addition, the new A-line now includes a screen to the left of the home – it is the aggregator of news; depending on the firmware, it can be either Russian-language Briefing (based on the known Flipboard service) or an English Update. The shell maintains a system of interchangeable skins and icons downloaded from the corporate store, displays the off-screen clock, notifications and other information in the Always On Display mode can keep the screen on, while you’re at it, see, offers its own menu to optimize energy consumption and also contains a fairly large the number of additional features.

The fingerprint reader works quite confident, the screen is unlocked in less than half a second. The interface works as a whole quickly and smoothly, minor braking is rare and mostly when accessing the built-news aggregator.

CAMERA: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

The smartphone is equipped with a 13-megapixel main camera (f / 1.9), and an 8-megapixel – front. Own the camera application, except for the fully automatic mode, also offers a Pro – in this case, the user can manually set the white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, and to enter to select the metering method (Spot / Center/matrix).

The camera quickly focuses and makes the frame, the pictures are quite good – with a decent dynamic range, natural color and accurate enough automatic detection of the white balance. In low-light conditions or indoors, the quality deteriorates slightly. Clarity could be higher, small details like thin twigs, grass or pine needles can be significantly affected by the noise reduction algorithm.

The camera has the HDR mode, it works very nicely, and if the frame is not strong enough difference in brightness between the different parts of the picture, the result of his work may be purely cosmetic. However, in a situation where the frame has a light source or a very bright object on a dark background, the shooting mode can significantly improve the image, “stretching” the shadows. An example of his work (on the left – the usual frame, right – HDR):

AUTONOMY: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

Samsung Galaxy A3 has equipped with a non-removable battery capacity 2350 mAh. Thanks to Super AMOLED-display, as well as the use of energy-efficient processor Exynos 7870 Octa smartphone is very “tenacious”, even though not very high capacity battery – so, in the PCMark test, it lasted almost 10 hours, which is a very good result. We can say that in high load conditions it will almost certainly hold 2 full days.

VERDICT: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 (2017)

PROS of Samsung Galaxy A3 2017: quality screen; waterproof casing; Fingerprint’s scanner; good camera; for a long time

CONS of Samsung Galaxy A3 2017: relatively high cost

CONCLUSION: SAMSUNG GALAXY A3 2017

The performance characteristics of Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 looks interesting, in terms of the design of the smartphone (especially in black) does not particularly outstanding can not boast. But with ergonomics, he’s all right. Is somewhat overpriced, both for the low-end model in the series – so you could say that the interest in this exercise are the ones who need a compact smartphone with a small screen, but not those who it is looking for “something the budget.”

Title: Review of new smartphone Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)
Updated: 2017-01-25
Author: Dan Green

http://nsmartphone.com/samsung-galaxy-a3-2017-review-test/