I think the company needs no introduction. This is a brand with a long history, a worldwide reputation and a simply colossal list of manufactured equipment, from batteries to cars.

Naturally, such a giant simply could not help but distinguish himself in the world mobile technologies. And in this market segment it is well known for its smartphones from Samsung lines Galaxy.

However, in addition to the numerous fans of mobile Samsung solutions There are also critics. And one of the reasons for the skepticism has always been the materials of the cases. After all, while competitors have long been offering mid-level solutions in metal cases, the Korean giant stubbornly stuck to its line and produced premium models in plastic.

Fortunately, Samsung still heard the users’ pleas, introducing new line image smartphones. And the pioneer of the new model range was Samsung Galaxy Alpha, which we tested last fall. After a little time, three devices from the same series entered the market, all of them bear the index A and are called, respectively, Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7.

The younger model, Samsung Galaxy A3, visited our laboratory not long ago, the older one is still under review there, and the hero of the review will be the middle one – Samsung Galaxy A5.

As usual, Samsung review Galaxy A5, which took place thanks to the STORE77 store, let's start by looking at the technical characteristics and equipment.

Specifications Samsung Galaxy A5

Device type	Smartphone
Model	Samsung Galaxy A5
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, Quad core 1.19 GHz
Video processor	Adreno 306
operating system	Android 4.4.4
Memory, GB	2 RAM; 16 ROM
Screen	5.0" SuperAMOLED, 1280 x 720
Cameras, Mpix	5.0 + 13.0
Net	GSM; WCDMA; LTE
Number of SIM cards, pcs.	2 (microSIM and nanoSIM)
MicroSD support	Yes (up to 64 GB)
Data transfer	GSM; WCDMA; LTE; Bluetooth; Wi-Fi; GPS; GLONASS; NFC
GPS/aGPS/EPO/GLONASS	Yes/Yes/No/Yes
Battery, mAh	2 300
Dimensions, mm	139.3 x 69.7 x 6.7
Weight, g	123
price, rub.	24 000 – 27 000

Judging only by the given specifications, the smartphone fits perfectly into middle segment. This corresponds to both the processor used and the display resolution.

However, once you look at the price tag, a reasonable question immediately arises: “For what?” Yes, of course, the Russian currency has noticeably fallen in price, but even this does not explain the official price of almost 27 thousand rubles. Is a metal case really that much more expensive than a plastic one?

And in general, all this is too reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha. Why the Korean manufacturer needs two almost identical devices (even if the older version has already been discontinued) is not very clear. Well, during this review we will try to answer these questions.

Packaging and equipment Samsung Galaxy A5

The smartphone comes in a packaging with a classic layout and unusual color scheme. Its design has not changed - it is still the same box of two parts: the main compartment and the lid. In the case of the Galaxy Alpha, the lid was made to not completely cover the box, leaving a small "belt" of dark blue color. It must be said that with a minimum of investment, this move made it possible to give the packaging unusual look. However, in the case of models of the new A series, such a feature is absent and the lid completely covers the box.

It is worth noting the change in the materials themselves. Now the cardboard has become glossy and smooth (the Galaxy Alpha box was matte and textured), although it has not lost any quality. It is dense, high-quality painted, all parts fit tightly together.

Now let's take a closer look at the packaging design. If you have already read our review of the Samsung Galaxy A3, you may have noticed that its design is almost the same. By the way, the older model A7 is also not distinguished by its original packaging - all three are supplied in packages of the same design.

True, the uniform style does not add clarity to what the manufacturer was guided by when choosing blue as the main color of the box. This color does not look very appropriate, although this is unlikely to have any fundamental significance.

The front side is designed in the general style Galaxy lines A. Only here the number “5” is displayed in the background - after the name of the device. The name of the smartphone is duplicated on the left side of the cover, and there is a sticker on the right side. corresponding to the color of the device. The upper end has only a factory seal, and at the bottom there is a sticker with personal information specific instance.

On the back of the package you can find the main features and specifications of the smartphone. Some official information is also provided here.

In general, the packaging left a very pleasant impression due to the quality of materials and workmanship. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your gadget during transportation, and thanks to the branded seal, you can be sure that the packaging is opened for the first time. The only thing that surprised me was the choice of colors, but this is a matter of taste.

Shall we remove the cover? The first thing that attracts attention is the tight fit of the parts. The lid sits in place very tightly and if you do not cut the sticker with the personal information of the device, it will not be easy to get to the contents. However, be careful as the smartphone can easily slip out.

The gadget itself is found inside. It rests on a cardboard stand, which also serves as the cover of the compartment with the delivery kit. The device is protected on all sides by transport film.

Even lower is the delivery kit, it is laid out in three sections. The configuration of the device is familiar to everyone who has ever used gadgets of this brand. Same power adapter, same USB cord and the same wired headset.

The Samsung Galaxy A5 package includes:

• Power adapter;
• USB to microUSB cable
• Wired stereo headset;
• Set of replaceable ear pads;
• Documentation.

The packaging of the model evokes respect, and one cannot but rejoice at the fact that Samsung continues to equip its devices with a good quality stereo headset.

Now it's time to start reviewing the smartphone itself.

Formally, the A5 is the middle of Samsung's mid-budget line, which should not deviate much from the market median. In fact, it turned out to be an interesting model, which intertwined aspects that clearly deserve improvement, such as a fingerprint scanner, quite decent hardware, and materials worthy of a flagship. And of course, for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017, the review will be incomplete if we remain silent about the practical full protection from dust or water related troubles.

The developers of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 used the classic body shape - almost a rectangle, if not for the rounded corners. The dimensions are quite comfortable for the middle class: width 71.4 mm, length 146.1 mm and thickness 7.9 mm. The model is presented in three colors: black, gold and blue tones. There is also a pink version, but it is not available in all markets.

The main part of the front panel (almost 3/4) is occupied by the display, limited on the sides by narrow frames. Above it there is a speaker, camera and sensors, below there are a pair of touch keys and a hardware Home button with a fingerprint scanner between them.

The volume keys are located on the left side of the device. The power button remains in its traditional place on the right. Next to it, the developers placed the main speaker. The decision turned out to be ambiguous. On the one hand, in the normal position it will not be possible to accidentally block it. On the other hand, if you take the smartphone horizontally, your finger can rest right on the speaker. However, you can get used to it.

The location of the SIM card trays is also interesting. The model supports 2 of them (both nano), and you can also install MicroSD at the same time. To accommodate all three parts, the trays were divided. The first SIM is inserted on the left, next to the volume buttons. The second and memory card are on top. USB output, microphone and 3.5 mm headphone input are located at the bottom end.

The back of the smartphone is decorated with a logo. Above it is the flash and the main camera. The latter was optimized and recessed into the body, so that now the optics do not protrude from the body at all. As a result, the smartphone fits seamlessly on any horizontal surface.

Design and ergonomics

The design approach to the A5 can be described in one word – minimalism. Decorative elements are kept to a minimum; there are no additional decorations. All parts of the smartphone except the display are designed in the same color scheme. After all, the body itself is beautiful.

The side frame is made of high quality aluminum. But the front and back are glass. And if in front it is half 2.5D on the display, then in the back it is full 3D. As a result, the model looks impressive, quite at the level of a flagship.

But the desire for elegance played a cruel joke on her. Almost the entire body is smoothed out, there are no prominent edges, so it lies comfortably in the hand. But for the same reason, the device can noticeably slide. So it’s better to immediately wrap it in a case.

However, the most important thing in the design is full IP68 level protection. In other words, dust has no chance of getting inside, especially since the assembly is really good and there are no gaps. And water gives in: the smartphone can easily withstand swimming for up to half an hour at a depth of 1.5 meters, not to mention trivial splashes or washing under the tap.

You just need the water to be fresh: after sea moisture, the USB connector may become covered with a crust of salt, so charging will stop working. In this case, it is recommended to rinse and dry it.

To achieve such security, the developers added rubber gaskets to the SIM trays and placed membranes on the speakers and microphones. This had virtually no effect on the weight of the device - only 159 g, excellent result for a waterproof smartphone.

Display

The real pride of the model is the screen of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. It has a 5.2” matrix Super AMOLED with exceptionally rich colors. You can even change the color profile in the settings to a more subtle one, otherwise the picture may seem unnatural. Or turn on blue filtering to protect your eyes from unnecessary strain.

The physical size of the screen is 132.2 mm diagonally, in pixels – 1920 x 1080, that is, at the FHD level. The resulting density is 424 ppi, so details are displayed perfectly. At the same time, the brightness and contrast are enough for use on the sunniest day: the picture is visible up to extreme tilt angles. Corning is used to protect the matrix Gorilla Glass 4. The glass is made using 2.5D technology and is rounded towards the edges.

At the same time, the display treats the battery quite carefully, despite the Always on Display function that came from the flagships. It allows you to display the calendar and current time on the lock screen, as well as quickly show notifications. Even if the smartphone is in sleep mode, and the owner has been written to via messenger, this will immediately appear on the display.

Separately, it is necessary to note the intelligent behavior of the screen. First, it takes light data into account to adjust the picture. Secondly, during the first 2 weeks of use it “gets to know” the owner in order to adjust the brightness based on his habits.

Equipment

The smartphone comes with an adapter that connects to USB type-c.

The kit also included a wired headset, instructions for the device, and a needle clip used to open card trays. All other accessories - protective films, cases, etc. – must be purchased independently.

Specifications Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is built on the basis own development company - Exynos 7 Octa 7880 processor. It has 8 Cortex-A53 cores capable of operating at frequencies up to 1.9 GHz. The processor is 64-bit and is made using a 14 nm process technology. Thanks to this solution, it was possible to combine modern hardware requirements and moderate power consumption.

The calculation and display of the image on the screen is provided by the Mali-T830MP3 graphics module. All this is complemented by 3 GB of memory, which easily fits the OS with a proprietary shell, and another half of the RAM is left for application needs.

Internal memory is 32 GB. But you won’t be able to use all of it: a noticeable part is taken by the OS. As a result, a little more than 23 GB remains for the user’s needs. Relatively little, but there is also a MicroSD slot. And you can put a memory card up to 256 GB in it, solving the problem with free space for a long time.

Some data can be stored in Samsung account Cloud. For the owner of a smartphone in cloud storage 15 GB is issued. They can be used for photos, contacts, calendar, and also to create backups of settings or the main screen. For private information, you can use the protected KNOX folder, which is created by system tools on the smartphone itself.

The set of sensors, in addition to light and proximity sensors, includes a gyroscope, barometer, accelerometer, as well as a Hall sensor and a module for reading the geomagnetic field.

Performance

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 cannot be called a record holder for performance. But still Samsung specifications The Galaxy A5 2017 is good enough for all basic tasks. The OS runs smoothly, applications launch and switch without significant delays. And it’s not surprising - the performance test in AnTuTu shows a rating of 60 thousand.

The total power is enough to run almost all games. But it’s better to keep the settings at a medium level, otherwise FPS drops to indecently low values. Under load, the processor may heat up, but it does not reach excessively high temperatures; internal overheating protection mechanisms are activated.

The multimedia capabilities are quite good: the device can handle playing UHD video in 4K format at 30 fps. Together with support for screen casting via Wi-Fi Direct, this allows you to watch movies on an external display.

Cameras

The model was not without its sad moments. This is what the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 camera has become - more precisely, not the camera itself, but the lack of optical stabilization in it. Perhaps there was not enough space for her in the new building, or maybe the marketing policy had an effect. In any case, this immediately lowered expectations for the level of quality.

Other parameters correspond to a good representative of the middle class: resolution up to 16 MP, f/1.9, there is an LED flash for shooting in the dark and autofocus.

Photo

Typical photo Samsung Galaxy A5 2017, provided there is full lighting (a clear day, the sun is shining), turns out to be quite decent, the camera justifies the installation in a strong average market. Colors are rendered close to the original, details are visible. In addition, the software provides many filters, so you can freely experiment with frames. For example, take not just a photo, but a photo in rich mode. Or install a food filter that softens the environment.

But all this is true only for a static composition. Since there is no optical stabilization, shooting with movement is guaranteed to cause blurring, and the focus does not have time to achieve. Do nice shot children playing is quite a difficult task.

And if you add to this a lack of light (evening time or indoor photography), then noise will also be added, completely destroying small details. HDR somewhat saves you from overexposure.

For night shooting This may not be enough and you will have to manually adjust ISO/exposure/white balance. All these options are available in Pro mode. It is recommended to take several pictures at once, since some of them will almost certainly be damaged.

Video

When shooting video, you won’t be able to squeeze more than FHD at 30 fps. 2K/4K formats are not available, as is the frame rate increased to 60. Video in such conditions is obtained at a level acceptable for the middle class - as far as possible in the absence of stabilization. When shooting, it is advisable not to shake the smartphone again in order to minimize blurring.

The time-lapse mode somewhat softens the impressions: the camera periodically takes frames and then assembles an accelerated video from them.

Front-camera

Characteristics of the front samsung cameras Galaxy A5 2017 has almost identical parameters to the main module. It also uses a sensor that supports frames up to 16 MP at f/1.9 aperture. In fact, it works like a wide-angle lens: you can take a selfie of several people, while the faces will turn out to be quite detailed.

The camera can automatically adjust parameters to suit current conditions. If there is not enough lighting, the screen will be activated - it will be filled with white to illuminate the face. But there is no automatic targeting: only nearby objects will come into focus.

As a result, the quality of the pictures is lower than that of the main camera. However, you can work with the photo using various corrective effects - for example, to improve the appearance of the skin or change the tone.

The shutter button can be placed anywhere on the screen. This makes it easier to take pictures with one hand, especially if you need to take an original selfie pose.

Sound and music playback quality

There are no special complaints about the performance of the main speaker. The sound is quite clear, albeit with insufficient bass (which is not surprising for an average smartphone). You can try to correct it using the built-in equalizers or switch to headphones by connecting them to the 3.5 mm jack.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 with other smartphones reveals more quiet sound. The sound of the speaker is influenced by IP68 certification. To prevent water from getting inside the device, we had to cover the hole with a special membrane.

The situation is similar with the speaker. But everything is in order with the microphones: the additional one is used for noise reduction, while the main one records voices with high quality. During the call, the interlocutor will be able to hear clearly.

Communication capabilities

In terms of communication samsung phone Galaxy A5 2017 supports a gentleman's set of technologies. It can work in networks from 2G to 4G LTE inclusive. In this case, you can use both SIMs, which is convenient when traveling abroad. Certification of 4G module according to cat level. 6 provides data exchanges at speeds up to 300/50 Mbit/s.

The Wi-Fi module supports dual-channel operation according to 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards. In addition, he knows how to send a picture to external screen(Wi-Fi Direct) and relay the signal in access point mode. For peripherals there is Bluetooth 4.2 with reduced energy consumption and ANT+. The smartphone supports wireless payment via NFC and MST.

The navigation module works quickly with Beidou, GPS and GLONASS. Even with a cold start, it takes about 10 seconds to find a satellite.

A USB 2.0 output is used for communication with a PC or charging. The symmetrical Type-C connector can be inserted on either side, making connection exactly twice as easy.

operating system

Initially, Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 was released with version 6 of Android OS. After the release of updated editions, it was first transferred to version 7 and then to version 8, which is supplemented by the Samsung Experience shell. Thanks to it, you can flexibly customize the phone to suit the owner’s preferences: use different screen modes, operate with one hand, share a picture for multi-screen mode, and so on.

Unlike the most affordable models in the J line, there is full support for S Voice. The voice assistant can answer questions, launch required applications, set reminders and make appointments. It can also work in navigator mode.

Another one interesting feature– use of both SIM cards for simultaneous work with two copies popular messengers. Each instance functions independently of the second.

Autonomy

With a battery capacity of 3000 mAh, a single charge lasts for a day or two, depending on the activity of use. Fast charging is supported in an hour and a half.

Thanks for the autonomy should be said to the combination of a relatively economical screen and processor. In addition, you can additionally enable energy saving mode. At basic level The processor frequency and screen brightness are reduced, which reduces the operating time by about 20%. If you go to extreme mode, then at the cost of turning the display into gray color scheme and other optimizations, you can keep your smartphone turned on even longer.

In standard mode, one charge will last for 53 hours of sound (or even 78 with the screen off), you can watch video for up to 19 hours, talk on a 3G network for up to 16. On the Internet, the smartphone will last 13/16/18 hours when connected via 3G/LTE /Wi-Fi accordingly.

Pros and cons of a smartphone

The analyzed characteristics and reviews of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 allow us to highlight the following advantages of the model:

1. excellent display with Always on Display support;
2. decent selfie camera
3. IP68 compliance;
4. wireless support payment Samsung Pay;
5. fast charging;
6. 2 SIM simultaneously with a memory card.

The disadvantages are:

1. camera without stabilization;
2. The fingerprint scanner is small and only works when correct position finger;
3. limited performance.

Comparison with competitors

Based on the totality of strengths Samsung model The Galaxy A5 2017 turned out to be quite successful. The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017's competitors may beat it in some specific areas (like a faster processor or more internal storage for the same money), but none of them have the same combination of characteristics.

Final review

Samsung smartphone A review of the parameters and analysis of their combination puts the Galaxy A5 2017 at the forefront of the mid-segment. Impressive battery life, beautiful and functional display, performance sufficient even for gaming, voice assistant and a calm design - you simply cannot find an equally high-quality analogue at this price.

Do you often go on business trips and don’t want to overpay for communications? No need to buy new SIM card with an unknown number to your colleagues and your own number, now you can make/receive calls via Wi-Fi at the price of calls in Russia for both you and the caller.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F/DS (SM-A520FZKDSER), available in Black color with 32GB of built-in memory.

The updated A-series from Samsung received a premium design, similar to the flagship S7, with a glass body on both sides framed by a metal frame at the ends. For the first time, all smartphones in this series are dust and waterproof. Protection standard IP68 (Protection from water when immersed in fresh water to a depth of 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes). What else is new in the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)?

Samsung updates Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F/DS

As noted above, the 2017 A5 received a more technologically advanced design. The front of the case is formed by a panel made of 2.5D glass, the back panel is made of 3D glass, and the edges are protected by a metal frame. Now the smartphone is protected from dust and moisture. The device feels good in the hand and is comfortable to use in any conditions, even in the rain. In addition to the design, the gadget received modern technical filling: a new, more productive processor, increased RAM, improved main and selfie cameras, changed wired and wireless connection parameters, retained the ability to expand memory and increased the maximum possible memory card capacity. The device itself has slightly increased in size - 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm versus 144.8 x 71 x 7.3 mm for the 2016 A5, while the battery capacity has been increased and the power consumption of the device has been reduced. The manufacturer also promises many intuitive software features that will take the use of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) to a new level.

Display

Perhaps the only thing that has not undergone changes in the device is its display. The smartphone screen remains 5.2 inches in size. The display does not look bulky due to the presence of thin frames. The screen is made according to Super technology AMOLED, which produces a rich, contrasting picture. Also, do not forget about the deep black color, excellent viewing angles and several preset profiles, with the help of which everyone can customize the image to suit themselves. The resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels (FullHD) with a density of 424 ppi. So, nothing prevents you from enjoying a high-quality picture under any conditions. And all this is protected by 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4 with an oleophobic coating, which will protect the display not only from scratches, but also from dirt and fingerprints. By the way, you will have to touch the smartphone screen less, because... it has a function Always-on Display, thanks to which all necessary information always on screen.

Cameras

The main and front cameras have a resolution of 16 megapixels. Rear camera equipped with phase detection autofocus and a Light+ sensor, as well as a built-in flash. Both cameras support HDR technology, which allows you to take high-quality pictures with bright colors, even in difficult conditions. It is possible to record video in Full HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 30 frames per second and stereo sound. For the most successful shots, you can apply one of the 16 built-in filters or use the “Food” mode. Setting up the camera is completely simple and intuitive. Selfie lovers will be pleased with the updated 16 megapixel front camera with the ability to install the shutter button anywhere on the display. The display itself acts as a flash.

Processor and memory

IN new version smartphone has eight cores Samsung processor Exynos 7880 with a core frequency of 1.9 GHz (in the 2016 version there was an Exynos 7580 - 1.6 GHz). The device's RAM has been increased from 2 to 3 GB. The built-in memory can be expanded using a memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 256 GB. The memory card slot is separate.

Connection

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F/DS has two separate Nano-sim slots that can work simultaneously. The maximum possible Internet speed is up to 300 Mbit/s, thanks to LTE cat. 6. If there is no network, it is possible to connect via Wi-Fi. Communication between the smartphone and other devices and wearable electronics (smart watches, headphones, fitness bracelets, etc.) is ensured by Bluetooth 4.2. The following Bluetooth profiles are supported: A2DP, AVRCP, DI, HFP, HID, HOGP, HSP, MAP, OPP, PAN, PBAP. Built-in GPS and GLONASS modules will help you find a quick and accurate route. The wired connection in the 2017 A series is carried out via USB Type C. The manufacturer took care of users with accessories with a microUSB connector, including them in the package with the phone USB adapter Type C - microUSB.

Nutrition

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) has a larger 3000 mAh battery compared to its predecessor. In comparison with the SM-A510F/DS, the operating time on the Internet via 3G decreased by 1 hour - up to 13 hours, but the operating time on the Internet via 4G and Wi-Fi increased by 2 hours - up to 16 hours and 18 hours. respectively. Video playback time has increased significantly from 14 hours to 19 hours. Talk time on 3G networks remained at the same level - up to 16 hours, and music listening time did not increase significantly to 78 hours. At the same time, the battery has the ability to quickly charge.

The new Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) has retained all the charms of its predecessor, while receiving modern technical features, new cameras, protection from water and dust, and has become more autonomous when working in 4G networks and when using multimedia. Now it has become even easier and more comfortable to communicate, get impressions and share them with friends, enjoy content in any conditions.

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2014) - Image is nothing?

10.03.2016

Samsung never ceases to amaze with the speed with which it releases more and more new smartphone models. Moreover, if earlier the main emphasis was placed on the variety of glossy plastic, “soapy” design options, for which fans and haters of the company rightly scolded it, now the focus has changed in favor of glass and metal. To understand this, it is enough to evaluate the current model range of 2015-2016. Back in 2014, a line of so-called “image” A-series smartphones was introduced - A3, A5, A7. Today we will get acquainted with the middle option, namely the Galaxy A5, and try to understand what it is, an “image charge” from Samsung ☺.

From the point of view of a mobile technology enthusiast, this model is not the most profitable purchase, because... what can you get for 19,990 rubles - the price of the A5 at the time of purchase? Not so much, purely “paper” characteristics do not shine, namely: 5" SuperAMOLED display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, chipset based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, 2 gigabytes random access memory, 16 gigabytes of built-in, 4G support, 2300 mAh battery, 13 megapixel main camera. Not much? It would seem so. But the question is in what context to consider the choice of this particular model.

My story was like this. Due to certain circumstances, I had to urgently decide to buy a new smartphone. The criteria are simple: reliability, 4G, ergonomics, screen at least 5", a normal camera for its price, price from 10 thousand rubles (since it’s simply impossible to buy anything sensible cheaper in Russian retail now, so that right here and now ), and up to 20 TR (everything more expensive was beyond the budget).

After quickly looking through the websites, I went to the store to decide on the location. The most likely candidates for purchase were Meizu M2 Note and something from Asus Zenfone. Why "anything"? Yes, because the Asus company has apparently turned on the production of smartphones at full capacity, and I just felt very sad when I realized that it was impossible to understand the diversity of the current Zenfone line with numerous alphanumeric indices even in a week.

The camera window is protected by a protruding rim, so there is a chance that the camera glass will not be scratched simply when the smartphone is lying on the table.

The camera's LED flash can work as a flashlight, provided the appropriate application is installed. There is no application in the standard software package to implement this function, but Google Play is full of flashlights for every taste. I liked the proprietary widget from Asus.

At the bottom end there is a charging connector - a regular USB 2.0, a 3.5 headphone jack, as well as a microphone sound duct.

On the left side there is a paired volume key made of metal.

At the top end there is only a hole for the second microphone, which is needed for the noise reduction system to work, and a small sticker on which for some reason indicates the presence of Qualcomm 4G. It is unclear what meaning this tiny sticker carries and why it exists at all.

On the right side there is a conveniently located (yay!) display lock/unlock button, also known as the on/off button. Just below are the slots for nanoSIM SIM card trays, which can be opened using a paper clip.

The lower tray is intended only for a SIM card, but the upper one is a combined one, in the spirit of the latest fashion of manufacturers, namely: in the upper tray you can place either only SIM card or only memory card, but nothing together!

What else can you say about communication? For some time, my interlocutors complained that it was hard to hear me. I suspected the microphone was not working well and checked it several times. different combinations, but I didn’t hear any problems - subscribers can be heard well from the A5. Now this problem does not appear, it is possible that it could be related to the operator from whom I left.

Display. What can I say about him? AMOLED is AMOLED with all its advantages and disadvantages - deep, true black color, orange-carrot instead of red, dirty gray instead of white, ideal viewing angles from all sides, the ability to fade in a static picture (for example, if the smartphone is used for a long time as a car navigator). For those who have "nivygarait", go to the Samsung showroom and look at demo samples that constantly show the same static picture. On the A5, my display has not yet started to burn out, but I use it in a gentle mode, because... there is no need for hardcore, but on Note 4 I had such a problem.

I’ve never been a member of the “sect of pentile witnesses,” especially since on the SGS5 and Note 4 the display resolution was more than enough for me (1920x1080 and 2560x1440, respectively), but at 1280x720 the A5 clearly shows the looseness of small fonts when surfing the web on full-size, not mobile sites. At the same time, on IPS displays with a similar resolution, this is not noticeable so clearly.

Camera. Instead of a thousand words, look at example pictures. In my opinion, quite middle class, the camera, of course, does not have enough stars from the sky, but for my purposes it is quite suitable.

Of course, it doesn’t reach the level of the Note 4 at all, but it can easily compete with the SGS5. The only thing that is annoying is poor focusing and constant blurring when trying to shoot something small when illuminated with artificial light. You have to make several attempts. This problem was partly solved by purchasing the Snap Camera program, which has a certain analogue of stabilization, which, when focusing and pressing “shoot”, calculates the degree of hand tremors based on spatial orientation sensors and takes a picture exactly at the moment when it is the least. At the same time, for everyday shooting in good lighting, I prefer the standard Camera.

Sound. In normal (that's why I didn't even unpack the supplied ones) headphones, the sound is good. For my not particularly sophisticated taste, the A5 is quite suitable as an audio player.

Battery. For the technical characteristics of the smartphone, its non-removable 2300 mAh battery is quite enough, even with intensive use, for the whole day. According to my observations, the charge was always enough for 5 hours of display operation.

But recently, Google Services began to take second, or even first place in terms of energy consumption, instead of the traditional “Screen”. The charge began to be enough, often half an hour or an hour less. It is not clear what to do with this. The problem is generally quite common on Android, and there is no clear solution. All sorts of disabling all kinds of services (by standard methods, I don’t have root and never will, because of the warranty and knox), as well as a general reset, had no effect. For now I left it as is. Perhaps Google will fix the gluttony of its services.

Photos in the interior

Specifications

• Android 6.0.1 with Clean UI, upgrade to Android 7
• Screen 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 ppi, automatic adjustment brightness, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display
• Chipset Exynos 7880, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), GPU Mali-T830MP3
• 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory (about 23 GB of memory is available to the user out of the box)
• Battery Li-Ion 3000 mAh, fast charging, operating time in mixed mode - 2 days (test result), in 3G/4G data transfer mode - 13/16 hours, video playback - up to 19 hours, talk time - up to 16 hours
• Installing two nanoSIM cards, as well as a card microSD memory(up to 256 GB)
• Front camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, facial enhancements (eyes, skin color, face tone)
• Main camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, LED flash, autofocus
• Two microphones, noise reduction system
• IP68 water protection, 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+5 GHz, NFC, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.2
• Sensors – accelerometer, barometer, fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor
• Samsung Pay
• Color options: black (Black Sky), gold (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
• Instructions
• Wired stereo headset
• "Paper clip" for removing the SIM tray

Positioning

Samsung decided that the A-series should offer models in the mid-price segment, and the model range is built based on the size of the phones: smaller screen - smaller index. From this logic it is clear that A3 is the smallest device, and A7 is the largest, while A5 is exactly in the middle. From sales of the A-series in 2016, it is known that the A5 and the 5-inch smartphone form factor became the most popular; this device sold significantly better than others.

A-series models have become iconic for the market and their price segments; during the transition from the first to the second generation, their sales in Russia increased noticeably.

But the most important thing is that these devices can be perceived as somewhat simplified versions of the company’s flagships in terms of filling, but not at all simplified in terms of materials. Not all buyers need the features of flagships; they are willing to spend 2-3 times less money, but get a decent, reliable device.

Considering that Samsung directly competes with Apple in the market, to some extent the A-series is a response to the old iPhone models that are still on the market. So, the 2017 A5 is a clear competitor to the iPhone 6/6s, which also costs less. Comparing with the famous Chinese, we will get competitors from their line with similar positioning, for example, this could be Huawei Nova.

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

Design, dimensions, control elements

In the A-series, the design is to some extent inherited from older models, the same body materials, no noticeable simplifications or savings. The A5 model looks expensive and stylish, regardless of what color you choose. There are four color options in total; there are no pink phones in Russia yet.

I have a black A5, it is classic and looks good. The mirror surface reflects the surrounding world, plays in the light, the device looks very interesting, and hand marks are practically invisible. I’ll add here that the screen with a splash screen can always work (AlwaysOn Display function), which none of the competitors have. In the end, we get an unusual device that has no analogues on the market; it can be distinguished from any other at first glance.

If we talk about which color is the best, then I like blue, it is a delicate shade, very unusual, perfect for girls, however, look for yourself.

Please note that the front and back panels in one color, as well as the side metal edging (6000 series aluminum). The device also looks good in pink, but it is definitely only for girls.

The gold phone is somewhat rustic, but everyone has their own tastes.

The fact that the device has a glass back and front does not hinder it at all, since Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is quite reliable and protected from accidental falls, although depending on your luck. This device is completely identical in mechanical protection to the Galaxy S6 EDGE, the quality is at the same level. I once recorded a video about how this phone survives collisions with sharp objects or asphalt, you can watch this video.

The innovation of the A-series in 2017 was water protection, which was taken from the S7/S7 EDGE, the implementation is exactly the same. The SIM card tray is protected by rubber gaskets, the microphones and speakers are protected by membranes, the protection level is IP68, which allows the phone to be kept at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to half an hour. This does not mean that the phone needs to be washed under water, much less with soap or something similar. But if you drop it in water, nothing will happen to it. There are practically no models with water protection in this price segment.

Now about the control elements. Under the screen there is a mechanical key, a fingerprint sensor is included in it, it is simplified compared to the S7/S7 EDGE, it works a little slower, but there are no problems because of this. Nice solution that just works. On either side of it are two touch keys.

On the left side there are two volume keys, on the right side there is an on/off button. There is a microphone at the bottom and top ends, there is a noise reduction system, it does its job perfectly: you can be heard well in any conditions, even when the wind blows strongly in your face.

At the bottom end there is also a 3.5 mm jack for a headset or headphones and a USB Type C connector for the charger. On the upper end and left side you can see trays, in the upper one a nanoSIM card and a memory card are installed, in the lower one there is a second nanoSIM card. In the A3, for example, installing two SIM cards and a memory card is impossible; it has a combined slot.

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

The phone dimensions are 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight is 159 grams. Compact, fits perfectly in the hand due to the small roundness of the body at the back. Not slippery, although from the photographs many people think that it should slip out of their hands, but this does not happen. This size is one of the most popular on the market and is liked by most buyers.

Compared to Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Display

The presence of a SuperAMOLED screen has always been an advantage of the A-series; the technical characteristics of this display are as follows: 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display.

For my taste, the screen quality is excellent for its class, it has a large brightness reserve automatic mode, the display is easily readable in the sun, just like the previous year’s model (in the S7 EDGE the screen has greater brightness, and as a result, it is even better in the sun).

The screen has an AlwaysOn Display option, that is, you can see application icons, clocks or pictures all the time, the screen operation does not drain the battery much, in 12 hours it’s a couple of percent. Until now, this function has not been widely available in the mid-price segment, which makes the 2017 A5 stand out and puts it on par with Samsung flagships.

In terms of all its characteristics, the screen in the 2017 A5 outperforms its competitors; there is nothing better in this segment. As a result, this is one of the strengths of the model. I also like the fact that they brought here automatic brightness adjustment to suit your preferences; in the first two weeks the phone “gets used to” you and is adjusted to your taste.

Battery

Built-in Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh, supports fast charging (1 hour 20 minutes). Built-in wireless charging, which is flagship models, there is no.

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

Play unconverted video in HD quality in MX Player at maximum brightness - up to 19 hours! This is an excellent indicator considering the size of the battery; many Chinese show comparable results on a 5000 mAh battery.

The operating time of the A5 2017 becomes its strong point, even with a heavy load, it will not be possible to discharge it faster than in a day; on average, this is two days. Those who use only calls can easily count on 5-6 days of work; of course, it all depends on the operator and the number of these calls. But in general, we can state the fact that operating time is the strong point of this model.

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

Communication capabilities

GPS/GLONASS work perfectly, cold start takes about ten seconds, navigation works perfectly, there are no problems. By the way, this distinguishes A-brands from many Chinese companies, where the implementation of the antennas is such that you can expect anything from the typical functions.

Another strong point is the support of almost all necessary LTE frequencies, here the device also shows its strengths (analogues in this price segment cannot boast of this; as a rule, they save on antennas).

Finally, the device has NFC and ANT+ support, which will appeal to those who use sports sensors. Bluetooth version 4.2.

If we talk about Wi-Fi, then it uses 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4+5 GHz, there is a repeater mode (distributing a Wi-Fi signal to other devices as an access point).

USB version 2.0, but the USB Type C (1.0) connector is used, so fans of modern connectors will be happy; for the rest, it’s time to come to terms with the transition to the new standard.

Memory, RAM, performance

Samsung uses its own chipsets in A-series models, which can be considered a plus; they are improving year by year. For example, in 2016, chipsets in the A-series were made at 28 nm, now it is 14 nm, which gives an increase in performance and operating time. The chipset in the A5 2017 is Exynos 7880, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), Mali-T830MP3 graphics processor.

In synthetic tests, this processor performed well. IN real life everything also works perfectly, you will not feel any shortcomings in performance, the model is at the same level, and the safety margin will last for at least a couple of years.

The device has 32 GB of internal memory (23.1 GB available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. 3 GB of RAM, which is enough for most consumers. And given the screen resolution, everything becomes very good, this solution is balanced, and there are no noticeable compromises.

Camera

The front camera is 16 megapixels (f/1.9), as usual, there is no autofocus, so it’s worth finding the distance from which the pictures are best taken, this is about half a meter, that is, an outstretched arm. Quality front camera good, but don’t expect anything special from it; after all, the main camera is better. There is a traditional improvement in skin color and tone, you can enlarge your eyes, and at the same time make your face thinner. Girls will definitely like these “improvements”.

The main camera is 16 megapixel (f/1.9), of course, there is autofocus, as well additional modes shooting, including PRO, but it differs from the flagships, since the camera is simpler. This camera is on par 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 not so good, but this is generally typical for this segment. There is no 4K mode when recording video, but it is unlikely that consumers of this device need it so much, since recording regular FullHD video will completely satisfy them.

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

Software

The model was originally released on 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 OS.

Describe standard Android features I won’t, you can read about them in a detailed review.

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

When using KNOX, you can install any program in duplicate, for example, install two WhatsApp messengers on one device and use them for each SIM card (two numbers, two messengers). You can even correspond with yourself. Exactly the same trick can be done with any software; not a single phone allows you to simultaneously work with two instant messengers on the same device with different numbers. Today, many Chinese manufacturers offer something similar in their smartphones, but the implementation is different everywhere.

Of course, this model supports Samsung service Pay.

I will not dwell on standard software from Samsung, for example, S Health, you can find relevant articles on our website.

Impression

The vibration alert is average, the ringer volume is also average - perhaps I would like there to be more headroom, but the phone is still audible, and you can feel it in your pockets when it vibrates. Rather, there is no reserve in terms of volume, but how will anyone perceive this moment? The device cannot be called quiet.

I liked the 2017 A5, as well as this whole series, and previous models. Strengths remained exactly the same - excellent materials and design of the case, bright and eye-catching design, which is complemented by AlwaysON Display; competitors have nothing like that. When choosing between models in this series, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the 2017 A3 is aimed at those who make more calls, spend less time online, and watch movies. Great compact phone With big time work, I’ll talk about it in a separate review.

You can choose the 2017 A7 for its screen size, 5.7 inches versus 5.2 in the A5. However, in other respects these devices are almost similar, everything is the same. In the table you can see how all A-series devices differ.

The price of the 2017 A5 in Russia is 27,990 rubles; for comparison, the previous year’s model costs 21,990 rubles. In my opinion, the advantage of the 2017 device is obvious, it is IP68 protection, AlwaysOn Display, updated Android and new operating modes, increased battery life, better performance. In a word, it’s worth finding the money and buying an updated model; it will definitely last longer.

Oddly enough, in model range Samsung has another competitor for this device, the Galaxy S6, a two-year-old flagship that today sells for 30,000 rubles. It doesn't have memory cards or water protection, but it does support Gear VR, which the 2017 A5 doesn't have. Usually, previous flagships act as stronger models than the current middle class, but when comparing these devices, everything is not so clear; I would still recommend the A5 2017.

IN Apple line there is an old iPhone 6, its 16 GB version costs 28,990 rubles (refurbished device) or more than 35,000 rubles. In my opinion, it does not have any advantages, it loses in terms of screen, memory, and service life; there is no protection from water even close. In a word, here you are only buying a brand name and quite old hardware with the worst prospects for updates in the short term. If you want an iPhone, look at the new models, but be prepared to pay more.

A good alternative is the Huawei Nova; this 5-inch model also has 3 GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, a similar battery, and comparable cameras. But the IPS screen is something to keep in mind, there is also no water resistance, and of course there is no Samsung Pay. The price of this device is 23,000 rubles, which is noticeably cheaper and quite justified, taking into account other characteristics. But the performance of the device is not bad and it looks good.

If you look at models with water protection, then nothing but Sony Xperia X Performance doesn't come to mind. But the price of this device in federal networks is 40 thousand rubles; it belongs to a completely different class of devices, as evidenced by 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 the A5, since Sony does not have any special advantages at a higher price. The model is already a year old, now it will be replaced by an updated version, it will be shown in the coming days. But the price will not be lower, and as a result, it will not be able to become a competitor.

With your permission, I will not take into consideration a huge bunch of Chinese models, after all, their positioning is completely different, these are C-brands with all the ensuing consequences. Samsung came up with a very interesting high quality model, which will become a bestseller in the mid-price segment. This device looks good, lasts a long time and offers a set of features that will satisfy anyone who is not ready to buy flagship products. The phone has its own face, moreover, it is easy to remember. You should definitely take a closer look at this device if you are looking for a 5-inch Android smartphone.