Samsung smartphones series difference. Samsung Galaxy S line: time passes, everything changes. Galaxy S to S5

11 months ago

It is not the first year that the Samsung brand has been a recognized leader in the smartphone segment and a direct competitor to the Apple company with its iPhones. Therefore, many consumers are faced with a serious dilemma: which phone is better - iPhone or Samsung? Models from the South Korean manufacturer have always differed not only in high-quality "filling", but also in a pleasant design, as well as an abundance of some "chips", and the venerable Apple continues to churn out reliable classics.

In general, the question of which phone is better - "iPhone" or "Samsung" is not entirely correct. The first one is characterized by rigor, invariable quality and painfully familiar (and for some already annoying) design. The second one has much more functionality thanks to the flexible platform "Android", has a variety of stylistic solutions and flexible "stuffing", which allows for a competent pricing policy.

If we look at the bare sales statistics, we can see that on average price segment South Korean manufacturer clearly in the lead, not to mention the budget. In the latter area, there are already other dilemmas (for example, which phone is better - "Samsung" or " Sony Xperia"?), And the question of iPhones is not at all worth it. The premium segment was almost completely captured by Apple devices with their impeccable quality and no less impeccable advertising campaigns.

We will try to figure out why consumers value the models of the South Korean brand so much, and determine which Samsung phone is better than another and why. We will start with the most "tasty" and expensive, gradually moving to the middle and budget price segment.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

The flagship S7 model can be called the most the best phone from Samsung. The series was distinguished by attractive streamlining of gadgets and a universal screen diagonal of 5.5 inches. The device turned out to be thin and light.

Many users in their reviews perceived this "thinness" ambiguously. On the one hand, yes, the device looks interesting and stylish, but on the other hand, it is not very comfortable to hold it in your hands. The phalanges of the fingers simply have nowhere to put the free space, and holding it like a piece of paper is not to everyone's liking.

As befits the best Samsung phones, the flagship is well protected from water, dust and other dirt according to the IP68 standard. It should also be noted that the water resistance class is maintained without any plugs.

Features of the model

Unlike its sixth generation predecessor, the S7 provides extended work with external media of any size, and also has support for two SIM cards. The only thing worth clarifying is that, alas, there are no separate slots for installation. Despite the success of the previous generation of S6 devices, the company did not take into account all user reviews. A good Samsung phone should not put its owner in front of a dilemma: buy a gadget with a large amount of storage at once or limit yourself in the choice of telecom operators. Unfortunately, this problem remains in the new device.

The advantages of the model:

• one of the best matrices in its segment (better than an iPhone);
• nice and stylish appearance;
• extensive functionality and customization options;
• good protection against moisture and dust according to the IP68 standard;
• support for all modern networks, including LTE Cat.9.

Disadvantages:

• combined slots for SD drives and a second SIM card;
• the price is high for the domestic market.

Estimated cost - about 40,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Duos

The Note line has always been distinguished by advanced features, where the main trump cards were a large screen diagonal and stylus support. This gadget can be called the best Samsung Galaxy phone in this series. In the fifth model, the electronic pen circuit and interaction with the screen were slightly redesigned, and users, judging by their feedback, liked the new solution very much.

For example, as soon as you take out the stylus from its regular place, the application for notes opens automatically, and there is no need to enter passwords, keys or somehow unlock the screen. Despite its popularity and recognition, the model has its own, for some, by the way, critical flaws. Many users still do not understand the company's decision to deprive their "tablet" of the ability to use external memory cards. Well at least the device received support for alternating work with SIM cards, otherwise it would have suffered the fate of the notorious seventh version of Note.

Pros of the model:

• improved work with electronic pen;
• nice looking design;
• support for all modern communication protocols;
• two SIM cards with an alternating mode of operation;
• fast "cold" start of the GPS-module.

• there is no support for external SD cards;
• non-separable body;
• no support for 3rd generation USB interface.

Estimated price - about 23,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy A5 (SM-A520F)

It is worth mentioning right away that there are a lot of modifications of the A5 series, and a good half of the brand's admirers ask a quite natural question: which A5 phone from Samsung is better? On sale you can find models of 2016 with the identifier SM-A510F and 2017 - SM-A520F. The difference in price between these two generations is around 3000 rubles, but the modern model has a more powerful "stuffing" and is better technically savvy.

SM-A520F received support for the 802.11ac protocol, 16-megapixel front camera(instead of 5 megapixels of the previous generation) and protection of the case according to the IP68 standard, so for many the choice is more than obvious. Also added to the new device internal memory and diversified the assortment with "girly" colors in pink and light blue styles.

Distinctive features of the device

The model can be confidently called a very good phone from Samsung. The gadget, in addition to all the advantages described above, received a separate slot for a memory card and a speaker on the side. The last solution is rather unusual, but the sound, according to user reviews, is much less often muffled by fingers and palm.

We should also mention such an interesting and useful innovation as Always On Display. It allows you to display information about current events, such as time, date, received messages and missed calls, on the "sleeping" screen.

The advantages of the model:

• stylish and eye-pleasing design;
• powerful set of chipsets;
• front camera 16 megapixels;
• Availability useful function Always On Display;
• protection from moisture and dirt according to the class IP68.

Disadvantages:

• non-removable battery;
• biting price tag in comparison with other models of the A5 series.

Estimated cost - about 22,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy C5

About a year ago, the company expanded the range of its gadgets and introduced devices in thin metal cases to the market. It turned out quite nice and good phones "Samsung" of the C5 series, and the constructive component is far from the only advantage of this line.

Naturally, the "stuffing" is far from the level of flagship models, but for everyday needs it is more than enough. Especially users were pleased with the volume random access memory... Almost 4 GB of RAM allow you to work with a lot of tabs in the browser and run "heavy" applications without lags and freezes. Any toys run without problems, but especially demanding ones will have to reset the graphics settings to the average value.

Features of the gadget

Let's add here a Super AMOLED-class matrix, which perfectly copes with Full HD-scanning, an adequate fingerprint sensor, NFC support- and we will get an almost ideal option for our money. Moreover, user reviews about the device are entirely positive, and the owners did not find any critical shortcomings.

Pros of the model:

• perfect balance of price and quality;
• one-piece body made of metal alloys;
• good cameras;
• excellent matrix, giving out a juicy and true picture;
• good viewing angles;
• attractive appearance and general style.

• the manufacturer does not guarantee flawless operation on popular domestic LTE protocols;
• does not support the modern Wi-Fi standard according to the 802.11ac specification;
• inconvenient combined interface for a second SIM card and external storage.

Estimated price - about 16,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy J7 (SM-J710F)

Despite the fact that it is very attractive and in many ways good telephone The company attributes the Samsung J7 series to the budget segment, it is able to give odds to many models of the middle price level. The first thing worth mentioning is the excellent performance. autonomous work.

Despite the gluttonous Android platform, the device manages to overtake even simple and outdated Symbian gadgets in this indicator. Of course, he is far from the old Nokia, which has been working for months, but among other gadgets, the J7 series is clearly the leader in the field of battery life.

As an obvious fly in the ointment, judging by user reviews, there is a mediocre matrix that can hardly pull out even HD-resolution, not to mention the declared Full HD. Even if not completely, the Super AMOLED technology compensates for this drawback, so there will be no problems with color depth and reading data in the sun.

Distinctive features of a smartphone

Another sign indicating that the device belongs to the budget segment is the absence of a light sensor, which means that the brightness will have to be adjusted manually and often. Despite its low price, the manufacturer was not stingy to equip the gadget with sensible cameras, and the company's marketers position the device as a “selfie phone” in their praises.

The advantages of the model:

• a good matrix for a budget smartphone, which allows you to work quietly in the sun;
• a good set of chipsets, eliminating brakes and interface sagging;
• excellent battery life;
• high-quality front and rear cameras;
• separate interface for SIM cards and external media;
• removable battery.

Disadvantages:

• there is no light sensor;
• no event indicator;
• touch buttons are not backlit.

Estimated cost - about 14,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy J1 (SM-J120F / DS)

The J1 model is a frankly budgetary, but nevertheless a good phone from Samsung. One of the clear advantages of this device is the matrix, which works in tandem with AMOLED technology, so bright sunlight does not interfere with the screen.

The low cost of the smartphone made itself felt: mediocre color rendition with a clearly oversaturated gamut, a simple set of chipsets and the same cameras. It will not work to run serious programs on the device, and those who like to play modern toys will have to reset the graphics settings to a minimum, provided that they will somehow work at all.

Features of the device

This model will be useful for undemanding users, that is, those who have enough music, films and the Internet, without a "heavy" entourage. In the merits of the gadget, you can write down not only a more than democratic price tag, but also an attractive battery life (in fact, there is nothing to work there and there is no one with anyone).

Pros of the model:

• excellent readability of data even in direct sunlight;
• separate interfaces for a SIM card and external storage;
• supports all domestic LTE protocols;
• removable battery;
• good battery life;
• more than a democratic price tag for a model from a venerable brand.

• mediocre matrices for both cameras;
• distorted color rendition;
• there is no light sensor.

Estimated price - less than 7000 rubles.

Yesterday ended the largest Samsung forum in Russia and the CIS CIS Forum 2015. During the event, the head of Samsung's mobile division in our country, Arkady Graf, spoke about innovations in the distribution of smartphones by series, and also announced which lines will be continued.

According to Graf (and the pictorial diagram shown during his speech), the three lines will be called flagship: Galaxy S, Galaxy Note and Galaxy alpha... At the same time, he clarified that the latter will remain one of a kind and will not receive a follower. As usual, these flagship lines will be the first to receive all the latest developments from Samsung.

Next comes the Galaxy A line. slim body(less than 7 mm), made of metal, as well as sAMOLED display. At the moment there are three models in the series: A3, A5 and A7. Two more series will also be continued: middle peasants Galaxy E, the minimum requirements for which are a sAMOLED display and a body no thicker than 8 mm (the model range is now represented by the Galaxy E5 smartphone), as well as state employees Galaxy J in the face of the only one Galaxy smartphone J1. The main advantage of the latter, of course, is the price.

It also became known that the numbering of devices will also undergo changes. The usual change of numbers at the end of the name will remain in only two flagship lines: Galaxy S and Galaxy Note (Galaxy Alpha, as we have already said, will remain the only representative of its series). Thus, the next flagships will indeed be named Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5.

Models of other lines will be marked with the year of manufacture. So, for example, after Samsung Galaxy A3 (2014) there will be Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015). This will make it easier to track the update. lineup: it is immediately clear what is going on.

In addition, Arkady Graf said that all smartphones of the Korean company sold in Russia will be equipped with an LTE module. This applies to even the cheapest line of Galaxy J. According to Graf, the company hopes to get support from operators in the sale and promotion of devices.

VN: F

Today the best Samsung smartphones are very popular. Indeed, this brand is rightfully considered the leading one in the market.

In many countries, it is Samsung that takes the first place in smartphone sales.

Only the best representatives of the Chinese market (Meizu, Xiaomi and so on) or the iPhone can compete with the products of this company.

Although the second in functionality and other features are often much inferior to Samsung products.

Therefore, it would be useful to consider the characteristics of the best representatives of a given firm.

This very famous smartphone (edge) is recognized as the second most powerful smartphone in the world! Better only Xiaomi Mi5. This already says a lot.

Its older brother Samsung Galaxy S7 is also very powerful today, but it is not among the top ten.

If we take other characteristics, then edge can rightfully be called the best smartphone in the world at the moment.

Aluminum body, proprietary SuperAMOLED with 576 ppi screen, which is many times better than any IPS, even with a large number of ppi, Snapdragon processor 820th (most powerful in 2016) in edge and Exynos 8890 in regular - what else do you need to be happy?

Other features of Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 EDGE are:

• battery 3000 mAh;
• 32 or 64 built-in memory;
• a 12MP main camera capable of capturing 4K video and a 5MP camera on the front of the phone;
• protection against water and damage of the IP68 standard;
• processor (8 cores at 1.8 GHz each);
• 4 GB of RAM;
• price - $ 700.

Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 EDGE

This smartphone closes the top ten most powerful smartphones at the moment. Moreover, it costs as much as $ 100-150 less.

But the characteristics of the S6 and S6 EDGE are slightly lower. So here is just an AMOLED screen with 576 ppi, 3 GB of RAM and the same 32 GB of its own memory, but a 3600 mAh battery.

There is no memory card slot. But compared to other smartphones and not the giant S7 EDGE, it looks like a very cool option.

Other features of these models are:

• 8 cores in the processor - at 2.1 GHz and at 1.5 GHz (4 pieces each);
• branded Samsung processor Exynos 7420;
• main camera 16 megapixels;
• maximum video resolution 3840 × 2160.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

She also has two versions - one with built-in 32 GB for $ 480 and with 64 GB for 520 US currency units.

This is one of the most large smartphones in the line - its diagonal is 5.7 inches. Its camera, in theory, is better than that of the aforementioned smartphones, at 16 megapixels.

In practice, this is not entirely true. The S7 EDGE camera, although 12 megapixels, shoots much better.

However, in comparison with the cameras of the same Xiaomi or Meizu, our Note 5 looks like an absolute leader.

The rest of the features of this model are as follows:

• battery 3000 mAh;
• RAM - 4 GB;
• no memory card slot;
• screen - AMOLED with 515 ppi;
• camera on the front side of the phone at 5 megapixels;
• graphics processor Mali-T760 MP8;
• 8-core main processor.

Samsung Galaxy A9

This pleasure costs about 480 dollars. It has a 6-inch screen, a 16 megapixel camera, and a 5000 mAh battery!

Its own memory is 32 GB and there is a slot for memory cards. AMOLED screen at 367 ppi.

Do not think that the user will be too upset due to the fact that the above smartphones have a screen of 500 or more ppi - the difference is not particularly noticeable, if you do not look too closely.

The camera on the front of the phone is here at a whopping 8 megapixels. Therefore, we can say that the Samsung Galaxy A9 is ideal for those who like to take selfies.

Other features of this model are as follows:

• Snapdragon 652 processor;
• out of 32 GB of its own memory, the user can use only 23.4 GB.

Samsung Galaxy A8

The predecessor of the previous model. It was released on September 1, 2015 and was then named the thinnest smartphone.

It has a screen diagonal, like other Samsung flagships, including the Galaxy Note 5, at 5.7 inches. The main camera has at its disposal a whopping 16 megapixels. B

The battery here is 3050 mAh, slightly more than most of the above models. But here is a SuperAMOLED screen.

The processor is slightly older than that of the A9, Snapdragon 615th.

Other features of the Galaxy A8 are as follows:

• 1.5 GHz processor;
• price - 400 dollars (at the beginning it cost 550).

Samsung Galaxy A7

Costs this model already 360 dollars. Has a slightly larger battery, 3300 mAh, but slightly smaller screen size.

The camera is 13 megapixel here, but thanks to various "chips" from Samsung, it works no worse than smartphones with 16 megapixel cameras.

WITH How many memory here is 16 GB (operational - 3 GB), it is possible to expand up to 128 GB. The processor also has 8 cores - each core is 1.6 GHz.

In general, quite a good representative of its class, which may be worse in power than chinese smartphones for the same price, but much more convenient to use, more durable and has a better camera.

It also has the following features:

• there is a slot for a second SIM-card, into which you can also insert microSD;
• proprietary AMOLED screen.

Samsung Galaxy A5

This handsome man can be bought for exactly $ 300.

It differs from the A7 model only by a smaller screen (5.2 inches), a smaller battery (2900 mAh) and some other small details.

The logic here is quite clear - why such big battery if here smaller screen, which, accordingly, requires fewer resources for maintenance?

Otherwise, this is, in fact, the same A7 - AMOLED screen, the same 16 GB of its own memory and other similar moments. But 2 GB of RAM.

Its other features are:

• there is metal in the case;
• Android OS 5.1.

Samsung traditionally produces exactly three A-series devices, very similar in design and philosophy, but with different display diagonal and slightly different characteristics. Koreans did not change themselves in 2017 either. We took the whole family for a test at once: A3 with a 4.7-inch display and a 13-megapixel camera, A5 with a 5.2-inch screen and a 16-megapixel camera and A7 with the same photo module, but already with a 5.7-inch display ... A5 and A7 are built on the Exynos 7880 platform (eight cores with a peak frequency of 1.9 GHz) and carry 3 GB of RAM on board. A3 received the same processor, but clocked at 1.6 GHz, and two gigabytes of RAM.

Actually, the scheme is the same as last year: the Galaxy S of the last generation was taken as the main source of inspiration, but its wings-characteristics are slightly clipped (the platform is simpler, the screen is at most Full HD resolution, camera of the year before last). The main chips are in place: Gorilla Glass on both sides (and the version is not specified this time - it is highly likely that the Koreans have abandoned the fifth), and protection against water and dust according to the IP68 standard, and a slot for a memory card. And the mini-jack is still there. The devices are “packed” at the flagship level, they look great, behind the back there is a full-fledged A-brand, but at the same time they fall into the price range from 23 to 33 thousand rubles. Potential hits?

⇡ Specifications

⇡ Design, ergonomics and software

All three A-series smartphones differ from each other only in size, and from - only in some small and not too noticeable at first glance details. This is quite logical - Samsung plays on the feelings of those who do not mind having a seemingly flagship smartphone, but do not want to pay a lot. The main differences between the A-series this year: the absence of an additional sensor (proximity) above the display, two compartments for cards (both memory and camera ones), not so strong bending of the rear panel and another camera unit - with a smaller lens window and no laser illumination autofocus. And also the speaker, which has moved from the bottom to the side.

The essence remains the same: glass on both sides, physical Home button with a built-in fingerprint scanner, verified thickness (7.9 mm), making the smartphone very comfortable to hold with one hand. Plus a rounded, visually very "soft" shape and metal edges. Stylish, modern looking, balanced smartphone.

Of the three models, it was most convenient and pleasant for me to work with the A3, but this is pure subjectivity - I just like small smartphones. And in its category, by the way, A3 is an almost unique offer. To this, however, I will return already in the conclusions. The second reason why he "went" especially well for me is the color. Not classic, but hateful black or gold, but blue, and a pleasant, calm shade. Here, however, there is room for choosing any modification: the colors are common for both A3 and A5 with A7, just for the test we got the larger models in black.

The build quality is good, although I personally did not like the Home button - it is slightly loose and not clearly enough to fix the presses. To unlock with a fingerprint, however, you do not need to press it entirely - it reacts to a simple touch.

Samsung A-series, bottom edge (for example A5): mini-jack (3.5 mm) for headphones / headset, USB port Type-C and microphone

At Galaxy testing S7, I found fault with the tempered glass on the front and on the back - it collected scratches and chips too easily, even if you didn't carry a smartphone with keys and small change. Just put it on an uneven surface and welcome to perfectionist hell. Unfortunately, the problem has migrated here as well - the case very easily collects microscopic and unobtrusive scratches, which are nevertheless quite annoying, especially when direct sunlight hits the black glossy case.

But there are also differences from the Galaxy S7, and for the better. For example, here the camera unit does not protrude from the body - this also applies to all three models. Personally, this does not seem like a great advantage to me - it is still easier to notice whether you have touched the bulging camera, leaving a fingerprint on it. But perfectionists will be happy.

The speaker is located better. I railed a lot about how inconveniently it was placed in the S7 - you inevitably cover the small grill with your finger when viewing something in landscape orientation and, accordingly, completely muffle the sound. Here he found himself on the upper half of the right edge - and this, I can tell you, is a great place. You won't cover it with your hand or with a table - if your smartphone is on it.

The case is waterproof according to the IP68 standard (up to half an hour at a depth of one and a half meters) from splashes and accidental ingress into the water. This is one of the most important features of the Galaxy A family of this generation, which sets it apart from competitors, and even most flagships.

A fingerprint scanner built into a button on the front panel allows you to unlock your smartphone and confirm purchases with Samsung Pay (branded payment system it is supported in both A5 and A7, like last year, and in A3 - it is new for this device). Many people like this arrangement of the sensor, but I am more comfortable working with the scanner located at the back - this grip, for my taste, is more reliable, the likelihood of dropping the device when unlocking is noticeably lower. However, again a matter of taste. When switching from iPhone to Android smartphone, such a scheme will be perceived more naturally anyway.