What to choose a3 or a5. Mobile communication technologies and data rates. A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.

Photos in the interior

If you have read the 2017 review of the A5, I advise you to read the sections “Positioning”, “Display”, “Battery”, “Camera”, “Performance” and “Impressions”, since the rest of the text is almost the same, little things have changed, since these the devices are built on one tracing paper.

Specifications

• Android 6.0.1 with Clean UI, update to Android 7
• Screen 4.7 inches, SuperAMOLED, HD, 312 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display
• Exynos 7870 chipset, 8 cores up to 1.6 GHz (Cortex A53), 14 nm, graphics processor Mali-T830
• 2 GB random access memory, 16 GB of internal memory (9.7 GB of memory is available to the user out of the box)
• Battery Li-Ion 2350 mAh, no fast charging, working time in mixed mode 2 days (test result), in 3G / 4G data transfer mode - 14/17 hours, video playback - up to 17 hours, talk time - up to 17 hours
• Installation of two nanoSIM cards, as well as a microSD memory card (up to 256 GB) - combined slot, simultaneous operation of microSD and two SIM cards is not possible
• Front camera 8 megapixels, f / 1.9, face enhancers (eyes, skin color, face tone)
• Main camera 13 megapixels, f / 1.9, LED flash, autofocus
• Two microphones, noise cancellation system
• IP68 water resistant, 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), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B20 (800); TDD LTE B40 (2300)
• GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
• ANT +, 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 2.4 + 5GHz, NFC, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.2
• Sensors - Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Scanner, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Light Sensor
• Samsung Pay
• Colors: Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist, Pink Peach Cloud
• SAR value - 0.35 W / kg (head), 1.38 W / kg (body)
• Dimensions - 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9 mm, weight - 138 grams

Contents of delivery

• Smartphone
• Charger with USB Type C cable
• Instructions
• Wired stereo headset
• MicroUSB-USB Type C adapter for charging cable
• "Paperclip" for removing the SIM tray

Positioning

Most manufacturers have completely abandoned the segment of compact smartphones, for some reason it is believed that a small phone should be outdated, not the most modern. There are three companies on the market that produce such devices - Apple ( iPhone model SE), Sony (Compact series) as well as Samsung. In A3 2017, the desire of some buyers to get a small, compact phone was realized. The relatively small screen diagonal of 4.7 inches determines the scenarios for using such a device - first of all, it is needed for calls, and secondly, for social networks, instant messengers and web browsing. This smartphone can be safely considered as a second phone, in this capacity it is almost ideal - it works for a long time, has a balanced, modern set of functions. But as the main device for those who are not looking for a large screen diagonal, accustomed to compact models, it is good.

On the side of this model, a set of functions comparable to older devices, although a number of features were removed in the A3 2017 compared to the A5 / A7 - the phone has simpler front and main cameras, a lower screen resolution (HD, not FullHD), there is no fast battery charging , which, however, is not critical, the charging time remains comparable, since the battery capacity is also lower. All the advantages in the form of Samsung Pay (NFC / MST), IP68 water protection remained. As well as the use of exactly the same materials that distinguish the model from many classmates, it is made perfectly. And, perhaps, this is one of the few compact smartphones on the modern market - the difference between this model and 5-inch devices is very tangible, the impressions from them are very different. Moreover, these differences are both a plus and a minus, and depend directly on what you are used to.

Design, dimensions, controls

In the A-series, the design is to some extent inherited from the older models, the same body materials, no noticeable simplifications and savings. The A3 model looks expensive and stylish, regardless of the color you choose. There are four color solutions in total, there are no pink phones in Russia yet.

I have a black A3 which is classic and looks good. The mirrored surface reflects the surrounding world, plays in the light, the device looks very interesting, and handprints are practically invisible. I will add here that the screen with a splash screen can always work (the AlwaysOn Display function), which none of the competitors has. 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 what color is the best, then I like blue, it is a delicate shade, very unusual, perfect for girls, however, see for yourself.

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

The gold-colored phone is somewhat simple-minded, but everyone has their own tastes here.

The fact that the device has a glass back and front part does not interfere with it at all, since Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is quite reliable and protected from accidental drops, although here someone is as lucky. In terms of mechanical protection, this device is completely identical to the Galaxy S6 EDGE, the quality is on par. I once recorded a video about how this phone survives when hitting sharp objects or asphalt, you can watch this video.

The innovation of the 2017 A-series was the protection against water, 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 the speaker have membranes, the level of protection is IP68, which allows the phone to stay at a depth of up to 1.5 meters for up to half an hour. This does not mean that the phone needs to be washed under water and even more so with soap or something similar. But if you drop it into water, then nothing will happen to it. In that price segment there are no models with water protection.

Now about the controls. There is a mechanical key under the screen, a fingerprint sensor is inscribed in it, it is simplified compared to S7 / S7 EDGE, it works a little slower, but there are no problems because of this. Nice solution that just works. On the sides of it there are two touch-sensitive keys.

On the left side there are two volume keys, on the right side there is an on / off button. At the bottom and top ends - on the microphone, 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 into your face.

At the bottom there is also a 3.5 mm jack for a headset or headphones, as well as a USB Type C connector for a charger. At the top there is a tray for a nanoSIM card and a memory card or two SIM cards. This is a combined tray, so it's worth remembering that in the A5 / A7 you can install both a memory card and two SIM cards at the same time.

The loudspeaker was placed on the right side surface, due to which it can overlap in a pocket, it will not be very well heard. The speaker itself is average in terms of volume, but very pleasant.

The dimensions of the phone are 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9 mm and the weight is 138 grams. Compact, very small. It can drown in a man's hand, but someone likes this size. In clothes it is completely invisible, you can easily forget that there is a phone in your pocket, so it does not feel like a constant burden. If you like compact models, then you will definitely fall in love with the 2017 A3.

Compared to Galaxy A5 2017

Display

The younger model has a screen with HD-resolution, on such a diagonal low resolution does not play a big role, the picture looks good. But for those who like to peer at the screen and distinguish PenTile, I will not recommend this screen, you will see its structure from a distance of ten centimeters, from five centimeters you can accurately determine the "looseness" of the picture. It is clear that no one is looking at the screen so close, but who cares? Ordinary people, not burdened with knowledge about PenTile, will simply say that it is good screen, giving out a nice picture, which is also customizable.

Specifications This SuperAMOLED display is as follows: 4.7 inches, SuperAMOLED, HD, 312 ppi, auto dimming, auto dimming 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 supply of brightness in automatic mode, the display is readable in the sun, as well as the model of the previous year (in the S7 EDGE screen has a greater brightness, as a result, even better in the sun).

The screen has the AlwaysOn Display option, that is, you can see application icons, clocks or pictures all the time, the screen does not drain the battery much, for 12 hours it is a couple of percent. Until now, this function has not been massively in the middle price segment, which noticeably distinguishes the A3 2017 and puts it on a par with Samsung's flagships.

Whatever one may say, the screen in this model is excellent for its positioning and capabilities, and you don't need more. Taking into account the scenarios of using the device (a minimum of heavy games with complex graphics as an example), this is the right choice.

Battery

The built-in Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 2350 mAh, fast charging is not supported, but the standard Charger charges the battery in 1 hour 35 minutes. That is, the need for fast charging no, due to the small capacity of the battery, the charging time is normal. Built-in wireless charging, which the flagship models have, is not here.

In mixed mode, the device lives quietly for two days with 3-4 hours of screen operation, data transfer in LTE and two hours of calls. It all depends on what and how you use it, you can achieve better results, for example, 5-8 hours of screen work in two days of work, as well as less time.

Play unconverted HD video in MX Player at maximum brightness - up to 17 hours. This is an excellent figure considering the size of the battery, many Chinese people show comparable results with a 5000 mAh battery.

The operating time of the A3 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 it is two days. Those who use only calls can safely 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 the operating time is the strong point of this model.

Traditionally, there is a power saving mode, when the backlight of the screen, the frequency of the processor 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 the maximum power saving mode, everything turns gray on the screen, and the device can provide hours of operation even with a small charge.

Communication capabilities

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

Another strong point is the support of almost all the necessary LTE frequencies, here the device also manifests itself with strong side(analogs in this price segment cannot boast of this, as a rule, there are savings on antennas).

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

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

The version is USB 2.0, but the USB Type C (1.0) connector is used, so lovers of modern connectors will be happy, the rest should come to terms with the transition to the new standard.

Memory, RAM, performance

Samsung uses its own chipsets in the A-series models, which can be considered a plus, they are improving year by year. For example, in 2016 the chipsets in the A-series were made at 28 nm, now it is 14 nm, which gives an increase in performance and operating time. Chipset in A3 2017 Exynos 7780, 8 cores up to 1.6 GHz (Cortex A53), GPU Mali-T830.

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

The built-in memory in the device is 16 GB (9.7 GB is available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. RAM 2 GB, which is enough for most consumers for the eyes. And considering the screen resolution, everything becomes quite good, this solution is balanced, and there are no noticeable compromises here.

Camera

The front camera is 8 megapixels (f / 1.9), as usual, there is no autofocus, so it is 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, the main camera is still 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. The girls will definitely like these “uluchshaki”.

The main camera is 13-megapixel (f / 1.9), of course, there is autofocus, as well as additional shooting modes, including PRO, but it differs from the flagships, since the camera is simpler. The camera on the A3 is simpler than on the older models, don't expect much from it. But she copes with her work quite well: taking pictures of pages with text, capturing the world around her - all this can be done. But if you want to shoot beautifully for social networks, then look at the flagships or models above the class.

When recording video, the maximum is FullHD resolution and 30 frames per second.

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

Software

The model originally came out on Android 6.0.1, but many of the interface elements are similar to what we see in Android 7 and Clean UI on the S7 / S7 EDGE. I advise you to read about what has appeared in Android 7, as this model will soon receive this version of the OS.

Describe standard Android functions I will not, you can read about them in a detailed review.

Unlike the top models, there is a built-in FM radio here, 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, no phone allows you to simultaneously work with two messengers on one device with different numbers... Today many Chinese manufacturers offer something similar in their smartphones, but the implementation is different everywhere.

Impressions

The vibration alert is average, the ring volume is also average - perhaps, I would like to have more headroom, but you can still hear the phone and feel it in your pockets when vibrating. Rather, there is no volume reserve, but here who will perceive this moment, the device cannot be called quiet.

There are practically no compact models on the market, keep in mind that Samsung has always been able to make its devices smaller than the competitors, just remember that 5.2 inches from Samsung is the body of many 4.7-4.9 inch models. So here, the A3 2017 turned out to be very compact, only one competitor immediately comes to mind - the iPhone SE. But the price of this compact phone is noticeably higher with similar characteristics and 16 GB of memory, in Russia it costs 31,990 rubles. In terms of design, this is the complete opposite of the 2017 Galaxy A3. Plus the iPhone SE is a camera, but there is no water protection, of course, there is no AlwaysOn Display, the battery life is the same or less.

Also made in a completely different style Sony Xperia X Compact, the model is small, but extremely expensive (32-33 thousand rubles). Comparable runtime, slightly faster processor, better camera, no water protection and no AlwaysOn Display. This model certainly does not have any special advantage over the A3, which would have cost 10,000 rubles. In terms of price positioning, it is close to the iPhone SE.

If in the segment of 5-inch models for the 2017 A5 there were many competitors, then for the compact models of 4.7 inches and with small bodies there are practically none. The two main competitors are the iPhone SE and the Sony Xperia X Compact, but they cost significantly more. Sony will release updated version this smartphone, but the price difference will be even greater. Only big companies can afford to play on the compact models market, and, unlike Samsung, they see such devices as models with super-profits. In my opinion, this is the wrong approach, since a compact, material-worthy smartphone cannot be prohibitively expensive, as the A3 of 2017 proves. For those looking for a compact Android model, this particular device will be the preferred choice.

Comparison with the 2017 A5 may take place, but here you get a larger case size, higher performance, higher screen resolution and approximately the same operating time in the older model. But you lose that very compactness. it different worlds according to the perception based on the size of the case, and this must be taken into account, everything else fades into the background.

The model of the previous season, namely A3 2016, is weaker in every sense: shorter operating time in any of the modes, the absence of an AlwaysON screen and protection from water, and there is no support for Samsung Pay. On the other hand, if you have such a phone and it works, then you shouldn't change it to a new one. Wait one more generation and then change. However, buying it now as a compact phone is worth it if there is no money for new model(the previous one costs 17,990 rubles). Let me remind you that the price of the A3 2017 is 22,990 rubles.

Bottom line: The 2017 A3 is great for those looking for compact smartphone, the emphasis will be on calls, instant messengers, web browsing, and to a lesser extent on heavy games. As a second smartphone, this device is ideal, as it works for a long time and is compact. The model turned out to be successful, but compact phones remain in demand by a not very wide audience, so it's not worth reading the A3 2017, it plays only within the niche of compact devices.

Make and model

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Design

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SIM card

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Mobile networks

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Mobile technology and data rates

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Operating system

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SoC (System on a Chip)

A system on a chip (SoC) integrates all the major hardware components of a mobile device into a single chip.

Built-in memory

Each mobile device has built-in (non-removable) fixed memory.

Screen

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Sensors

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Main camera

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Additional camera

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Audio

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Radio

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Wi-Fi

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USB

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Headphone jack

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Connecting devices

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Browser

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Video file formats / codecs

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Battery

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