Samsung galaxy a7 version. Samsung Galaxy A7 review - the best mid-range with flagship features

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Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) SM-A720F / DS (SM-A720FZBDSER) in Blue with 32GB of internal memory.

The updated A-series from Samsung received a premium design, similar to the flagship S7, a body on both sides of glass, framed by a metal frame at the ends. For the first time, all smartphones in this series are dust and waterproof. IP68 protection standard (Protection against water when immersed in fresh water to a depth of 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes). What's new in the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)?

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) SM-A720F / DS updates

The oldest smartphone in the lineup has undergone the most changes. As noted above, the 2017 A7 received a more technological design. At the front, the case is formed by a 2.5D glass panel, the back panel is made of 3D glass, the edges are protected by a metal frame. Now the smartphone is protected from dust and moisture. It will especially appeal to lovers of a smartphone with large screens, now the screen has become even larger. In addition to the design and an enlarged display, the gadget received a modern technical filling: a new, more efficient processor, improved main and selfie cameras, changed the parameters of wired and wireless connections, retained the possibility of expanding memory and increased the maximum possible memory card capacity. The device itself has slightly increased in size - 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm versus 151.5 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm in the A7 2016, while the battery capacity is increased and the power consumption of the device is reduced. Also, the manufacturer promises a lot of software intuitive "chips" that will take the use of Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) to a new level.

Display

Perhaps the main thing that catches your eye besides the new design is its display. The smartphone screen has increased in size from 5.5 to 5.7 inches. The screen is made using Super AMOLED technology, which produces a juicy, 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 "for themselves". The resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels (FullHD). 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 protects the display not only from scratches, but also from dirt and fingerprints. By the way, you will have to touch the smartphone screen less. it has the Always-on Display function, thanks to which all the necessary information is always on the screen.

Cameras

The main and front cameras have a resolution of 16 megapixels. The rear camera is 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 capture high-quality images with vivid colors, even in difficult conditions. It is possible to record video in Full HD (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. Camera setup is completely simple and intuitive. Selfie lovers will appreciate the updated 16MP front camera with the ability to install a shutter button anywhere on the display. The display itself acts as a flash.

Processor and memory

The new version of the smartphone has an eight-core Samsung Exynos 7880 processor with a frequency of 1.9 GHz cores (in the 2016 version there was an Exynos 7580 - 1.6 GHz). The operative memory of the device remains the same - 3 GB. The built-in memory can be expanded with a memory card with a maximum capacity of 256 GB. A separate memory card slot.

Connection

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) SM-A720F / DS has two separate Nano-sim slots that can work simultaneously. The maximum possible speed of the Internet is up to 300 Mbps., Thanks to LTE cat. 6. In the absence of a network, it is possible to connect via Wi-Fi. Communication of the smartphone with other devices and with wearable electronics (smart watches, headphones, fitness bracelets, etc.) is provided 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 fast 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 a USB Type C - microUSB adapter with the phone.

Nutrition

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) has a 3600 mAh battery increased in comparison with its predecessor, versus 3300 mAh earlier. Compared to the SM-A710F / DS, the time of working on the Internet via 3G has decreased by 1 hour - to 13 hours, but at the same time the time of working on the Internet via 4G has increased from 14 hours to 16 hours. The video playback time has significantly increased from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and talk time in 3G networks - from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The working time in the network via Wi-Fi has not changed - up to 17 hours, and the time for listening to music has increased from 78 to 94 hours with the screen off ... In this case, the battery has the ability to quickly charge.

The new Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) has retained all the charms of its predecessor, while receiving a modern technical filling, 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.


Stylish and minimalistic.

Comfortable and ergonomic.

Contemporary colors.

More creativity.

Feel like a professional photographer with Galaxy A7 (2017). Availability of a wide selection of filters pos ...

The device works with Nano-SIM cards of all GSM operators.

Stylish and minimalistic.

A modern, minimalistic 3D glass and metal body and a 5.7-inch FHD sAMOLED screen are all hallmarks of the Galaxy A7 (2017).

Comfortable and ergonomic.

Smooth body lines ...

The device works with Nano-SIM cards of all GSM operators.

Stylish and minimalistic.

A modern, minimalistic 3D glass and metal body and a 5.7-inch FHD sAMOLED screen are all hallmarks of the Galaxy A7 (2017).

Comfortable and ergonomic.

Smooth lines of the body, no camera protrusions, refined and elegant finish allow you to get real pleasure from using your smartphone.

Contemporary colors.

Be trendsetters, don't just follow them. Stylish colors harmonize perfectly with the glass and metal body, creating a dynamic and cohesive look.

Capture memorable moments.

Thanks to the high resolution 16MP main camera, your photos will always be bright and colorful.

More creativity.

Feel like a professional photographer with Galaxy A7 (2017). A wide selection of filters allows you to approach the shooting process more creatively. Now every photo will be special.

Perfect selfies even at night.

Wherever you are - on an evening stroll or in a nightclub - your photos will be perfect. The camera automatically adapts even to low light conditions, and the display acts as a flash. The Smart Button makes taking selfies easy. All you need to do is choose the location of the shutter button on the screen.

Protected from water and dust.

The IP68 water and dust resistance standard allows you to comfortably use the Galaxy A7 (2017) smartphones in any conditions, be it rain or pool.

Capacious battery and fast charging.

Enjoy playing games or watching videos for even longer with a larger battery and support for fast charging technology.

Fully equipped.

All your favorite videos, photos and music are always with you thanks to the support of memory cards up to 256 GB, and the presence of a slot for 2 SIM-cards makes it easy to change the operator while traveling.

Always active screen.

With the Always On Display function, all relevant information is always on the screen. View time, calendar events and unread notifications even when your smartphone is in sleep mode.

Protection and safety.

Store confidential information in a secure folder. Thanks to the secure KNOX environment, you can be sure that your personal information does not fall into the wrong hands.

Samsung Cloud.

Samsung Cloud is a secure cloud service where you can store contacts, photos, calendar, and even your home screen and settings backup. Galaxy A users get 15 GB free.

Simple connection.

The symmetrical connector of the USB Type-C cable is convenient to use on either side.

Samsung Pay.

Make payments at absolutely all points of sale, thanks to the support of NFC and MST technologies. You can leave your wallet at home and buy goods simply by paying for them with your smartphone. You can be sure of the security of your payment, as all transactions are protected by your fingerprint.

Until recently, Samsung's Galaxy A lineup was one of the least cost-effective solutions available on the market. But this year the Koreans have become generous (not because of the deterioration in sales?) And offered several interesting chips in the “popular” series at once. Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018), for which we have prepared a review, became the first smartphone from the company with a triple main camera. But there are suspicions that this is just a marketing gimmick, and not a real improvement affecting the quality of photographs. Let's figure it out.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) specifications:

  • Screen: 6 inches, SuperAMOLED, 2220 * 1080 pixels, 18.5: 9;
  • Processor: Exynos 7885 (6 × 1.6 + 2x2.2 GHz), Mali-G71 graphics;
  • Permanent memory: 64/128 GB + MicroSD up to 512 GB;
  • RAM: 4/6 GB;
  • Main camera: triple 24 MP (f / 1.7) + 8 MP (f4 13mm) + 5 MP (f / 2.2), FHD 30fps.
  • Front camera: 24 MP (f / 2.0), FHD video
  • Battery: non-removable 3300 mAh;
  • Additionally: NFC, 4G, Dual Nano-SIM, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, GPS / GLONASS, USB microUSB, 3.5 mm jack, fingerprint scanner;
  • OS: Android1 8.0 Oreo + Samsung Experience 9.0;
  • Dimensions: 159.8 x 76.8 x 7.5 mm, weight - 168 g.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) is available for purchase at a suggested retail price of 26,990 rubles. In Russia, the smartphone is presented in blue, black and pink.

Design and ergonomics

The design of the front panel of the Galaxy A7 (2018) is not much different from other smartphones released by Samsung in 2018. And this is more an advantage than a disadvantage: the Koreans should be praised for the fact that they do not bend to trends - against the background of the monobrow smartphones that have flooded the market, the A7 does not look like another copy of the iPhone X.

Despite the fact that the thickness of the bezels around the screen has almost halved compared to the previous generation, there is no framelessness here, and with its 6-inch display, the A7 is a very large device. But due to the moderate weight of 167 grams and small thickness (7.5 mm), the smartphone can be used comfortably. Not with one hand, of course.

But looking at the back cover, the novelty cannot be confused with anything. The back of the case is made of glass (which in terms of tactile sensations is very similar to glossy plastic), it also houses the know-how of the Galaxy A7 (2018) - a triple camera. The whole thing looks expensive, people who do not know are likely to take the device for some kind of expensive flagship.

But looking at the details, it immediately becomes noticeable what the Koreans have saved on. And if the difference in materials, which is felt if you compare the A7 with the same Note 9, can be understood, then the use of a MicroUSB port instead of Type-C in a smartphone for 25 thousand is only perplexing. Although the headphone jack was left, thanks for that.

Noteworthy is the non-standard location of the fingerprint scanner, which is integrated into the power button of the smartphone located on the right side. There is now a small indentation around it, allowing you to quickly feel the key blindly. After a short period of getting used to it, you begin to appreciate the convenience of such a solution - when you take the smartphone in your hands, your thumb automatically rests on the button, the scanner works quickly, you don't have to press the key to unlock.

Display

For its price category, the display of the Galaxy A7 (2018) is without compromise, it is a large 6-inch SuperAMOLED matrix with FHD + resolution and an aspect ratio of 18.5: 9. In terms of color rendering, the screen is close to the reference amoles, the maximum brightness is 400 cd / m2, which is enough for comfortable use of the smartphone outdoors.

There is adaptive adjustment of brightness, color temperature and Always on Display mode, in which clock and notification icons are displayed on the locked screen. To conserve battery power, AoD automatically shuts off from 0 to 7 am, which can be changed in the settings.

Performance

This year, the Galaxy A7 became the third smartphone from Samsung to be powered by the Exynos 7885 processor (after the A8 and A8 +). This is an eight-core chipset, made on a 14-nm process technology, in which two high-performance Cortex A53 cores operate at a frequency of 2.2, and six energy-efficient cores operate at a frequency of 1.6 GHz. The Mali-G71 MP2 accelerator is responsible for solving graphic tasks. Depending on the configuration, the A7 can have 4/6 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of permanent memory, which can be expanded by microSD capacity up to 512 GB. The Koreans have become generous with a separate slot for a USB flash drive, so there is no need to sacrifice a SIM card.

The performance of the smartphone is average, in synthetics it is comparable to devices based on Snapdragon 636 and significantly lags behind smartphones on 660 dragon, which are overwhelming in this price category.

Live photos

Specifications

  • Android 6.0.1 with Clean UI, update to Android 7
  • 5.7-inch screen, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 386 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display
  • Exynos 7880 chipset, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), Mali-T830MP3 GPU
  • 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 3600 mAh, fast charging, working 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 23 hours
  • Installation of two nanoSIM cards, as well as a microSD memory card (up to 256 GB)
  • Front camera 16 megapixels, f / 1.9, face enhancers (eyes, skin color, face tone)
  • Main camera 16 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), 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 + 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 - 0.21 W / kg (head), 1.33 W / kg (body)
  • Dimensions - 156.8x77.6x7.9 mm, weight - 186 grams

Contents of delivery

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

Positioning

In the A-series, phablets have always been in demand in smaller volumes than the younger models with the index 3 and 5. The most popular and demanded form factor is devices with a diagonal of 5 inches, hence the maximum sales for the A5, which is confirmed annually. At the same time, Samsung A7 remains in demand, but it has much higher competition with Chinese flagships, of which there are a huge number in the market in a similar form factor.


Given the position and weight of Samsung in the market, the A7 can be viewed as a competitor to the iPhone 6 Plus, they are sold at the same price and occupy about the same position in the eyes of consumers. In Russia, the iPhone 6 Plus is sold as new (refurbished devices, that is, used), they have the same price as the 2017 A7. But these three-year-old devices have a plus in the form of an image component and a cart and a small cart of functions that are absent at the hardware level. Let's talk about this in the conclusions, for now I will focus on the fact that in the eyes of consumers these are equivalent devices.


Apple iPhone 6 Plus

At the same time, Chinese brands in this price group are chosen not for the brand, but rather for the opportunities they provide. And believe me, there is plenty to choose from, but often such models are comparable and offer plus or minus the same functions, somewhere there are chips, somewhere they are inferior to the A7 2017. But the model from Samsung has definitely turned out to be successful for everyone who chooses a device from the A-brand for quality and reliability, as well as clear and intelligible service. The sales of this model have already proved that it has taken place, in its segment it overtakes all competitors. Technically, the A7 is almost a complete cast from the 2017 A5, the battery and operating time, the size of the case and the diagonal of the screen differ, but otherwise it is one and the same good device.

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 A7 models look expensive and stylish, no matter what color you choose. There are four color solutions in total, there are no pink phones in Russia yet.


The mirror surface of the phone reflects the world around it, plays in the light, the device looks very interesting, and handprints are practically invisible. I will add here the fact that the screen with a splash screen can always work (the AlwaysOn Display function), which almost 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 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 pads, on the microphones and membrane speaker, the level of protection is IP68, which allows the phone to be 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 in water, then nothing will happen to it. There are practically no models with water protection in this price segment.

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 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 a 3.5 mm jack for a headset or headphones, as well as a USB Type C connector for a charger. On the upper end and on the left side you can see the 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 A3, for example, installation of two SIM-cards and a memory card is impossible, there is a combined slot.

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 phone measures 156.8x77.6x7.9 mm and weighs 186 grams. Like any phablet, it is large enough, fits well only in a wide male hand, but compared to its classmates, it is quite compact, the roundness of the body plays a role. The device is not slippery, it is not at all necessary to use a cover, but if you know the habit of letting the phone out of your hands, it is better to buy a cover after all.



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: 5.7 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 386 ppi, automatic brightness control, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display.


To my taste, the screen quality is excellent for its class, it has a large margin of brightness in automatic mode, the display is readable in the sun, as well as in the model of the previous year (in the S7 EDGE, the screen has a higher brightness, 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 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 2017 A7 and puts it on a par with Samsung's flagships.


In terms of the aggregate characteristics, the screen in the 2017 A7 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 an automatic adjustment of brightness to suit your preferences, for the first two weeks the phone “gets used to” you and adjusts to your taste.

Battery

The built-in Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 3600 mAh, fast charging is supported (1 hour 35 minutes). The built-in wireless charging that flagship models have is not here.

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

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

The operating time of the 2017 A7 becomes its strong point, even with a heavy load, it will not work 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 support for almost all the necessary LTE frequencies, here the device also shows itself from the 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 from year to 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 A7 2017 - Exynos 7880, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), GPU Mali-T830MP3.

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



The built-in memory of the device is 32 GB (23.1 GB is available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. RAM 3 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.

Camera

The front camera is 16 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. The quality of the front camera is 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 16-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. This camera is on par with the best Chinese manufacturers, or slightly better, that is, it gives good, saturated images during the day and indoors, in the dark it is no longer so good, but this is generally typical for this segment. When recording video, there is no 4K mode, but the consumers of this device are unlikely to need it so much, since recording a regular FullHD video will completely satisfy them.









Look at the examples of pictures and videos, I think that they themselves will tell you everything 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.

I will not describe the standard Android functions, 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.

Of course, this model supports Samsung Pay service.

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

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.

In the 2017 lineup, the A7 stands a little apart, since it is a phablet and is bought primarily for the screen size. That is, those who are used to watching videos on their smartphones, playing games buy, while a person needs a long operating time from a single charge. Of the advantages that competitors do not have, of course, AlwaysOn Display, excellent battery life. But we cannot say that this model has no competitors at all.

As already mentioned at the beginning, such a competitor can be a three-year-old iPhone 6 Plus (and it is a refurbished one), its price is 29,990 rubles for a 64 GB version. Good storage, but no IP68 protection, no memory cards, no FM radio and a lower resolution screen. Moreover, Apple fans themselves discourage buying this model, since they consider its processor to be rather weak for the current moment and say that the iPhone 6 Plus was frankly unsuccessful (it took three years to admit the obvious). On the other hand, for those who choose the brand, this iPhone can be a good purchase for a relatively reasonable price.

A very strong competitor is Meizu Pro 6 Plus, this device does not have memory cards (64 or 128 GB of memory), it has no protection against water, but otherwise it is very interesting, since with the same diagonal it has a SuperAMOLED screen from Samsung. Exynos 8890, that is, a more powerful processor, 4 GB of RAM. It has a separate DSP for handling audio and sounds very, very good. And it looks pretty good, all this at a price of 35,000 rubles for the base model (you can easily find it for 5-7 thousand rubles cheaper, when ordering in China it is even cheaper). As for me, this is a device of a slightly different class in terms of filling, it is worth paying close attention to it.


For about the same 34,990 rubles (versus 29,990 rubles for the 2017 A7), you can purchase the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. It has a design reminiscent of Samsung's flagships, with a curved glass front panel, 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.


If you simplify the characteristics, then on the market you can find many models of phablets in the segment from 20 to 25 thousand rubles, they will be conditionally comparable to the A7 2017, but if you go into details, it will begin to turn out that they often do not have a fingerprint sensor, protection from water, easier screens and so on.

You can choose the 2017 A7 for the screen size, 5.7 inches versus 5.2 in the A5. However, the rest of these devices are practically similar, everything is the same. On the plate you can see how all A-series devices differ.

The price of the 2017 A7 in Russia is 29,990 rubles, for comparison, the model of the previous year costs 23,990 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 short, it is worth finding the money and buying an updated model, it will definitely last longer.


In the end, I will say that the 2017 A7 is a very pleasant device, it, of course, has support for Samsung Pay, if you are concerned about this issue. For those who are accustomed to buying A-brands, believes that it is justified, and is not looking for any additional benefit, this device will be welcome and will not disappoint. It has no serious drawbacks, which has already been verified over several months of sales.

Samsung updated its popular Galaxy A line of smartphones at the end of 2016. The success of this series has once again been proven by the improved formula that makes Galaxy A phones attractive to consumers. The editorial staff of the SamMobile portal managed to look at the flagship of the new line - the Galaxy A7 (2017) smartphone, and we have translated their review for you.

Specifications

  • Screen: 5.7 inches, Super AMOLED, 386 ppi, 1920 × 1080;
  • Operating system: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (TouchWiz with Grace UX);
  • Processor: Exynos 7780, eight-core (Cortex-A53 cores), 14 nm, 64-bit;
  • GPU: Mali-T830MP3;
  • RAM: 3 GB;
  • Built-in memory: 32 GB, support for microSD memory cards up to 256 GB;
  • Cameras: 16 Mp - main (ƒ / 1.9, LED flash), 16 Mp - front CMOS (ƒ / 1.9);
  • Battery: 3 600 mAh (non-removable);
  • Dimensions: 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm;
  • Weight: 186 g;
  • SIM slots: 2 nanoSIM, combo slot;
  • Communication: LTE (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B17, B20, B28), WCDMA (B1, B2, B4, B5, B8), GSM (GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900), Bluetooth 4.2 (LE), Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 2.4 + 5 GHz, GPS (A-GPS), GLONASS;
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Scanner, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Light Sensor;
  • Available colors: black, blue and gold;
  • Cost at the time of testing: 32,990 rubles.

Appearance

The 2017 Galaxy A line builds on the design concept of the previous one. The Galaxy A7 (2017) is made of metal and glass, so the smartphone resembles the company's current flagship, the Galaxy S7. The metal bezel of the case is felt and looks very nice. The back cover with a volumetric roundedness fits perfectly in the hand, despite the large 5.7-inch screen and not the most compact dimensions (156.8 × 77.6 × 7.9 mm).


The previous Galaxy A7 (2016) was slightly smaller (5.5-inch screen), but also lighter - 172 grams instead of 186 grams in the new product. It turns out to be a rather large and heavy phone, but this does not prevent them from being conveniently used in everyday life. The entire back and front panels are large pieces of glass, so owners of the Galaxy A7 (2017) should take care of the device like the apple of their eye, because if dropped, the glass will easily crack, and in the pocket with keys and small change it will be scratched. But that's to be expected from a phone that's made entirely of glass and polished metal.







The review of the SamMobile edition got the device in black - perhaps the most stylish variation. On the top edge there is a microphone and a tray for SIM and microSD cards. Below is a universal USB Type-C connector, another microphone and a good old 3.5 mm headphone jack. On the left side there are volume control buttons and another nanoSIM card slot. On the right is the unlock / power button and a small speaker. The latter is not located in the most successful way. Often, when you hold your phone in landscape mode and watch a video, you involuntarily close the speaker with your finger. The front side of the case is diluted with a Home button with a built-in fingerprint scanner and two additional soft-touch buttons for operating system control.

Screen

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) comes with a good 5.7-inch Super AMOLED sensor at a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (386 dpi). Like any screen with Samsung's proprietary technology, this display offers vibrant colors and great viewing angles. The Galaxy A7 2017 is a pleasure to watch, thanks to its high contrast and pure blacks.


By default, adaptive screen mode is enabled, which adjusts to the displayed picture, but you can change it to modes for photo or video. Overall, the screen is excellent and behaves well even in direct sunlight.


The Always On feature is a great addition to the Super AMOLED screen. With the help of it, the most necessary information is constantly visible on the screen: date, time, charge level. She also knows how to display notifications from installed applications. It is enough to tap on them - the smartphone will be unlocked and the corresponding program will open.

Camera


The photographic abilities of the previous generation Galaxy A7 were not the best. Samsung has worked on this aspect of the smartphone. The device is equipped with a 16-megapixel matrix with ƒ / 1.9 aperture and a dual LED flash on the back cover. The front camera is also a 16-megapixel sensor with a similar aperture.






Sample photos from Galaxy A7 (2017)

The main camera can take pictures with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 in the full resolution of the matrix, as well as 16: 9, but in a 12-megapixel mode. The same is true for the front camera. In daylight, very detailed photos are obtained with vivid and saturated colors. Indoors with good light, you can get an even better picture. But you shouldn't expect anything extraordinary from night shooting - detail, sharpness and overall quality are noticeably worse.







Compared to the previous generation, there are a few positives: faster focusing and more natural colors. For shooting in different conditions and different objects, a lot of modes are provided: Pro with advanced settings, panorama, Hyperlapse, HDR, night, food mode.

The front-facing camera will delight selfie lovers with detailed photos - you won't find this on most Samsung smartphones. The 16MP sensor on the front of the case can even record decent video at 1080p.

Software


The Galaxy A7 (2017) comes preloaded with Android 6.0.1 Marsmallow. Unlike its predecessor, here we are waiting for a new TouchWiz shell with the Grace UX interface, which first appeared in the unsuccessful Galaxy Note 7 and subsequently migrated to other devices. The updated interface add-on looks very nice thanks to smooth animations, muted colors and rounded stylish icons.

The quick settings and notifications panel has turned white, which makes it visually easier and more pleasing to the eye. Among the built-in functions of the shell, it is worth noting: a secure folder Secure Folder, a performance optimizer, several power saving modes, a blue light filter, the ability to change interface themes. Overall, TouchWiz from 2016-2017 is a very user-friendly shell with useful features and a stylish interface.

Iron

The "heart" of the gadget is the eight-core Exynos 7880 processor with a clock frequency of 1.9 GHz. In processing tasks, he is helped by a set of memory for 3/32 GB and a graphics accelerator Mali-T830MP3. This is enough for most tasks and smooth rendering of the interface. But sometimes the device suddenly starts to lag. It is unlikely that this will be noticeable with daily moderate use without heavy applications and games, but otherwise you may encounter occasional performance drops. This is most likely due to the aggressive allocation of RAM.

Regardless, the Galaxy A7 2017 is a great gadget for gaming. For example, Need for Speed: No Limits graphics look beautiful on the phone's large and bright screen. The Exynos 7880 and Mali-T830MP3 do well with most modern toys. The case does not get very hot during long gaming sessions.

Battery and audio

The battery in the previous generation Galaxy A7 performed well, and in the new version Samsung has increased the battery capacity to 3,600 mAh. The same battery is in the flagship Galaxy S7 Edge. The smartphone will never disappoint its owner with a lack of charge by the end of the day. For those who are not enough, Samsung has added tough power saving modes (Medium and Maximum). By activating them, the user relinquishes additional processor power, beautiful interface effects, background data transfer and even colors on the screen (the picture becomes black and white). All this will allow you to squeeze the maximum operating time out of the battery.

A special utility will allow you to track programs that transfer a lot of data in the background. There you can turn them off and save a few more hours of battery life.



Speaker Galaxy A7 (2017)

As already mentioned, the main speaker is located on the right edge, right above the unlock button. The position is unfortunate, to put it mildly, because often the user closes the speaker grill with his finger when using the smartphone in landscape mode. In addition, the quality of the speaker itself is rather low - it's all the fault of the waterproofing. In general, it is only good for playing notifications. In other cases, it is better to use headphones.

Water resistant

Another strong point of the Galaxy A7 (2017) that sets the device apart from the competition is its IP68 water and dust resistance. The smartphone body is allowed to be immersed in water to a depth of no more than 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Thus, you don't have to worry about spilled coffee on your phone, and mobile photography enthusiasts can shoot underwater.




But everything is within reason. If you do not go beyond the official framework of 1.5 meters and 30 minutes, then there will be no problems. Otherwise, "drowned" is not a warranty case.

Outcomes

You can buy Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) in Russia for 32,990 rubles. This is definitely not a phone for those who care about gigahertz, cores and gigabytes of RAM, but for its price the new generation Galaxy A7 is a good deal. Great battery life, stylish design, a very good camera, water resistance and a fast fingerprint scanner - all this makes the smartphone stand out from the competition.


The device has its drawbacks, but the advantages easily override them. A mid-price smartphone with flagship features like the Galaxy S7 Edge - that's how you can call this new product from Samsung.

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