Samsung presented its fans with a compact, productive and stylish gadget - Samsung Galaxy A3. As expected, this model has both undeniable advantages and not entirely clear shortcomings. But first things first.

Design

No matter what anyone says, there is a certain design similarity with the iPhone. This is especially noticeable on the edging of the case. The phone has fairly small dimensions with a 4.5" display diagonal. It fits well and securely in the palm of your hand. Although it may still be too big for a small woman’s hand.

All mechanical buttons are exactly where they should be. The volume is on the left side, the power button is on the right. And, as has always been the case with Samsung, the home button is located on the front of the case. Operating the phone is really convenient.

On the back cover everything is simple and concise - a slightly protruding camera, an LED flash and a speaker. There are no more hardware elements. The overall laconicism of the design is more of a plus than a minus. The phone is suitable both for connoisseurs of rigor in execution and for those who want something extraordinary. We offer you several color options.

Performance

The smartphone runs under the operating system Android systems 4.4.4 KitKat. Featuring a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916 quad-core processor clock frequency The 1.2 GHz phone copes with all tasks perfectly. No interface slowdowns were noticed, applications run quickly and smoothly, and games also launch without problems.

There is 1 gigabyte of RAM. In principle, this is enough, although in the future this may not be enough.

The internal memory is 16 gigabytes, which is more than enough for the average user of a modern smartphone. And if this is not enough for you, the memory can always be expanded using a card microSD memory(up to 64 GB).

Among the disadvantages is the insufficiently capacious battery. 1900 mAh is the average today. Nothing special, but the phone can work without recharging for a day under active loads. And if you use it only for calls and SMS, then the charge will easily last you two days.

Functional

The screen is made using Super AMOLED technology, which provides it with excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Although we will not deny that a resolution of 540x960 will not surprise anyone for a long time. Nevertheless, the sensor is responsive and the picture is pleasant. No more is needed.

Samsung Galaxy A3 has two really good cameras - the main one is 8 megapixels with LED flash, the second is 5 megapixels (front). Both give an excellent picture, which is not surprising, because cameras are one of the strengths Samsung has been doing this for several years now.

Regarding the speaker, you can’t call it overly loud, although you’re unlikely to miss a call even on the street. The volume is quite enough, and the sound of the speaker is clear and pleasant. There are no special complaints here. The sound from the headphones is also good. For music lovers, the Samsung Galaxy A3 will be an excellent option.

Another advantage is the presence of slots for two SIM cards. Today, single-SIM phones are increasingly becoming a thing of history. Samsung understands this very well. A smartphone is suitable both for business people for whom it is important to always stay in touch, and for ordinary users, which use one SIM card for calls and SMS, and the second for accessing the Internet. Controlling and switching between SIM cards is convenient and intuitive.

Overall the phone turned out to be really good. It is stylish, productive, and easy to use. On the other hand, there is an insufficiently capacious battery, clearly “skewed” for an iPhone and less RAM than we would like. And the price still bites.

Technical characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone

Dimensions
Length x Width x Height, mm 130.1×65.5×6.9
Weight, g 110,3
Display
Matrix Super AMOLED
Display diagonal, inches 4,5
Display resolution, pix 540 x 960
Camera
Main, Mp. 8
Frontal, MP. 5
System
operating system Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916
Processor frequency, GHz 1.2
Number of cores 4
RAM, GB. 1
Internal memory, GB. 16
Interfaces
3G Network There is
2G Network There is
WiFi There is
Bluetooth There is
Nutrition
Battery capacity, mAh 1900

Live photos

Specifications

  • Android 5.1.1
  • Screen 4.7 inches, 1280x720 pixels (312 ppi), SuperAMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, with 2.5D effect
  • 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal memory (10.7 GB available to the user), microSD memory cards up to 128 GB
  • Quad-core Exynos 7578 processor, frequency up to 1.5 GHz, Mali T720 MP2 graphics coprocessor
  • Li-Pol battery, 2300 mAh, video playback - up to 14 hours, in 3G or LTE - up to 12 hours, talk time - up to 14 hours;
  • Front camera 5 megapixels (f/1.9), main camera 13 megapixels (f/1.9)
  • NFC (for LTE models)
  • FM radio
  • Two nanoSIM cards, instead of one SIM card you can install a memory card up to 128 GB
  • USB 2.0, BT 4.1, ANT+, 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
  • Case colors gold / black / white / rose gold
  • Sensors - accelerometer, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor
  • SAR value for Europe - 0.29 W/kg (head), 0.47 W/kg (body)
  • Dimensions - 134.5x65.2x7.3 mm, weight - 132 grams

Scope of delivery

  • Telephone
  • Charger
  • SIM tray eject tool
  • Wired stereo headset
  • Instructions

Positioning

The A-series from Samsung was created for the middle segment, this is the second generation of devices that received the 2016 prefix, that is, we should expect models A3 2017, A3 2018, and so on. The first generation became a sales bestseller; it was chosen not so much for its characteristics as for its appearance, body materials and overall build quality, as well as the brand. Chinese smartphones little-known companies can offer a larger set of characteristics for the same money, but the case materials may differ for the worse, the operating time will not be better, and in general it is a lottery. Sales have proven that the majority of buyers think something like this and rely on well-known brands to get a guarantee, as well as to understand what exactly they bought.

Sales of the previous A3 model showed that people choose this device when they need a solution with average performance, primarily for calls, SMS, social networks, and the size of such a device is very important, they don’t want a large screen diagonal, since they don’t spend hours on the Internet or play 3D toys for hours on end. Another wish that was expressed was the operating time, so that the phone could last a day or two under heavy load. And in this aspect, the 2015 A3 turned out to be successful; buyers considered it simple and reliable, hence the maximum sales in its price segment.


Samsung Galaxy A3 2015

There were some complaints, some didn’t always have enough performance, some of the young A3 users wanted to run racing games with good graphics, but the speed of the phone made these attempts not the best thing to do. All these points were tried to be corrected in the updated 2016 model.


In terms of positioning, the 2016 A3 is also aimed at young people and children (the first quality phone for adult life), those who are not looking for a large diagonal and primarily use the phone for calls, SMS, the Internet and social networks, and without fanaticism and being in them for hours. The fact that this device has a minimum diagonal for the A-series, which is 4.7 inches and is comparable to the iPhone, also suggests that most consumers accept this form factor with a bang, and they are pleased with the size. This is a very good solution for everyday use by ordinary consumers, those who do not have any exorbitant demands. It has several disadvantages that arise from use cases, and we will go into more detail about them as part of the review.

Design, dimensions, control elements

The entire A-series is built from the same materials, the models look the same, even the color schemes are repeated. The only difference is in their sizes, which follow from the diagonal of the screen; the thickness of the cases is the same for all.

The design of the line is directly borrowed from the company's flagship - Galaxy S6. A metal case in which not only the screen is covered with glass, but also back panel. The glass has a slight curvature, this is 2.5D, fashionable in the last year, the glass itself is Corning Gorilla Glass 4.


Considering that the device is aimed at the widest possible audience, it comes in four colors at once - gold, black, white, rose gold.

Each color has a metallic tint and plays well in the sun. Hand marks remain on the back panel, they are clearly visible indoors, those who are disgusted by this will not be happy with the phone. The slight bevels of the panels are pleasant in the hands, but on a table or inclined surface they do not create a sliding effect; the device lies well.









Galaxy A3 2015 and A3 2016

Phone dimensions - 134.5x65.2x7.3 mm, weight - 132 grams. It's compact, fits well in the hand, and the only downside is that some people find it slippery. As a rule, this is a judgment in absentia, since even in wet hands the device does not slip. But it is possible that someone’s individual characteristics are such that the device slides. I have never seen this before.



There is a microphone on the top and bottom ends, and there is a noise reduction system that works well in noisy conditions.

Two separate volume keys are on the left side, and the on/off button is on the right. There is also a slot for two SIM cards (nano), instead of one of them you can install a memory card.




On the back panel you can see a 13-megapixel camera; it protrudes above the body, which does not interfere with life one bit. Nearby is an LED flash. At the bottom there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack, as well as a speaker hole.

You will see a proximity and light sensor above the screen, but below it there is a physical key, and on the sides there are two touch ones. They have a blue backlight. Unfortunately, this model does not have a fingerprint sensor; the A5 and A7 have this sensor. For those who are used to protecting their device with a password, this will be a certain inconvenience. You get used to the sensor quickly and then you can no longer use the devices without it, it becomes inconvenient. If you did not have such a phone and you are used to entering numbers the old fashioned way or graphic key, then you won’t feel the problem. For example, my daughter has been using the A3 2015 for almost a year, the updated model has become convenient for her, no complaints or problems. But it was very difficult for me without a sensor.


Another point is the absence of an LED event indicator; it simply isn’t here. It’s a small thing, but I would like to see such a sensor, it can be useful in different situations.

Display

The technical characteristics of the screen are as follows: 4.7 inches, 1280x720 pixels (312 ppi), SuperAMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, with 2.5D effect. In its class it is one of best screens, even if it does not have the highest resolution, but with such a diagonal it is enough for the eyes. It is very interesting to hear complaints that people do not have enough resolution of such a screen and it seems small to them. It's something psychological because Retina screen on the iPhone 6s with the same diagonal it has a comparable resolution - 1334x750 pixels. At the same time, the quality of the screen in the A3 2016 is better in many aspects, the picture is more vibrant and brighter.

In the A3 2016 it is almost impossible to find fault with the screen; it is very high quality and shows good job, whether reading texts or working in the bright sun. Traditionally, in the settings you can set different color display options (Adaptive screen, Movie AMOLED, Photo AMOLED, main). Those who prefer muted, natural colors can get these. Those who want a brighter picture can also choose it. This is a matter of your choice, not the restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.

Automatic brightness adjustment works correctly, I use it all the time and have no problems. One of the advantages of using it is that outdoors in this mode the screen becomes readable; in manual mode the backlight brightness is limited to lower values.

The display in the A3 is one of the best on the market, and in its class it has no direct competitors. For the price of the 2016 A3, you can't get anything like it from other companies.

Battery

This device has a battery capacity of 2300 mAh (Li-Pol). During the test, we always look at how long the video device can run (AVI, FullHD, MX Player, maximum brightness), the A3 2016 works up to 13.5 hours. And this result is quite comparable to what we got for the 2016 A5; they behave the same way, despite the different screen diagonal and battery capacity.

My daughter charges her previous A3 device about once every two days, she gets about 3.5 hours of screen operation, a minimum of voice calls, but active communication on the Internet, watching cartoons. And this is a good result.

For her, the A3 2016 was able to provide three days of work instead of two. That is, the profile itself has not changed, but the device began to work longer. And this is typical for the entire A-series of 2016, its operating time in different scenarios has increased, and this is very noticeable.

There is also an energy 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.

This device can easily work for 2-3 days for those users who are its target audience. An interesting model that works for a long time.

Memory, RAM, performance

The characteristics of the chipset are as follows: 4-core Exynos 7578 processor, frequency up to 1.5 GHz, Mali T720 MP2 graphics coprocessor. In synthetic tests, this processor performed well, but as expected, there are no records. A definite gain compared to the previous A3, which had a Snapdragon 410 and was noticeably weaker in all tasks, including games.




The device has 16 GB of internal memory (10.7 GB available to the user), but there is also support for memory cards up to 128 GB.

RAM 1.5 GB, it is enough for all typical tasks. I would like to get more memory, but this would lead to an increase in the cost of the phone. Therefore, the memory was limited, but for such a diagonal and resolution the memory is enough. The bet was also made on the fact that a typical user of this model does not run dozens of heavy applications. But even if it does this, they are unloaded from memory and no problems arise.

Subjectively, A3 in the standard interface works a little faster than A5 and A7. But in third party programs older models are noticeably faster. This is due to different chipsets and optimization of hardware for different tasks, customization for different scenarios for using the phone.

Communication capabilities

Everything is quite typical, USB version 2, there is support for NFC, Ant+, 802.11 b/g/n only in the 2.4 GHz band (older models operate in two bands), BT 4.1, the built-in LTE modem supports LTE Cat.4.

Camera

All cameras in the 2016 A-series line-up are the same, which is a good thing as it delivers the same image quality no matter which camera you choose.


The front camera does not have autofocus, but has a resolution of 5 megapixels, which is not bad, it is light sensitive (f/1.9).






The main camera is 13-megapixel, its characteristics are similar to the cameras that were in last year’s flagships, it says good quality pictures, as you can see for yourself. The main improvement compared to the previous season is that the pictures turn out pretty good even in the dark. There are a number of modes missing that are on flagships; there is no HDR mode for full resolution (only for 8 megapixels). But in general, the camera has grown significantly compared to the previous generation and will satisfy even the most demanding user.

Software

The model went on sale on Android 5.1.1, but at the end of spring it will receive an update to Android 6. Inside we see a lightweight version of TouchWiz, the same one was on the Samsung S6, most of the menus and settings are the same. You can watch a detailed video that describes all the nuances of how this shell works.

This device can be downloaded from Samsung App Store applications such as S Health, children's mode and others, even if they are not pre-installed initially.

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 messengers on one device with different numbers, this is a unique feature from Samsung.

Impressions

The call quality is excellent, the call volume is above average, you can hear it from your clothes or bag. The vibration alert is average in strength. The noise reduction system works well, and there are no complaints about it either.

If the 2016 Galaxy A5 could be compared in price to the old but actively selling iPhone 5s, and the models look the same in terms of image, then its little brother should be compared with other devices. I doubt that it can be compared with the same iPhone, the question is not in the screen (it is just different), but in the perception of models in this price group. This is a balanced solution for the mass consumer from a large company, which has the expected guaranteed quality, without surprises.

For those who want to compare the A3 2015 and 2016, I suggest watching our video, even with a noticeable difference in cost and completely different aesthetics of these devices, I recommend looking at the A3 2016, it is on a fundamentally different level in terms of performance and perception of the model.

To close the question of how the 2016 A-series models differ, we have a separate video where I compare them and point out the differences between the devices.

There are many new and old models on the market in this price segment. It is pointless to compare this device with all others; I will try to show only the most significant models that fall under the target group that considers such smartphones. I'll start, perhaps, with the Sony Z1 Compact, this is a fairly old and well-known smartphone with a 4.3-inch screen diagonal (same resolution, but IPS matrix). For my subjective taste, the screen is inferior, and by a lot, but this can be said about almost any model in this class compared to the A3 2016. The advantages are the former flagship of Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipsets, 2 GB of RAM, 21 megapixel camera, quality which is comparable to the gain only due to resolution. The front camera is terrible, its resolution is 2 megapixels. You can look towards the Z3 Compact; it is included in our size category, but the price is noticeably higher, it falls into the A5 level.


This device cannot be found on general sale, but if you look, you can find it at a comparable or even lower price. Of the minuses - old version Android, the need to find a third-party assembly. But overall, it’s a very interesting solution, plus there is protection from water (it may disappear over time, this is a sore point for Sony).

You can look towards the Huawei P8 Lite, but the aesthetics of the device are completely different, it is plastic, and you can feel it too much. The screen is also worse, IPS, 5-inch diagonal, but 2 GB of RAM, 8-core processor, but a small battery, which also shows the worst results in real life.


With a cost in the range of 19-21 thousand rubles, depending on the retail chain, this device turned out to be very successful. The recommended retail price is 21 thousand rubles, anything lower can already be considered a pleasant discount. The first weeks of sales showed that the device is in high demand, just like the previous model a year ago. I really like the whole A-series, but this particular model is missing only one thing - a fingerprint sensor, then it wouldn’t have a price. Compact, made of good materials, with good time work. But there can’t be a perfect phone, and so it is here. For its audience, this is an excellent device without any discounts or assumptions. It's worth paying close attention to.

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

Introducing Samsung model Galaxy A3 (2017) SM-A320F/DS (SM-A320FZKDSER), made in black color (Black) with a built-in memory of 16GB.

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. IP68 protection standard. What else is new in the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)?


Samsung updates Galaxy A3 (2017) SM-A320F/DS

As noted above, the 2017 A3 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 design, the gadget received modern technical filling: a new, more powerful processor (eight-core versus four cores in the 2016 version), increased RAM, improved selfie camera, changed wired and wireless connection, the maximum speed of operation in LTE networks has been increased, the protection of information and the phone itself has been improved, the ability to expand memory has been preserved, and the maximum possible capacity of the memory card has been increased. The device itself has slightly increased in size - 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9 mm versus 134.5 x 65.2 x 7.3 mm for the 2016 A3, 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 A3 (2017) to a new level.


Display

Perhaps the only thing that has not undergone changes in the device is its display. The smartphone screen has retained the size of 4.7 inches, which many consider optimal. You can reach any corner of the display with one hand and not be afraid that the device will slip out of your hands. The screen is made using Super AMOLED technology, which guarantees rich colors and wide viewing angles. The brightness reserve is enough for the image to be clearly visible, even in direct sunlight, plus there is a sensor automatic adjustment backlight. The resolution is 1280 x 720 pixels with a density of 312 ppi. So, nothing prevents you from enjoying a high-quality and rich 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 an Always-on Display function, thanks to which all the necessary information is always on the screen.


Cameras

The main one has a resolution of 13 megapixels and is equipped with autofocus and a built-in flash. It supports HDR technology, which allows you to get high quality pictures with vibrant colors, even in difficult conditions. It is possible to record video in Full format 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. Setting up the camera is completely simple and intuitive. Selfie lovers will be pleased with the updated front camera 8 megapixels with the ability to install the shutter button anywhere on the display. The display itself acts as a flash. The selfie camera can also shoot Full HD videos at 30 frames per second.


Processor and memory

IN new version smartphone has eight cores Samsung processor Exynos 7870 with a core frequency of 1.6 GHz (in the 2016 version there was a quad-core Exynos 7578 - 1.5 GHz), the Mali-T830 video controller is responsible for the graphics. The device's RAM has been increased from 1.5 to 2 GB. The built-in memory can be expanded using a memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 256 GB. Hybrid memory card slot.

Connection

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) SM-A320F/DS is equipped with two Nano-sim slots that can work simultaneously. The device has increased the maximum possible Internet speed from 150 to 300 Mbit/s, thanks to LTE cat. 6. If there is no network, it is possible to connect via Wi-Fi. Communication between a smartphone and other devices and wearable electronics ( smart watch, headphones, fitness bracelets and more) provides 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 Series A is via USB Type C. The manufacturer took care of users with accessories with a microUSB connector by including a USB Type C - microUSB adapter with the phone.

Nutrition

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) has an increased battery of 2350 mAh compared to its predecessor. An increase of 50 mAh is only a little over 2%. But thanks to modern hardware and optimization, the autonomy figures are much more impressive. Talk time on a 3G network and video playback has been increased by 3 hours (from 2 to 5 p.m.), Internet surfing on 4G networks has been increased by 3 hours (from 1 to 4 p.m.), Internet surfing via Wi-Fi is possible 2 hours longer (from 15 to 17).

It's safe to say that new Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) follows the current trend in the development of wearable gadgets, when one device combines several and provides multiple capabilities. It has become more technologically advanced, autonomous, unpretentious to use, has acquired a fingerprint scanner, and has the ability using Samsung Cloud and Samsung Pay payment service.


The Korean company Samsung adheres to its thoughtful trend and releases new versions of A-series smartphones every year. The names remain the same, only the year of manufacture changes.

The exact release date of the Samsung Galaxy A3 is October 31, 2014. Is it really good and is it worth buying, based on the realities of today? Galaxy Review A3 will answer this question.

Specifications

DisplayScreen diagonal: 4.5 inches
Display resolution: 540 x 960 pixels (qHD), 245 ppi
Matrix type: IPS
ManufacturerSamsung Electronics
ModelSamsung Galaxy A3 (2015 edition)
Announcement date2014, year
Dimensions130.1 x 65.5 x 6.9
Weight: 110 g
SIM cardDual nano-sim
operating systemAndroid 4.4 (KitKat) with TouchWiz shell
Communication standard3G, UMTS, LTE, GSM 1900, GSM 1800, GSM 900, GSM 850
MemoryOP: 1 GB;
VP: 16 GB;
Memory card support: micro-SD up to 64 GB
CameraMain: 8 MP
Flash/Autofocus: LED / Yes
Front: 5 MP
Flash/Autofocus: No/No
CPUName: Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410
Video core: Mali-T720MP2
Number of cores: 4
Frequency: 1.2 GHz
Wireless technologiesWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
ANT+
USB 2.0
NFC
BatteryBattery capacity: 1,900 mAh, lithium-ion
Fast charging: No
Removable battery: No
ConnectorsConnector charger: micro-USB
Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
NavigationGPS: Yes
A-GPS: Yes
Beidou: No
GLONASS: No
SensorsAccelerometer
Proximity and light sensors
Hall sensor

Options and packaging

The device came to the market in a beautiful blue box made of thick cardboard. The front panel contains a large letter A, and below is the full name of the smartphone. At the bottom of the box, the manufacturer printed a description of all the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015). Components:

  • charger;
  • MicroUSB cable;
  • clip for a tray for two Nano-SIM cards;
  • headset with microphone;
  • instructions with a warranty card (the warranty is valid when purchased at an official Samsung store or dealer store).

There are many color options for the device on the market (Samsung always paints even non-flagship devices with bright and rich colors). Galaxy A3 came in white, light blue, dark blue, gold, pink and purple colors.

Video

Appearance and design

The front panel is painted to match the main color of the device body. The sides have a metallic sheen. This can be seen in the photo below:

Metal side panels Samsung Galaxy A3

In the center of the rear panel there is the main camera, an LED flash, a perforation area for the main multimedia speaker and the logo of the Korean manufacturer. There is a front camera, sensors, two touch buttons backlit and a main mechanical button that returns to the main desktop of the Galaxy A3.

The top end is equipped with a small hole for an additional microphone of the noise reduction system, and the bottom edge contains a metal headphone jack, a microUSB charging socket and a hole for the main conversation microphone. On the left side there are volume control keys, and on the right there are two trays and a power button.

The top end of the smartphone

The decision of the Samsung developers regarding the trays is unclear. In one you can install a Nano-SIM card, and in the second either a SIM card of the same format or a MicroSD memory card. It would be more practical to provide the ability to install a memory card in one tray and a SIM card in the second.

Overall, the design of the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015) is good. The disadvantages include the main camera lens protruding slightly above the body and an unnecessary serial number at the bottom of the rear panel.

Despite the fact that the body is entirely metal, the smartphone is lightweight and weighs 110 grams. It is convenient to use with one hand, it is not slippery or easily soiled - you don’t have to hide the device in a box immediately after purchase. The case size of the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015) is 130.1 x 65.6 x 6.9 mm. This is a really compact device. The assembly of the gadget is excellent: even with strong pressure on the body and ends, no creaks or backlashes are heard.

Lightweight, clean smartphone design

Display

On the front panel, the Samsung device has a small 4.5-inch display. Its resolution is qHD (not to be confused with QHD) or 540x960 pixels. With a pixel density of 245 ppi, the screen is not grainy and “burnt-in” pixels are not visible. No illuminated elements were found either. The screen is made using technology. But the display can be considered a minus, because for $250 at the end of 2014, I would like to get at least an HD matrix.

4.5" Super AMOLED display

The viewing angles are excellent, there are no complaints about them. Maximum brightness allows you to see the picture in intense lighting conditions, be it studio light or sunlight. Minimum brightness is also ok.

A3 touch screen supports multi-touch

Will be useful

The Korean manufacturer in the Galaxy A3 has preset modes for adjusting display colors, since AMOLED panels, as a rule, have increased saturation of green, blue and red colors (in some places there is an advantage of one of them). Therefore, the modes help improve color rendering and not interfere with the user’s vision.

The glass reflects glare and provides protection from dirt thanks to the applied layer of oleophobic coating.

Software

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015) runs operating system Android 4.4.4 KitKat. The manufacturer periodically releases updates for it. The company has preinstalled its software Samsung shell TouchWiz latest version. It is also found on flagship Samsung devices Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy S5.

Among the features of the system, it is worth noting the presence of a built-in FM radio module (functions only with a connected headset or other headphones without a microphone). The radio works adequately and provides good station reception.

Among the disadvantages of this device, it is worth noting the absence of a heart rate counting sensor, and, accordingly, the S Health program. If the system functionality was wider in the flagships, then Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015) does not have the “Child Mode” application and other useful and interesting features.

Please note

Eat huge amount themes that can be downloaded from a special store. They change not only the wallpaper and some other elements, but also the icons and the entire interface.

The shell works quickly. It is one of the most stable and popular systems not only in Samsung, but in the entire mobile market.

Sound

The main multimedia speaker is located on the rear panel of the device. In this regard, the protruding lens of the main camera allows you to slightly raise the device above the table, which ensures efficient operation of the speaker: The sound from the main speaker is not muffled or distorted. This allows you not only not to miss an important call, but also listen to music comfortably.

Speaker and microphone

There are both low and high frequencies. The volume reserve is sufficient. The main point is the purity of sound. At maximum volume it does not “wheeze” or distort. The speaker can be considered one of the advantages of the “average” speaker. The sound in the headphones is almost the same quality, but the included one is not the best.

The earpiece is also loud and clear. Does not “wheeze” during a long conversation. Thanks to the additional microphone of the noise reduction system, the interlocutor can hear you without interference or unnecessary background sounds.

Performance

It is worth reading the description of the hardware characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015). The quad-core single-chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 or MSM8216 platform is responsible for performance. Four Cortex-A53 cores operate at 1.2 GHz. Responsible for graphics Qualcomm processor Adreno 306. Even for the beginning of 2015, the hardware is the most budget-friendly on the market. Other devices already had a Snapdragon 600-series chipset on board, but the company apparently decided to save money at this point.

Built-in storage and RAM sizes are 16 GB and 1 GB– also not the best indicator. Considering that about 11 gigabytes are available, and the memory card is installed in a combined slot, the ROM volume is a minus. On 16 GB of internal storage you can install several dozen applications, several games, but there is not enough space for music. 1 GB of RAM is also “not serious”, because modern applications can take up 75% of the total volume.

Since the hardware is budget, it scores 21,484 points in the Antutu Benchmark program. This means that “heavy” games can be played on low graphics at 25-30 frames/second. If you switch to the lowest Presets, the figure will be 35-42 FPS. The low performance in Antutu is also due to the fact that the potential of the processor is not fully revealed due to the presence of the Android 4.4.4 operating system, which does not “understand” 64-bit crystals.

Benchmark version 5.6.1

All networks work without any problems. There is support for NFC, and Wi-Fi, which can operate in the 2.4 gigahertz range. Built-in module LTE is capable of downloading data from maximum speed at 150 Mbit/second, and the 3G module has a speed of 42.2 Mbit/second. Mobile communications and the navigation system work without interference even indoors.

Camera

The main camera shoots in 8 megapixel resolution. Front – 5 MP. Pictures in good lighting conditions are of high quality, without various artifacts and noise. Autofocus is fast, and the dual flash allows you to take clear photos at night.

Compact, inexpensive and functional - this is how you can characterize the Samsung A3 2015. It’s worth saying right away that the device is suitable for the most basic tasks - such as surfing the Internet, as well as for talking on the phone; it is not recommended to use the device as a navigator. The phone is supplied with 4x nuclear processor at 1200 MHz and 1 GB of RAM, this is usually enough for full use, although not the fastest. Separately, it is worth mentioning the matrix, which perfectly conveys the color gamut and has good viewing angles. In general, we will recommend the Samsung A3 2015 for dating as the device occupies a high position in its segment

Samsung Galaxy A3 SM-A300F: Specifications and price

Samsung Galaxy A3 SM-A300F: reviews

— Non-removable and weak battery;

— Thoughtful interface;

— Compact dimensions;

— Fits well in the hands;

— Decent matrix with good color reproduction;

— Suitable for most not the most demanding games;

— Support for two SIM cards or one SIM card and a memory card;

- Nice metal case;

— 4G support;

— The presence of FM radio, as they say, for amateurs;

— The kit also includes quite a few good headphones;

— Low RAM;

— Pleasant conversational speaker;

— High-quality assembly;

— Slim body;

— Support for reduced NFC;

— Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the unstable work with GPS satellites;

— Pleasant sound;

— Successful shell from the manufacturer;

— It is not updated to the sixth Android;

— Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the fact that the screen is really fragile, pay attention to this;

— Under heavy load it starts to heat up;

— In relation to the cost, these are good cameras;

Looks more expensive than it actually costs;

— Large quantity positive reviews;

Conclusion

The Samsung A3 2015 smartphone is used for the simplest tasks, but this should be enough for people who do not set themselves the goal of chasing fashion and technology. Definitely, the phone has some advantages, but it is not without its disadvantages. In general, the device has good functionality and good camera, therefore, we can recommend it for a more detailed and intimate acquaintance.

Pros:

  • High-quality communication;
  • Low cost;
  • It looks nice, and more expensive than it actually is;
  • High-quality matrix, which distinguishes a huge number of users;
  • The presence of NFC, albeit a reduced type;
  • There is LTE support;

Cons:

  • Fragile screen;
  • Incorrect operation of the navigator;
  • Low RAM;
  • Outdated software that is no longer updated;
  • Weak battery;
  • Incorrect operation with 4G networks;