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5 reasons to buy the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy a3 2017 4785
© nextpit

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is a great mid-range device. Samsung hasn’t managed to avoid all faults with this phone but it without a doubt includes a range of functions and features that definitely play in its favor. Here are 5 reasons to opt for the Galaxy A3 (2017).

Before revealing the strengths of this device, it’s important to acknowledge its weaknesses. This way you can ensure that, as a potential buyer, your final decision is based on all the facts from both sides of the coin. The phone was released with Android 6.0.1, an Android interface that has now been available for several months. Samsung didn’t consider it necessary to install Android Nougat on the device, which reflects the fragmentation problem that affects the various Android versions.

Some also criticize the device’s poor internal memory (16 GB), as photography enthusiasts and/or multimedia fans will quickly use up the available space. While it is possible to use a microSD card, we shouldn't place such high expectations on a mid-range device. That said, this sector of the market is evolving and Samsung must move along with it otherwise it will loose out to other manufacturers that are likely to take the lead. One final downside: the price is still quite high, even when you consider all the device’s advantages.

1. It's waterproof

The waterproof feature often seems to be reserved for top-range devices, especially at Samsung. Luckily, things have changed this year because Samsung has decided to make its A3 and A5 models waterproof. Both devices have an IP68 certification, just the same as that which was given to their big brother: the Samsung Galaxy S7.

This certification means they are protected against water and dust. Not only can you use your device in the rain but you can submerge it in water up to 1.5 meters deep for a maximum duration of 30 minutes. Sounds too good to be true? We have the proof: the smartphone we tested was submerged under water for several minutes and it's still working now.

2. It's compact in size

This is probably the smartphone’s main selling point. While the current trend is for manufacturers to produce devices with larger screens (to such an extent that foldable screen technology is now being developed), some users still remain loyal to screens measuring less than 5 inches. Unfortunately, relatively few manufacturers are producing high-quality devices with a small screen. In the top-range domain, there are hardly any and in the mid-range market, Sony is the only one: Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (former top-range Sony) and Sony Xperia X Compact.

The new Samsung Galaxy A3 has the advantage of being less expensive than the Sony Xperia X Compact and is also waterproof, a concept that Sony abandoned with its X Compact. With a 4.7-inch screen, the A3 2017 will delight all compact screen enthusiasts.

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy a3 2017 4750
There aren’t many competitors with a 4.7-inch screen. / © NextPit

3. It has good battery life

Last year, one of the A3’s main strengths was its battery life. This year, again, the phone doesn’t let its users down. That said, it's important to point out that Samsung does everything it can to optimize the device: the slight improvements in capacity compared to the previous model (from 2,300 to 2,350 mAh) and the simple HD definition (720 x 1,280) enable these excellent results.

The slight improvements in capacity compared to the previous model and the simple HD definition enable these excellent results.

The battery life obviously depends on how you use your smartphone but if you use your device intensively (videos, chats, games…), you should get at least a day and a half of battery life. You can double your battery life with moderate usage!

4. It comes with a great camera

Generally, mid-range devices don’t stand out because of their cameras. Everything taken into consideration, the A3’s camera is great. Of course, it doesn’t have the same potential the high-end devices have but it still allows you to take high-quality images with the 13-megapixel camera and an f/1.9 aperture.

Sometimes you have to take your time taking a photo in order to get the best lighting but on the whole, the photos are good and details are captured well. When lighting isn’t great, the quality is affected but we were satisfied with the results for a camera in this range.

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy a3 2017 4769
The camera lens barely protrudes. / © NextPit

5. Its design and finish is worthy of the Samsung Galaxy S7

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was the design inspiration for the A3 and A5, that much is obvious. The Galaxy S7 is a beautiful smartphone and this new A3 is just as elegant. The finishes are perfect, the handling is excellent, it’s a visual delight… The brushed casing is as close to perfection as you can manage - even the camera lens barely protrudes. However, while we’re talking about the back of the phone, it's important to point out that it has a glass cover.

On the front, on the Home button, Samsung has placed a fingerprint scanner. On the right-hand side, there is a SIM card and microSD card slot. Samsung is therefore offering us more than ever on a device designed for the mid-range market.

Are you considering buying the Samsung A3 (2017)? Do you think is it still too expensive for a mid-range device? Let us know in the comments below.

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Benoit Pepicq

Benoit Pepicq
Editor

Benoit is passionate about new technologies and everything related to computers. A big Android fan since 2011, he joined the AndroidPIT team to satisfy his passion and to share his knowledge on Android with readers.

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  • Rasovan Mircea 1
    Rasovan Mircea Apr 16, 2017 Link to comment

    With the a3 2016 i managed to get a whooping 1minute and 32 seconds SOT from 100% to 5% battery.


  • Topapps4u 12
    Topapps4u Mar 17, 2017 Link to comment

    Samsung Galaxy A3 have Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with Android OS, v6.0.1 and Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53. http://bit.ly/2m2zeHW


  • Rakesh C. 6
    Rakesh C. Feb 23, 2017 Link to comment

    I like this phone feature & phone look very smart looking. hay guise click and open my new android photo editing app PIP Camera Pic Grid Collage https://goo.gl/zuHCk3


  • 12
    Paul Cirrus Feb 23, 2017 Link to comment

    Might be better if you compare it to its previous versions

    Sheena F


  • Topapps4u 12
    Topapps4u Feb 22, 2017 Link to comment

    At last wait is coming to over now for the fans of #Samsung #galaxy S8 who are eagerly waiting for the official launch date on 27th Feb. http://www.topapps4u.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-launch-date-officially-disclose-at-mwc-on-27-feb/


    • 12
      Paul Cirrus Feb 22, 2017 Link to comment

      so what is the connection of your comment to Samsung A3 2017 ? Are you lost ?

      Sheena F


  • 2
    Joseph Caione Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    I have the phone in USA. I have had the sony z5 compact and x compact, both were great phones but way too thick. They felt like 2012 phones. This phone feels great in the hand and has a smaller form factor than the iphone. Just wish it had all USA lte bands and a better camera!

    Paul Cirrus


    • Dluski T. 1
      Dluski T. Feb 22, 2017 Link to comment

      Ahoj prosím jen dotaz ch si koupit samsung s7 active u nás koupit nejde našel jsem ho na ebay.com v odemčené vrzy ale nevím zda bude u nás fungovat děkuji za radu Tomáš


      • 12
        Paul Cirrus Feb 23, 2017 Link to comment

        adsf asd fasdgssgerg rthgfgvsd eggewrfgsdfg egdsfgsdfg

        Sheena F


    • 1
      oper ado Feb 23, 2017 Link to comment

      Where did you buy it? I've been searching, but haven't found a seller yet.


  • Steven Rhods 8
    Steven Rhods Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    They should offer at least 3GB RAM. Otherwise phone looks good.


    • 12
      Paul Cirrus Feb 23, 2017 Link to comment

      I think its enough for its specs

      Sheena F


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    currently going for £279.00 in the UK...
    2 minutes of shopping around gets me a 32gb Z5 compact same price from a high st retailer ...


    • Andria D. 11
      Andria D. Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

      Good god, that's a RIDICULOUS price, almost $350! i could get a ZTE *flagship* phone for that price, the Axon 7. This is exactly what I meant though; just because it says "Samsung" on it, some people will pay that utterly outrageous price.


  • Shankar Prasad Nandi 18
    Shankar Prasad Nandi Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    Instead of re-releasing an old model with new premium features, Samsung should have released a new model. This sort of approach confuses the customer. It's high time Samsung streamlined its model range in a logical manner.
    If you ask me, there are other compact phones made by Sony, Motorola and LG that I'd rather buy. Motorola Moto E 2015. Sony Experia Z5 Compact. And yes, the iPhone SE.

    Paul Cirrus


    • 12
      Paul Cirrus Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

      people are hesitating to buy those options because of the price

      Sheena FShankar Prasad Nandi


  • Parvind Chahal 21
    Parvind Chahal Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    RAM would have been 3gb and i think price also will be on little high side otherwise good phone.


  • Andria D. 11
    Andria D. Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    I suspect it probably IS too expensive -- it's a late-model Samsung. But surprisingly enough, I can't find a price for it in this article nor in the other about a mid-range phone that thinks it's a flagship, even though in that article, there's a heading for "release date and price" -- no price is ever shown.

    But for a phone this small, this phone shouldn't cost more than $100; I bet it's at least twice that.


    • 12
      Paul Cirrus Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

      yeah, I believe also that the price is too high, but much affordable compare to compact phones of Sony.

      Sheena F


  • 12
    Paul Cirrus Feb 21, 2017 Link to comment

    Yup, powerful phone enough for people who wants compact phones (less than 5 inches) but can't afford Sony compact phones. Great move for Samsung.

    Sheena F

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