Samsung galaxy a5 wireless charging. Which Samsungs support wireless charging? Description of devices

Do you want to know which Samsungs support wireless charging and whether your smartphone has this capability? Let's take a closer look at which phones from the Korean company support this wireless feature.

This company was the first to offer customers to charge their devices wirelessly, over the air. For the first time this technology from the Koreans appeared at various exhibitions a couple of years ago and Samsung has not betrayed itself to this day. However, not every device from the company can boast of an over-the-air battery recharge function. In this article you will learn about all the company’s models with the implemented technology for transmitting energy through the air.

Samsung wireless charging support: how does it work?

Having looked at the main competitors from Apple, Samsung engineers decided to implement their own Qi interface.

In total, the company’s smartphones support two standards – Qi and PMA. The first is newer and has a faster battery charge rate. However, it is found only in flagship devices, which are unaffordable for many users.

What other ones are there besides Samsung - you will find out in another article.

Samsung Wireless Charging: Supported Models

Let's highlight a list of phones that support wireless charging from Samsung:

  • Qi support first appeared in the fifth generation of the Note phablet;
  • Galaxy S6 generation;
  • extended version of Galaxy S6 Plus;
  • version with curved screen Galaxy S6 Edge;
  • latest generation Galaxy S7;
  • Galaxy S7 Edge version.


Now you know which Samsung phones support wireless charging and you can choose a device that suits your needs and capabilities. However, all of the phones listed are flagships and their price tags vary slightly.

In the next section you can read material about how well Qi works and much more.

Photos in the interior

Specifications

  • Android 6.0.1 with Clean UI, upgrade to Android 7
  • Screen 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 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 3000 mAh, fast charging, operating 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 16 hours
  • Installing two nanoSIM cards, as well as a microSD memory card (up to 256 GB)
  • Front camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, facial enhancements (eyes, skin color, face tone)
  • Main camera 16 megapixels, f/1.9, LED flash, autofocus
  • Two microphones, noise reduction system
  • IP68 water protection, 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+5 GHz, NFC, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.2
  • Sensors – accelerometer, barometer, fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor
  • Samsung Pay
  • Color options: black (Black Sky), gold (Gold Sand), blue (Blue Mist), pink (Peach Cloud)
  • SAR value – 0.52 W/kg (head), 1.39 W/kg (body)
  • Dimensions – 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight – 159 grams

Contents of delivery

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

Positioning

Samsung decided that the A-series should offer models in the mid-price segment, and the model range is built based on the size of the phones: smaller screen means smaller index. From this logic it is clear that A3 is the smallest device, and A7 is the largest, while A5 is exactly in the middle. From sales of the A-series in 2016, it is known that the A5 and the 5-inch smartphone form factor became the most popular; this device sold significantly better than others.


A-series models have become iconic for the market and their price segments; during the transition from the first to the second generation, their sales in Russia increased noticeably.


But the most important thing is that these devices can be perceived as somewhat simplified versions of the company’s flagships in terms of filling, but not at all simplified in terms of materials. Not all buyers need the features of flagships; they are willing to spend 2-3 times less money, but get a decent, reliable device.

Considering that Samsung directly competes with Apple in the market, to some extent the A-series is a response to the older iPhone models that are still on the market. So, the 2017 A5 is a clear competitor to the iPhone 6/6s, which also costs less. Comparing with the famous Chinese, we will get competitors from their line with similar positioning, for example, this could be Huawei Nova.


The 2017 A5 model was created for those who want to buy a smartphone from a major manufacturer (read, brand), and at the same time get a good set of characteristics, decent performance and quality materials. To some extent, the 2017 A5 can be considered a universal smartphone that can safely claim to be a business model. It is balanced in its capabilities, is not the most expensive, and, accordingly, it is not a flagship. This is a very smart choice for those who are used to counting money and buying a smartphone for a long time. In my opinion, the 2017 A5 will become a bestseller in its price segment, as it offers a number of unique finds that other companies do not have. However, let's talk about this in detail.

Design, dimensions, control elements

In the A-series, the design is to some extent inherited from older models, the same body materials, no noticeable simplifications or savings. The A5 model looks expensive and stylish, regardless of what color you choose. There are four color options in total; there are no pink phones in Russia yet.


I have a black A5, it is classic and looks good. The mirror surface reflects the surrounding world, plays in the light, the device looks very interesting, and hand marks are practically invisible. I’ll add here that the screen with a splash screen can always work (AlwaysOn Display function), which 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 which color is the best, then I like blue, it is a delicate shade, very unusual, perfect for girls, however, look for yourself.



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


The gold phone is somewhat rustic, but everyone has their own tastes.


The fact that the device has a glass back and front does not hinder it at all, since Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is quite reliable and protected from accidental falls, although depending on your luck. This device is completely identical in mechanical protection to the Galaxy S6 EDGE, the quality is at the same level. I once recorded a video about how this phone survives collisions with sharp objects or asphalt, you can watch this video.

The innovation of the A-series in 2017 was water protection, 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 speakers are protected by membranes, the protection level is IP68, which allows the phone to be kept at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to half an hour. This does not mean that the phone needs to be washed under water, much less with soap or something similar. But if you drop it in water, nothing will happen to it. There are practically no models with water protection in this price segment.


Now about the control elements. Under the screen there is a mechanical key, it contains a fingerprint sensor, it is simplified compared to the S7/S7 EDGE, it works a little slower, but there are no problems because of this. Nice solution that just works. On either side of it are two touch keys.

On the left side there are two volume keys, on the right side there is an on/off button. There is a microphone at the bottom and top ends, 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 in your face.


At the bottom end there is also a 3.5 mm jack for a headset or headphones and a USB Type C connector for the charger. On the upper end and left side you can see 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 the A3, for example, installing two SIM cards and a memory card is impossible; it has a combined slot.


The speaker is located on the right side surface, due to this it can overlap in the pocket, and it will not be heard very well. The speaker itself is average in volume, but very pleasant.

The phone dimensions are 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, weight is 159 grams. Compact, fits perfectly in the hand due to the small roundness of the body at the back. Not slippery, although from the photographs many people think that it should slip out of their hands, but this does not happen. This size is one of the most popular on the market and is liked by most buyers.






Compared to Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

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: 5.2 inches, SuperAMOLED, FullHD, 424 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, automatic brightness adjustment to suit your habits, color profiles, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, AlwaysOn Display.


For my taste, the quality of the screen is excellent for its class, it has a large reserve of brightness in automatic mode, the display is easy to read in the sun, just like the previous year’s model (in the S7 EDGE the screen has greater 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 operation does not drain the battery much, in 12 hours it’s a couple of percent. Until now, this function has not been widely available in the mid-price segment, which makes the 2017 A5 stand out and puts it on par with Samsung flagships.


In terms of all its characteristics, the screen in the 2017 A5 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 automatic brightness adjustment to suit your preferences; in the first two weeks the phone “gets used to” you and is adjusted to your taste.

Battery

The built-in Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh, supports fast charging (1 hour 20 minutes). There is no built-in wireless charging, which is found in flagship models.

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

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

The operating time of the 2017 A5 becomes its strong point; even with a heavy load, it will not be possible to discharge it faster than in a day; on average, this is two days. Those who use only calls can easily 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 operating time is the strong point of this model.

Traditionally, there is a power 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.



Communication capabilities

GPS/GLONASS works perfectly, a cold start takes about ten seconds, navigation works perfectly, 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 necessary LTE frequencies, here the device also shows its strengths (analogs in this price segment cannot boast of this; as a rule, they save on antennas).

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

If we talk about Wi-Fi, then it uses 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4+5 GHz, there is a repeater mode (distributing 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 fans of modern connectors will be happy; for the rest, it’s time to come to terms with the transition to the new standard.

Memory, RAM, performance

Samsung uses its own chipsets in A-series models, which can be considered a plus; they are improving year by year. For example, in 2016, chipsets in the A-series were made at 28 nm, now it is 14 nm, which gives an increase in performance and operating time. The chipset in the A5 2017 is Exynos 7880, 8 cores up to 1.9 GHz (Cortex A53), Mali-T830MP3 graphics processor.

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




The device has 32 GB of internal memory (23.1 GB available), memory cards can be up to 256 GB. 3 GB of RAM, which is enough for most consumers. And given the screen resolution, everything becomes very 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’s 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; after all, the main camera is 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. Girls will definitely like these “improvements”.

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 a little better, that is, it gives good, rich pictures during the day and indoors; in the dark it is not so good, but this is generally typical for this segment. There is no 4K mode when recording video, but it is unlikely that consumers of this device need it so much, since recording regular FullHD video will completely satisfy them.









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

Software

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

I won’t describe the standard Android functions; you can read about them in a detailed review.

Unlike top models, there is a built-in FM radio, 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; not a single phone allows you to simultaneously work with two instant messengers on the same 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 the Samsung Pay service.

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

Impression

The vibration alert is average, the ringer volume is also average - perhaps I would like there to be more headroom, but the phone is still audible, and you can feel it in your pockets when it vibrates. Rather, there is no reserve in terms of volume, but how will anyone perceive this moment? The device cannot be called quiet.

I liked the 2017 A5, as well as this entire series, and the previous models. The strengths remain exactly the same - excellent materials and design of the case, bright and eye-catching design, which is complemented by AlwaysON Display; competitors have nothing like that. When choosing between models in this series, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the 2017 A3 is aimed at those who make more calls, spend less time online, and watch movies. An excellent compact phone with a long battery life, I’ll talk about it in a separate review.




You can choose the 2017 A7 for its screen size, 5.7 inches versus 5.2 in the A5. However, in other respects these devices are almost similar, everything is the same. In the table you can see how all A-series devices differ.

The price of the 2017 A5 in Russia is 27,990 rubles; for comparison, the previous year’s model costs 21,990 rubles. In my opinion, the advantage of the 2017 device is obvious: IP68 protection, AlwaysOn Display, updated Android and new operating modes, increased battery life, better performance. In a word, it’s worth finding the money and buying an updated model; it will definitely last longer.

Oddly enough, in the Samsung lineup there is another competitor for this device, this is the Galaxy S6, a flagship from two years ago, which today sells for 30,000 rubles. It doesn't have memory cards or water protection, but it does support Gear VR, which the 2017 A5 doesn't have. Usually, previous flagships act as stronger models than the current middle class, but when comparing these devices, everything is not so clear; I would still recommend the A5 2017.

In the Apple line there is an old iPhone 6, its 16 GB version costs 28,990 rubles (refurbished device) or more than 35,000 rubles. In my opinion, it does not have any advantages, it loses in terms of screen, memory, and service life; there is no protection from water even close. In a word, here you are only buying a brand name and quite old hardware with the worst prospects for updates in the short term. If you want an iPhone, look at the new models, but be prepared to pay more.


A good alternative is the Huawei Nova; this 5-inch model also has 3 GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, a similar battery, and comparable cameras. But the IPS screen is something to keep in mind, there is also no water resistance, and of course there is no Samsung Pay. The price of this device is 23,000 rubles, which is noticeably cheaper and quite justified, taking into account other characteristics. But the performance of the device is not bad and it looks good.


If you look at models with water protection, then nothing but the Sony Xperia X Performance comes to mind. But the price of this device in federal networks is 40 thousand rubles; it belongs to a completely different class of devices, as evidenced by the use of Snapdragon 820. At the same time, other characteristics are very similar to the A5 2017, so they can be compared. It is more profitable to purchase the A5, since Sony does not have any special advantages at a higher price. The model is already a year old, now it will be replaced by an updated version, it will be shown in the coming days. But the price will not be lower, and as a result, it will not be able to become a competitor.


With your permission, I will not take into consideration a huge bunch of Chinese models, after all, their positioning is completely different, these are C-brands with all the ensuing consequences. Samsung has come up with a very interesting, high-quality model that will become a bestseller in the mid-price segment. This device looks good, lasts a long time and offers a set of features that will satisfy anyone who is not ready to buy flagship products. The phone has its own face, moreover, it is easy to remember. You should definitely take a closer look at this device if you are looking for a 5-inch Android smartphone.

Mid-price smartphones, or “uberflagships,” as Russian tech journalists called them, are perhaps the best thing that happened to the mobile industry in 2016. Rapid progress has led to the fact that mid-priced smartphones are now so good that they quite successfully satisfy the needs of even very demanding users.

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

CPU: Exynos 7880 Octa
RAM: 3 GB
Memory: 32 GB
Display: 5.2 inches, Super Amoled, 1080 x 1920
Camera: 16 MP, f/1.9 (main), 16 MP, f/1.9 (front)
Battery: 3000 mAh
Size and weight: 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm, 157 g

Roughly speaking, modern flagships are superior to mid-priced devices only in the level of the camera, as well as various innovations such as a fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor, detection of pressure on the screen, improved sound path, fast wireless charging and others. Such technologies first appear in flagship devices and only next year become available in mid-range devices.

In this regard, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is made, as they say, according to classic patterns and is similar to the 2016 flagship Samsung Galaxy S7.

The case is made of shock-resistant Gorilla Glass with oleophobic coating. The smartphone has a curved back panel and slightly rounded edges (2.5D) screen glass.

Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru

Features of the Galaxy A5 include a Super Amoled display, protection against water and dust according to the IP68 standard (up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1.5 m).

The device also supports such fashionable features as Always-on display, Samsung Pay payment service, fast charging technology and others.

Design and screen

Externally, the Galaxy A5 (2017) is really similar to the Galaxy S7 and looks, as marketers would say, no less premium than last year’s Samsung flagship.


Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru

The display is made using Super Amoled technology, diagonal - 5.2 inches, resolution - Full HD (1080 x 1920). This is a bright and contrasting screen with wide viewing angles and deep blacks.

At the same time, the Galaxy S7 display had a higher resolution - QHD (1440 x 2560). Oddly enough, such a reduction turned out to be a completely successful decision. If you don’t insert the Galaxy A5 into a VR helmet, where QHD is simply the required minimum, then for a 5.2 diagonal Full HD resolution is quite enough.

Battery and processor

Importantly, a lower resolution screen is not only cheaper, but also consumes less power. In terms of battery life, the Galaxy A5 (2017) is clearly superior to the Galaxy S7. Although Samsung does not position the device as a special long-lasting device, moderate energy consumption is one of its strongest points.

And for at least a year you will be able to play the most graphically demanding games.
An additional bonus is support for fast charging.

Camera

Taking photos is where analogies with the Galaxy S7 are inappropriate. Last year's Samsung flagship has one of the best mobile cameras to date, and it's certainly a shame that it didn't migrate to the A5.

The smartphone has a completely different photo module: a 16 MP camera with an f/1.9 aperture. For comparison: the Galaxy S7 has a 12 megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture.

Do not think that a larger number of matrix pixels will provide better image quality. A lot of other parameters are also important, such as aperture ratio, pixel size, autofocus performance, stabilization, processing algorithms.


Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru

The Galaxy A5's camera especially suffers in low light conditions. If in photographs taken during the day and even at dusk, the difference in quality is not very noticeable, then when shooting at night it is still fatal.


Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru



Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru

Perhaps this is due to the algorithms for processing night images and the lack of optical stabilization (OIS). If the developers can still fix the software part in future firmware updates, then they will have to put up with the lack of OIS.

Note that

The Galaxy A5 (2016) had optical stabilization, but why it was abandoned is a mystery.

But the front camera with 16 megapixels is designed to please selfie lovers. Unlike the main one, there are no complaints about it.


Dmitry Bevza/Gazeta.Ru

"Tricks"

What is interesting about the Galaxy A5 that makes it stand out from its competitors?

Moisture and dust resistance sets the Galaxy A5 (2017) apart from other competitors. Only Sony Xperia smartphones can boast of similar durability. Of course, we are talking about ordinary smartphones, and not about special devices for extreme sports and the military.

The fingerprint scanner can be configured to recognize three fingerprints. The technology works quite correctly, but is still slower than in the Galaxy S7. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the scanner is combined with the Home button.

For Android smartphones, this “iPhone” location of the scanner is a rather rare option.

Samsung Pay is in a sense unique, although not the most popular option, which is only available in the new Galaxy S and Galaxy A smartphones.

There is a safe KNOX environment especially for the paranoid. That is, private information can be stored in a special encrypted folder.

Always On Display has finally appeared not only on Samsung flagships. The essence of the function is that the time, calendar and notifications are shown even when the screen is turned off. At the same time, the battery is consumed a little faster, but the Galaxy A5 (2017) still lasts its two days even with the Always On Display option activated.

And the last important detail is that the device does not have a hybrid slot for SIM cards and memory cards, but there are two separate full-fledged openings.

That is, you can insert two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time. Considering that the A5 has only 32 GB of main memory, this is a more than justified decision.

Bottom line

The obvious advantages of the Galaxy A5 (2017) are the spectacular design of the flagship S-series, high-quality screen, long battery life, 16 megapixel front camera, moisture and dust protection according to the IP68 standard.

Among the less noticeable ones are support for Samsung Pay, a well-developed proprietary graphical interface, simultaneous support for two SIM cards and a memory card, branded accessories, high-quality assembly, warranty, technical support and other things that stand behind big brands.

Disadvantages: operation of the main camera in low light conditions, lack of optical image stabilization in the camera, lack of wireless charging, and still the rather high price of the device (28 thousand rubles), which is declared as a budget flagship.

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 smartphone is another device in the rather successful Galaxy A series, the models of which belong to the middle price segment. They are beautiful, made of high-quality materials, although, surprisingly, they are inferior in many characteristics.

By the way, the Korean company is a shining example of what a mobile device manufacturer should be. For many, Samsung is associated with reliability and quality. At the same time, the company does not focus on producing only top-end phones. A user with not the highest level of income can choose a smartphone or tablet from this brand, knowing that a budget smartphone will not be inferior in quality and reliable operation to the latest flagships of the brand. All this fully applies to our today’s subject of review - the Samsung A5 2017 phone.

The smartphone was presented at the beginning of 2017 and immediately attracted attention with its pleasant appearance, good hardware and reasonable price.

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017: smartphone characteristics

Let's be honest - flagship smartphones are superior to many mid-range smartphones except for the latest generation chipsets, cameras and fashionable innovations, such as fast wireless charging, heart rate sensor and so on. Otherwise, the average ones can fully satisfy the needs of the most demanding user, but without excesses.

The characteristics of the Samsung A 5 2017 look impressive for a device in the mid-price segment:

DisplayDiagonal 5.2 inches, Super Amoled, support for 16 million colors. Display resolution is
CPUOcta-core Samsung Exynos 7880
Graphic artsMali T830MP3
3 GB
32 GB, expandable with microSD cards up to 256 GB
Main camera16 MP
Front-camera16 MP
3000 mAh, support fast charging function
Operating system versionAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow, upgradable to Android 7
InterfacesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; GPS; Bluetooth v4.2; USB Type-C 1.0; NFC; 3.5mm headphone jack;
AdditionallyFingerprint scanner, Samsung Pay support, IP68 protection
Size146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm
Weight157 g
Case colorsBlack, white, blue, gold

Smartphone autonomy

One of the strengths of the smartphone is its excellent battery life. A screen with a small diagonal and not the highest resolution uses energy sparingly. The Samsung A5 2017 far outperforms its top-end sibling, the Galaxy S7, in terms of battery life. At the same time, the manufacturer does not position the device as a device with a long-lasting battery.

In normal mode (calls, messages, Internet surfing, etc.), with the screen active for 4-5 hours, the smartphone lives without recharging for two days. It can play continuous video in HD quality for about 19 hours. And this is truly an excellent indicator.

If you use the Samsung A 5 2017 exclusively for calls, it can easily last 4-5 days without recharging.

The 3000 mAh battery can be charged to 100% in about an hour thanks to the fast charging function.

Water and dust protection

Another feature of the smartphone is . The device can be lowered into fresh water to a depth of up to one and a half meters without damage. It can withstand immersion for 30 minutes. He is not afraid of falling into the sand either. The SIM card compartment is protected by rubber pads, and there are membranes on the speaker and microphone. Of course, you shouldn’t wash your smartphone with soap and water, but falling into water doesn’t scare it. By the way, in the price segment there are no analogues to the Galaxy A5 2017 with such protection.

Performance Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

As for the processor, it has become more productive compared to the previous model in the series, but is inferior to the company’s latest flagships. Despite this, it is more than enough for hardware-demanding games. No slowdowns or freezes were noticed. The processor performance is more than enough to work with applications. By the way, in the AnTuTu test the smartphone scores about 60,000 points.

The amount of built-in memory is average. It should be taken into account that of the 32 GB ROM, about 23 GB is available to the user. For those who actively use the camera and install a lot of games and applications, this volume will not be enough. In this case, the ability to expand memory up to 256 GB helps. By the way, there is a separate slot for microSD cards, which is good news. Now you don’t need to sacrifice a second SIM card to increase your phone memory.

Smartphone equipment

The device is delivered in a discreet white box, on which the name of the device is printed in large font. The equipment is quite modest:

  1. smartphone,
  2. Charger,
  3. special clip for removing SIM cards,
  4. USB Type C cable
  5. and instructions.

In addition, the user receives a proprietary wired headset.

Appearance of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017, a review of which we present to our readers today, looks similar to last year’s flagship Galaxy S7. It looks no worse than its premium counterpart. The only things that give it away are the smaller size of the main camera (like the Galaxy S7, it does not protrude beyond the body) and the absence of a light indicator.

The front and back covers of the device are made of ultra-strong glass of the latest generation Gorilla Glass 4, resistant to falls on asphalt and concrete. The perimeter frame is aluminum. Antenna strips are located on the top and bottom of the body.

What Samsung always does flawlessly is the ergonomics of its devices. The smartphone fits comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to its small diagonal, although the glass panels make the device quite slippery. The protected glass of the case allows you to use the smartphone without protective glass, but in this case you need to hold it in your hands with extreme caution.

The arrangement of connectors and buttons on the case is standard, with the exception of the speaker - it was moved to the right side.

The edges of the device's body are slightly curved. A successful combination of glass and metal gives the smartphone a stylish, but not flashy look. The design of the Samsung A 5 2017 can be described as premium. And don’t forget that we are not talking about the company’s flagship device, but about a mid-level smartphone, the quality of which once again indicates that Samsung is one of the best manufacturers of mobile devices.

The mechanical Home button has a traditional location - under the screen. It has a built-in fingerprint scanner. And here we are faced with one of the shortcomings of the smartphone. Since the button is quite narrow, the scanner does not always work correctly. There are no complaints about the recognition speed, but it is not always configured.

Screen

The smartphone, traditionally, is equipped with a bright Super Amoled display. The screen diagonal is 5.2 inches, which is quite a lot, but the device does not look bulky and is comfortable to hold in your hand. The picture is bright and juicy, viewing angles are wide, and the display is perfectly readable in the sun. The oleophobic coating does its job perfectly - there are no traces left on the display.

One of the nice features of the smartphone is support for the Always on display function, which has finally reached Samsung models in the mid-price segment. The user can now display the most current information on the screen: notifications, date, time and battery status. Is it more convenient than a traditional indicator light? Without a doubt, yes. To find out the time or check notifications, you no longer need to constantly turn on the screen. This useful feature does not consume much battery.

It should be noted that this function has not yet been widely used in smartphones in the mid-price segment, which makes the Samsung A 5 2017 similar to flagship devices.

For those who are concerned about eye health, it will be important that the Galaxy A5 2017 screen has a blue light filter.

The disadvantage of the display is that it supports not ten, but five simultaneous touches. Although, we personally don’t know people who often point at the screen of their mobile phone with both hands.

Smartphone cameras and photo quality

If in terms of battery life the Galaxy A5 2017 can give odds to many flagships, take the same Galaxy S7, then with the quality of photos the situation is worse. The smartphone received 16-megapixel main and front cameras, both with f/1.9 aperture. You need to remember that to obtain high-quality images, parameters such as:

  1. aperture,
  2. stabilization,
  3. autofocus,
  4. processing algorithms.

A large number of matrix pixels alone will not provide a decent level of shooting.

During the day, the main camera of the device copes well, and the photos are of acceptable quality: bright, clear and saturated. Night photography is simply disappointing. The lack of optical stabilization affects it. The algorithms for processing images taken in low light conditions may also be to blame.

The front camera, on the contrary, will delight selfie lovers with decent photo quality.

Samsung proprietary shell and pre-installed applications, Android version

Out of the box, the device runs under control, which can be upgraded to. On top of the operating system, as usual with Samsung smartphones, the proprietary Grace UI shell is installed, which replaced TouchWiz. It has a nice and easy-to-use interface with many proprietary software features, such as splitting the screen into two parts, quick camera launch, and one-handed control.

Among the pre-installed applications, it is worth noting the built-in theme manager, document editor, S Health, S Voice, office suite, Samsung KNOX, which allows you to restrict access to certain files, and Samsung Pay.

Cost and main competitors

The price of Samsung Galaxy A 5 2017 is one of the main reasons to buy a smartphone. A mobile phone with a premium design and almost flagship characteristics costs approximately 22,990 rubles in large electronics stores. If you search carefully, you can find more pleasant options and become the owner of one of the best smartphones of the current year for 17,000-18,000 rubles.

You can compare Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 in terms of characteristics, performance and cost with Meizu Pro 6, Huawei P9, Honor 8, Huawei Nova, OnePlus 3 and. While inferior to some of them in terms of hardware, it is definitely the leader in terms of battery life. Additionally, none of the competitors offer dust or moisture protection.

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017: reviews

In the vast majority of cases, user reviews of the smartphone are positive. Among the advantages of the device, its owners note high build quality without a single play, premium design, ideal screen diagonal that allows you to comfortably hold the smartphone in your hand, excellent battery life and an economical AMOLED display. Users highly appreciated the presence of IP68 dust and moisture protection, like flagship devices, the always-on display function, and the Samsung KNOX security system, with which you can be sure of the safety of your personal data.

Among the shortcomings, users note a problem when working with a fingerprint scanner, which does not always work correctly, the lack of optical stabilization and, as a result, not very good picture quality in low light conditions. Not everyone liked the glass case - it made the smartphone slippery.

Results

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is undoubtedly one of the best smartphones in the popular Galaxy A series. It has an impressive flagship design, a good screen, a 16-megapixel camera, excellent battery life and moisture and dust protection according to the IP68 standard. The price of Samsung A 5 2017 is pleasantly pleasing. Now on the market in terms of price, performance and quality, this is one of the best options. For just over 20 thousand rubles, the user receives a well-assembled, stylish device with almost flagship characteristics and branded accessories.

Disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 smartphone: lack of stabilization and . But compared to the above advantages, the disadvantages of the smartphone do not seem critical.


  • 1. What is Qi wireless charging?

    The world is becoming mobile and wireless.

    In the modern world, all manipulations with file transfer using a smartphone occurs “over the air”. Access to the Internet via wi-fi - at home, at work, in cafes - is taken for granted, and rarely does anyone have difficulty using it. The time has come forwireless power transmission.

    Was founded in 2008 " Wireless Electromagnetic Energy Consortium" (Wireless Power Consortium, WPC), which united manufacturers from Europe, Asia and America. The goal of the Consortium is to develop a unified standard for wireless charging technology.

    Already in 2009 the company Palm provided the first phone with wireless charging support. Later, in September 2012, Nokia introduced 2 smartphones to the market - Lumia 820 And Lumia 920 also supports Qi standard. Next came the big smartphone manufacturers - Samsungg, Google Nexus(Asus, LG), Sony, etc.

    Since 2014, our company Zaryadqi has been developing and distributing wireless chargers in Russia. Our store has the largest selection of wireless chargers and we are constantly monitoring new products and expanding our range. You will definitely find the right charger for yourself in our store.

  • 2. Operating principle

    In simple terms:

    • The charger is connected to a power source.
    • A magnetic field is created.
    • The smartphone must support wireless charging - have a built-in receiver or an additional receiver.
    • The phone is placed on the charger.
    • Charging the smartphone starts automatically.

    From a technical point of view:

    Energy is transferred from the transmitter to the receiver through an interconnected magnetic field generated by the flow of alternating current through the transmitter coil.
    If the receiver coil is in close proximity, a significant portion of the transmitter power lines will pass through the receiver coil, creating an alternating current in the receiver, which is then converted to direct voltage.

  • 3. Benefits

    Just. Place your smartphone on a Qi wireless charger and it will start charging automatically.

    Modern. All major IT companies are already developing their devices using the Qi standard.

    Versatile. Any device with a Qi receiver can be charged using any Qi wireless charger.

    Safely. The generated electric field is safe for humans and extends only 1 cm from the device.

    Comfortable and convenient. There is no need for a bunch of wires that later get tangled or simply lost.

  • 4. Phone models that have a built-in receiver and support wireless charging out of the box

    More and more smartphone manufacturers are starting to build receivers into their top models: Apple iPhone XS, XS MAX, XR, X, etc., Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+/Note 9, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Huawei Mate 20 Pro and etc.

    • Apple iPhone 11 pro Max
    • Apple iPhone 11 pro
    • Apple iPhone 11
    • Asus padfone s

    Blackberry

    • Blackberry Priv
    • Blackberry Z30
    • Blackberry Classic
    • Blackberry Passport
    • Blackberry 8900
    • Casio g"z one commando

    Caterpillar

    • Cat S50
    • Cat S50C
    • Dewalt md501
    • Dewalt mil810g

    Energy System

    • Energy Phone Pro Qi
    • Fujitsu Arrows F-09D
    • Fujitsu Arrows Kiss F-03D
    • Fujitsu Arrows Kiss F-03E
    • Fujitsu Arrows X F-10D
    • ZTE Telstra Tough Max
  • 5. For some phone models, special receivers are available to support wireless charging
  • 6. How to use wireless charging

  • 7. Types of wireless chargers

    We conditionally divide wireless chargers into several types based on functionality:

    • . Standard charging stations in the form of a small “platform” on which the phone is placed, or charging built into equipment - a lamp, clock, weather station, etc.
    • . Wireless charging for use in the car: with special holders and brackets for the phone and adapters for the cigarette lighter.
    • . Wireless chargers with stand function, i.e. The phone is positioned at an angle during charging for easy viewing of videos, email, and social networks.
    • . Wireless chargers with a built-in battery differ from each other, in addition to design, in the number of additional USB ports and battery capacity - from 4000 mAh to 10000 mAh.
    • . Wireless chargers for installation in tables, cabinets, bar counters. They have a special design and protection from moisture and dust.

    And also by scope or place of use:

    • Home/office
    • In the car
    • On the road
  • 8. There are receivers
    • Built-in- already installed in the smartphone by the manufacturer.

    If the manufacturer of your phone does not provide the possibility of wireless charging, you can easily adapt it to this charging! For this, a special receiver film is used - there are several types:

    • In the form that is installed under the cover of the smartphone. To do this, your phone must have special contacts
    • , which connects to the lighting power port for Apple and micro-usb for Android smartphones.

    Image

    Description

    The film is attached under the cover of the phone, the functionality of the phone is not reduced. The standard cable can be used simultaneously with the installed receiver film.

    Such receiverQifor phones with special contacts Suitable for phones that have special contacts for wireless charging: Samsung Note 4, Samsung Note 3, Samsung Note 2, Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3 and others.

    The film is attached to the back surface of the phone. At the same time, it can be covered with any standard case: leather, plastic, silicone - this will not affect the charging process. The connector, inextricably linked to the film, for charging according to the Qi standard must be in the Lightning connector. Having a film receiver does not cause any inconvenience.

    Such Apple-receiverQi suitable for Apple devices with a Lightning connector: Apple iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, 6, 6s, 6Plus, 6SPlus, SE, 7, 7 Plus; iPad Air 2, iPad mini and others (Apple does not currently provide wireless charging without accessories)

    Such universal receiverQi Suitable for any phone equipped with a USB connector for classic wired charging. The film is attached under the cover or case of the smartphone. The plug, inextricably linked to the film, for charging according to the Qi standard must be located in the Micro-usb connector. Having a film receiver does not cause any inconvenience.

    In phones with a Micro-USB port, the connector can be one of three types, depending on its type, if you place the phone on top of the screen.

    Type C connector appeared relatively recently - it can be found on a small number of devices. Thus, type “C” is equipped with MacBook 12", Samsung TabPro S, Google Nexus 6P, Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, ZUK Z1, Google Pixel C, Google Nexus 5X, One Plus 2, Acer Aspire Switch 10 V and other devices.

    In addition to the above receivers, depending on the location of the connector in the phone, such film-receivers may be suitable - they are called lateral or offset:

    Accordingly, each type and position of the connector requires its own Universal receiverQi. By determining the correct type of Micro-USB connector in your phone, you will buy the right receiver for wireless charging and allow yourself to give up wires!

    • There are also: the receiver is already built into the case, so you just need to put the case on your phone and it will be able to charge wirelessly.

    You can always tell the online store manager your phone model - we will select the optimal receiver for you!

  • 9. Difference between wired and wireless charging

    Wireless charging produces a current of 1 ampere and a voltage of 5 volts. The standard power adapter that comes with the smartphone produces from 1 to 2A. And when charging the phone from a computer (USB port), the phone is charged with a current from 0.5A (USB 2.0) to 0.9A (USB 3.0).

    In this regard, you will not even feel the difference in charging time or it will not be significant.

  • 9. Energy efficiency

    Qi wireless chargers are approximately 80% energy efficient. It is worth understanding that it is simply impossible to achieve 100% energy efficiency; for standard wired chargers this figure ranges from 75% to 95% at best.

  • 10. Security

    Wireless chargers use non-ionizing frequencies that do not have harmful physiological effects on humans. The Qi 1.2 standard includes detection of foreign objects in the range of the charger, providing additional safety of use; Charging is only possible with Qi-compatible devices. Also, our chargers and smartphones have built-in safety mechanisms based on thermal control.

Still have questions?