Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) first impressions and hands-on video

At the Forum 2016, Samsung has launched two new A series devices – the Galaxy A5 2016 and Galaxy A7 2016. Both are almost similar, except for the screen sizes and a few specs. The Galaxy A7 priced at Rs 33,400 comes with 5.5-inch AMOLED Full HD display and 3GB RAM, while the Galaxy A5 sports a smaller 5.2-inch display and 2GB RAM. We got to spend some time with both at the Samsung Forum, and here’s what we think about the bigger Galaxy A7.

Design and build

The Galaxy A7 borrows the same glass and metal found in the company’s premium Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. Despite the glass, it didn’t seem slippery in our limited usage. It feels solid and sturdy, with refined premium looks. It is sleek at 7.3mm and very light weighing 169 grams.

 It has rounded smooth edges and a good finish. It’s a dual SIM device with one slot on the upper edge. The other SIM slot and a microSD card slots are on the right edge, just below the power button. The volume rocker is placed on the right edge. The lower edge features a microUSB port, 3.5mm audio jack and mic grilles.

It is light and portable, and one hand usage was comfortable as the device didn’t feel too heavy or difficult to use for the limited time we got to spend with it.

Display

The Galaxy A7 2016 comes with a large 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, ensuring sharp and bright icons. A pixel density of 401ppi shouldn’t be disappointing either. The viewing angles seemed decent indoors.

 Processor

It is powered by the 64-bit Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. This combination would ensure smooth performance, and the 3GB RAM would be sufficient to handle a plethora of apps. While using the device, we didn’t find any stutter or lag.

 Software

The smartphone runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, which is rather disappointing. This means, it won’t be able to take advantage of the features that come with Android Marshmallow.

The UI looks slightly modified with Samsung’s Touch Wiz layer. There is no word on whether it is upgradeable to Marshmallow.

 Storage

The company has announced the 16GB model. About 9.76GB will be available for the end user. It can be further expanded up to 128GB via microSD card slot. This means there is sufficient storage space for all your photos, videos, movies and so on.

 Camera

The Galaxy A72016 gets a 13MP rear snapper. It also supports optimal image stabilisation (OIS), a great feature for those with shaky hands. A few shots within the conference hall look good.

But do not expect the same camera abilities as the flagship devices. However, we would like to reserve our comments for a full-fledged test with the camera. It also gets a 5MP front-facing camera, just like the Galaxy S6. The camera app looked minimalistic and easy to use.

Fingerprint scanner

Fingerprint scanners are slowly becoming a common feature among devices, and the A7 is no different. Unlike some of the most recent devices, the fingerprint scanner is integrated within the home button on the front. We’d personally prefer one embedded on the back, which seems more apt position wise.

 Battery

The Galaxy A7 has a decent 3,300mAh battery, which should be able to provide enough juice to get going for a day. However, we would be able to tell the exact battery life only once we take it for a spin in our labs. It should be noted that the device also lets you charge other devices.

 Bottom line

The Galaxy A7 appears to be a great device with 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, 3GB RAM, 13MP camera and fingerprint scanner. It has a solid built and looks good. Samsung has managed to tick all the right boxes.

However, the price tag of Rs 33,400 is something that may work against the device. With the onslaught of Chinese vendors in the Indian, the dimensions are changing, and the price could be considered a tad high.

Disclaimer: This correspondent was invited for the Samsung Forum in Malaysia by Samsung India. Travel and accommodation expenses were borne by Samsung India.