2016 Samsung Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A3: What's New and Improved

Samsung finally took the wraps off its three new Galaxy A (2016) smartphones on Wednesday that are a definitive upgrade over its predecessors. The new smartphones namely Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016), Galaxy A5 (2016), and Galaxy A7 (2016) feature metal build and will also be available in dual-SIM options. The Galaxy A7 (2016) is the most powerful among the trio, followed by Galaxy A5 (2016), and then Galaxy A3 (2016).

As compared to their predecessors, the three smartphones boast of bigger displays, higher screen resolutions, upgraded processors, more RAM, higher resolution cameras, faster LTE connectivity support, and larger batteries. Here is a list of features that the Galaxy A (2016) handsets sport over and above the original Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, and Galaxy A7.

1. Bigger display - Two of the three Galaxy A (2016) smartphones feature bigger displays than their predecessors. While probably aimed at offering a more immersive viewing experience and heightened productivity, on the negative side, increases the size of the smartphone. The Galaxy A3 (2016) and Galaxy A5 (2016) feature 5.2-inch and 4.7-inch display sizes respectively. For those unaware, the Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5 smartphones include 5-inch and 4.5-inch display sizes respectively. The Galaxy A7 (2016) however, has the same 5.5-inch display like its predecessor.

(Also see:  Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) vs. Samsung Galaxy A7)

2. Higher screen resolution - The second-generation Galaxy A smartphones not only feature bigger displays, but come with better screen resolution as well. While the original Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5 sported qHD (540x960 pixels) and HD (720x1280 pixels) resolution displays respectively, their successors now sport HD (720x1280 pixels) and full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) resolution displays respectively. Once again, there's no change with Galaxy A7 (2016) as it features the same full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) resolution display panel.

3. Faster processors - While Samsung has not yet fully detailed what SoCs it is using on the three Galaxy A (2016) smartphones, it has bumped up the clock speeds and/ or cores in all cases. The Galaxy A3 (2016) packs a 1.5GHz quad-core processor as compared to Galaxy A3's 1.2GHz quad-core processor, while the Galaxy A5 (2016) runs on a 1.6GHz octa-core SoC as compared to Galaxy A5's 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor. The Galaxy A7 (2016) houses a 1.6GHz octa-core SoC as compared to its predecessor's 1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC.

4. More RAM - Samsung has with the new generation of Galaxy A-series smartphones given more RAM to two of the three smartphones, which should result in a smoother UI and faster multitasking experience.The Galaxy A3 (2016) now boasts of 1.5GB RAM, which is 500MB more than what is present in the Galaxy A3. The Galaxy A7 (2016) houses 3GB RAM, which is 1GB bump from Galaxy A7's 2GB RAM. The amount of memory on the Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A5 (2016) stays the same at 2GB RAM.

(Also see:  Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) vs. Samsung Galaxy A5)

5. Higher resolution cameras, with OIS - Samsung has updated the optics of the new Galaxy A-series smartphones. The biggest difference is the inclusion of the optical image stabilisation (OIS) feature for two of the three smartphones, which should help deliver more stable shots and video capture. The Galaxy A5 (2016) and Galaxy A7 (2016) now come with the optical image stabilisation feature. Talking about an increase in resolution, the Galaxy A3 (2016)'s rear camera has been bumped up from 8-megapixels to 13-megapixels, while the 5-megapixel front-facing camera remains unchanged. Now, all three second-gen handsets pack 13-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front-facing cameras.

6. Newer Android version - The entire Galaxy A (2016) range now runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box. The version brings Google's Material Design mantra along with better eye-catching UI animations, multi-user login and new notification controls. The previous Galaxy A series came with Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box. Samsung is yet to clarify when the new handsets will receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

7. Support for increased microSD card capacity - Now users can store more content in the microSD cards and access it on their new Galaxy A (2016) handsets. While the Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, and Galaxy A7 come with 16GB inbuilt storage and supported external storage via microSD cards of capacities up to 64GB, their successors can support microSD cards with capacities up to 128GB. All three smartphones however bear the same 16GB of inbuilt storage.

8. Support for faster LTE connectivity - Two of three new Galaxy A-series smartphones also offer faster LTE connectivity over the older ones. It will help users browse the Web and access Internet-based app content faster on supported networks. Both the Galaxy A5 (2016) and Galaxy A7 (2016) support LTE Cat. 6 connectivity, up from from LTE Cat. 4 of their predecessors, while the Galaxy A3 (2016) however remains the same with support for LTE Cat. 4 connectivity support. For those unaware, LTE Cat. 4 supports a maximum download speed of 150Mbps, while LTE Cat. 6 supports a maximum download speed of 300Mbps. Their maximum supported upload speeds are the same, at 50Mbps.

(Also see:  Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) vs. Samsung Galaxy A3)

9. Larger Battery Capacity - The battery capacities of the Galaxy A-series smartphones have also been upgraded with the second-generation smartphones. Samsung is yet to reveal the standby time and talk time of each of the new device. While the Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, and Galaxy A7 are backed by 1900mAh, 2300mAh, and 2600mAh batteries respectively, their second-gen counterparts house 2300mAh, 2900mAh, and 3300mAh batteries respectively.

Looking at the list of upgrades Samsung has thrown inside its brand-new Galaxy A-series smartphones, it is likely that the devices will be priced higher than the first-generation models. The company has yet to reveal pricing.

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Samsung launches 4G Galaxy A series for Ghanaian market

Global technology giant, Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), has launched the 2016 version of the Galaxy A series.

The Samsung Galaxy A3, A5, and A7, are upgraded versions of their 2015 counterparts.

Carved from a unique fusion of metal and glass, the Galaxy A series gives users a comfortable handling experience with 4.7, 5.2 and 5.7 inch screens, the 2016 versions of the A3, A5 and A7 give users an immersive viewing experience.

Speaking at the launch, Director of IT and Mobile at SEWA, Jaspreet Singh said, “the Samsung Galaxy A series 2016, consumers in Ghana will enjoy high quality features of flagship products at cost-effective prices.”

The enhanced processors of the Samsung A3, A5 and A7 smartphones give users smooth transitions from application to the other, making it ideal for multi-tasking.

Both the A7 and the A5 run Octa Core processors, whilst the A3 runs on a Quad Core processor, make them extra fast and smart.

With high capacity and long-lasting batteries, the Samsung Galaxy A series 2016 gives heavy users 24 hours of usage before re-charging their smartphones.

The A3, A5 and A7, come with 1,900 mAh, 2900 mAh and 2,600 mAh, battery capacities respectively.

Photo freaks are not left out, the Galaxy A series 2016 comes with 13 megapixels rear cameras and 5 megapixels for all three of them.

Since some beautiful scenes come momentarily, they have to be captured quickly. The Galaxy A series 2016, comes with a quick launch feature that enables users capture those brief moments by simply pressing the home key twice. With improved lenses, the Galaxy A series 2016 allows users to take bright and clear photos even in dark conditions.

Selfies are not more exciting with the Galaxy A series 2016. Users can take the perfect selifie every time using beautifying effects that enhances skin tone, enlarge eyes and slim face.

The palm selfie feature allows you to take a selfie with a simple gesture, while the wide selfie feature with a view angle of up to 120’’ is perfect for a group selfie. With the Galaxy A series 2016, taking a selfie is a simple and enjoyable experience.

Consumers of the A series 2016, will enjoy mouth-watering packages through the gift app such as discounts at Honey Suckle, Second Cup Coffee and Lord of the Wings. In addition, they will enjoy discounts from Nallem Clothing, Niobe Spa and Palace Superstore. The Samsung Galaxy A series 2016 are available at all Samsung dealer shops nationwide.

To complement after sales services, customers finally get to have screen breakage insurance from Electracom, which provides protection from screen breakage.

Customers who purchase the device will get one free repair within one year.

Customers will enjoy free data from AirteL, MTN, Vodafone and Tigo.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 dual-SIM goes official, does not have a hybrid SIM slot

When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 5 last week, the major disappointments were the absence of a 128GB variant and a microSD slot. But speculations of a Galaxy Note 5 dual-SIM variant with a hybrid microSD card slot have been making the rounds for quite a while. While Samsung didn’t announce any such variant, a dual-SIM Galaxy Note 5 has surfaced in Philippines, but sadly there is no option to expand memory.

GSM Arena reports that the dual-SIM variant is already up for pre-order in the country, and is expected to roll out in other markets soon. Previous speculations suggested that even though the current Galaxy Note 5 comes with no microSD slot, the future dual-SIM variant will bring the option to expand memory. The hybrid SIM slot would double up as a microSD slot, for all those who love to store huge content on their smartphone.

ALSO READ: Three big disappointments that come with the Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Sadly, that is not the case. The live images leaked alongside show that the company has put two regular nano-SIM cutouts in the tray, refuting all previous rumors. Therefore, the Galaxy Note 5 will only come in 32GB and 64GB variants with no way to expand memory. This means that users will have to rely on cloud storage for storing heavy content.

Apart from the dual-SIM support, all the other specs will remain the same. The Galaxy Note 5 features a 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, an Exynos 7422 64-bit octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel selfie camera and 3,000mAh battery with fast wireless charging support.

Connectivity options include 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and USB 2.0. On the software front, it runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out-of-the box, wrapped under a refreshed TouchWiz UI.

Samsung is hosting an event in India tomorrow, where it is expected to launch the Galaxy S6 Edge+. While reports claim that the Galaxy Note 5 will only go on sale next month, we expect to hear about Samsung’s plans at the launch event tomorrow.

Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5 not supporting Android M's Adoptable storage feature

The problem with the feature is that it requires the memory card to be formatted first and then encrypted, before it starts behaving like internal memory. Both come with Quick Charge 3.0 support which promises to charge 83% in 30 minutes.

Samsung's new and improved Galaxy S7 smartphone will enter the market in two weeks' time to take on Apple's iPhone 6s.

Samsung is also making the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge more enticing by giving out the Samsung Gear VR as a bonus to those who would pre-order any of the two between February 23 to March 18. The Galaxy S7 Edge sports a somewhat bigger 5.5-inch QHD Super AMOLED panel, compared to the Galaxy S7's 5.1-inch display. The S7 Edge comes out with a 5.5 inched screen and a 3600mAh battery.

He said as far as storage is concerned, the Galaxy S7 Edge is equipped with a microSD card slot that can host up to 200GB of expandable storage, as well as, a hybrid SIM card tray with dual SIM card slots.

One feature that has returned to Samsung's flagship is microSD support, something that was missing from the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. The current IP68 rating allows the Samsung Galaxy S7 to stay submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30mins. It will still be up to the phone owner how he will use storage or in which mode.

"With adoptable storage, first of all the card may be erased the first time it is inserted into the device".

The Galaxy S7 looks quite similar with the Galaxy S6 and even if this could sound negative, we remind you that this device was one of the most "desired" smartphones in 2015.

Once the feature is turned on, the microSD card is merged with the existing internal storage of the device running Android Marshmallow, extending the device's capacity to install as many apps as possible. This is likely not going to appeal to heavily storage users but that's how it's going to be. This behavior may be unanticipated by several users and the company does not want its users to lose their files (pictures, videos).

Samsung Galaxy S7 is harder to fix than iPhone 6S

Samsung said that it is seeing stronger than expected pre-orders for its new flagship Galaxy S7 smartphones launching this week.

The new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge feature a dual-SIM configuration that lets users switch from one active SIM card to another without needing to reboot their smartphones.

The Galaxy S7 Edge, on the other hand, has a 5.5-inch display screen with super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen.

The latest Samsung flagships will be available from T-Mobile starting at $699 or a $28 per month installment plan for 24 months in Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, and Gold Platinum colors. The platform on which the devices run is Marshmallow OS. The technical specifications include a 64-bit quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor, Adreno 530 GPU, 32/64/128 GB storage, microSD support up to 2 TB, and 4 GB of RAM.

The full retail price of the Samsung Galaxy S7 is $699.99, while the S7 Edge is priced at $799.99.

The cameras on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, which has trimmed pixel density from 16MP to 12MP, features the first Dual Pixel camera on a smartphone, which delivers brighter and sharper images, even in low-light.

This was despite the company's mobile division actually recording slim profits for the second consecutive quarter following a period of some turmoil, a trend which the new devices are hoped to continue.

Both the models support 4G (LTE Cat 9), NFC and MST payment technologies, Samsung KNOX, are IP68 certified water and dust resistance. A new camera mode has been introduced namely Motion Panorama, which brings movement to traditional panoramic photos and gives an immersive visual experience to the users. Many theories sprung up as to why that could be the case, especially with Verizon being a partner of Google's Android Pay, which is in direct competition with services like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.

Customers can purchase the Galaxy S7 for $0 down and Galaxy S7 Edge for $59.99 down at T-Mobile and get a second one for free after rebate card.

As far as the Galaxy Note 5 is concerned, you will also get some upgrades too, but still not enough to rush you into buying the new device.

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Samsung Elec says Galaxy S7 preodrers better than predecessor's

The Galaxy S7 Edge is apparently a tough nut to crack.

Noel Leeming, which one of a number of retailers offering the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, says the launch has been much anticipated. Along the way, iFixit noted pros and cons of the new phone but overall found that navigating its interior was a challenge.

The Galaxy S7 edge sports a 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen with 2,560 X 1,440 pixel resolution and 534 ppi.

In the event of a hardware glitch, most mobile phone owners wouldn't tear apart their device themselves, instead relying on the vendor or a fix shop to do the work.

The latest move sees the new-fangled Galaxy S7 also being added into the mix. Where the S6 Edge wasn't very comfortable to hold, the new rounded metal edges of the S7 Edge make it significantly easier to hold, and it no longer feels like two thin metal strips are digging into your hands. The battery can be removed without having to take out the motherboard, but it is stuck in place with a strong adhesive, meaning that replacement would be "more hard than necessary".

With regards to photography, you'll find the same front-facing 5Mp camera as what was featured in the S6 Edge, along with a 12Mp camera.

It also has an improved camera and battery life and is supposedly waterproof.

Finally, users can make payments without using the NFC. The Galaxy S7 is not fully resistant against salt or chlorinated water. Like rivals Apple Pay and Android Pay, it also supports near field communication technology that requires a separate transaction device.

With the first few units of Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones starting to reach the early birds, the expected flurry of unboxing videos and hands-on reviews started populating the internet over the past few days. Also see: Samsung Galaxy S7 vs LG G5.

Like the phones that came before it, the S7 Edge has a fingerprint sensor located below the screen, which doubles as a home button.

There is one thing to note about the S7 Edge that some may not be happy about - it's thicker than its predecessor.

Besides black, you can also get the Galaxy S7 Edge in white, gold or silver.

Perhaps the only major downside to be found on the S7 Edge's design is the lack of stereo or front-facing speakers.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge Gets Torn Apart by iFixit

The Spring has become a fairly busy time in the tech world over the past couple of years, and this is no doubt down to Samsung. For the past three years now, the firm has used Mobile World Congress – held every February in Barcelona, Spain – to launch their flagship smartphones. This year saw the launch of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, the follow-ups to last year’s Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Now in their seventh iteration, it’s no surprise to see that Samsung’s flagships are getting the same sort of treatment as the iPhone and other big device launches. That means teardowns, too. We’ve already seen quite a few of them, including a teardown of the Galaxy S7 by the folks at iFixit, but now, they’ve taken their tools to the Galaxy S7 Edge in their latest teardown.

Even though last year’s Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge were very similar devices, it appeared as though the latter was put together a little differently to the former. This year however, the two brothers are even closer than ever before. Seeing the two devices side-by-side in various forms of undress reveals a remarkably similar design, not just in the layout of components, but also the motherboards themselves. One thing that iFixit noted from the previous Galaxy S6 Edge is that this device doesn’t feature a battery that’s taped to the inner-chassis. Sadly – and not entirely unsurprisingly – the Galaxy S7 Edge scored just 3/10 in the firm’s repairability score. This is down to the fact that to replace a broken USB port, the display would be broken in the process and the rear panel is fixed with some “stubborn adhesive” in iFixit’s words.

Teardowns like these are good fun to take a look at, and those even remotely curious will be happy to take a look at what’s under the glossy glass and metal frame of Samsung’s latest and greatest. Those that followed the Galaxy S7 teardown will no doubt get a strong sense of de ja vu, but that’s always to be expected when these two are members of the same family.