Samsung revealed the Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 at the CES technology show in Las Vegas this week. If those names look familiar, it’s because Samsung also launched them last year. The new phones are distinguished by the inclusion of “2017” in their name.
All three handsets have a metal frame and glass back designed to feel premium and high-quality. Size varies by model, with the A7 sporting a phablet’s 5.7-inch display, the A5 a standard 5.2-inch and the A3 a more pocket-friendly 4.7-inch panel.
The A7 and A5 get 1.9GHz octa-core processors and 3GB of RAM. The A3 is less powerful with a 1.6GHz processor and 2GB of RAM. The A7 gets an exceptionally large 3,600mAh battery, the A5 a fairly average 3,000mAh and the A7 a small 2,350mAh. 32GB of expandable storage, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, USB Type-C and a fingerprint scanner is standard across the trio.
Samsung is drawing attention to the new A-series camera. A5 and A7 phones have a 16-megapixel primary sensor which now features more accurate autofocus for clearer photos in low-light conditions. The A3 has a smaller 13-megapixel camera with similar capabilities.
Samsung is also trying to appeal to selfie fans, adding a floating selfie button to its Android interface that lets you take a photo with the front camera without opening the app. There’s a range of scene modes too, including a Food Mode with enhanced colour. While they’re not likely to create the most accurate photos, the presets could make it simpler to share vibrant, clear images with friends.
Samsung said the new A-series aims to deliver a premium design and accessible features to its customers. The phones sit below its flagship S-series but offer similar performance and functionality, expanding the reach of its mobile devices.
“At Samsung, we are always trying to ensure our customers have the most advanced products on the market,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The latest Galaxy A series is a testament to this. We integrated our unique approach to design as well as the features Galaxy customers have come to love to provide added performance without compromising on style.”
The 2017 Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 will be available in four colours, Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud. The phones will launch in Russia this month with an international expansion already confirmed. Pricing hasn’t been announced.
