A few days ago, we learned that Samsung"s 2017 lineup of Galaxy A smartphones will be IP68-rated. The certification implies that a device is dust and water resistant. Today, Samsung has announced its latest Galaxy A series of smartphones, confirming the report.
Samsung has announced the 2017 versions of the Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 smartphones. All three handsets feature a metallic frame and "3D glass". Moreover, both the A3 and the A5 also sport enhanced front and rear 16MP cameras with autofocus for stability. The company also states that you"ll be able to take "vibrant" photos and selfies, even in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, Samsung is offering a simplified UX for photography, in which users can utilize several modes such as the "Food Mode" to optimize and enhance photos. The three devices also feature fingerprint scanners, USB Type-C connectivity and Always On displays, so users can view the time and the calendar without waking up the handset. The IP68 certification allows the smartphones to withstand dust, rain, sweat and sand. DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics had the following to say:
At Samsung, we are always trying to ensure our customers have the most advanced products on the market. 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 specifications of the three handsets are as follows:
Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)
- Display: 4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED
- OS: Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
- Processor: 1.6GHz octa-core
- Camera: 13MP rear, 8MP front
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC)
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB (expandable up to 256GB via microSD card)
- Battery: 2,350mAh
- IP code: IP68
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)
- Display: 5.2-inch FHD Super AMOLED
- OS: Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
- Processor: 1.9GHz octa-core
- Camera: 16MP rear, 16MP front
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC, eSE)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 256GB via microSD card)
- Battery: 3,000mAh (Fast Charging)
- IP code: IP68
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
- Display: 5.7-inch FHD Super AMOLED
- OS: Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
- Processor: 1.9GHz octa-core
- Camera: 16MP rear, 16MP front
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC, eSE)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 256GB via microSD card)
- Battery: 3,600mAh (Fast Charging)
- IP code: IP68
The Galaxy A series smartphones will be available in Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud colors, and will be in stores in Russia in "early January", with a global rollout following thereafter. Although Samsung hasn"t officially announced pricing details as of yet, the Malaysian pre-order prices are $380 for the A3 and $425 for the A5. SamMobile also reports that in European markets, the A3 and A5 are priced at €329 and €429 respectively. The lack of listing of the Galaxy A7 in the aforementioned markets suggests that the handset may not make its way to the regions.