Samsung Galaxy A3 2017, review with price and features

Today, it is not so easy to find solvent smartphones with a small screen . Either we go to the iPhone 7, or the options are considerably reduced. But that does not mean that interest in the compact mobile has died. Proof of this is the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017. A mid-range smartphone with many attractions. It is already in stores, for a price of 330 euros .

The renewal of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 is committed to a 4.7-inch screen. It fits perfectly in your pocket and has a very neat design. Glass on the front and back and metal on the sides. A recipe with Samsung's personal stamp that this year gives a push. The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is a submersible mid-range mobile, capable of staying underwater for long periods of time without the danger of running out of phone.

Inside it, its 2,300 milliamp battery also stands out. With a promise of 16 hours of WiFi browsing, the little brother of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is designed to withstand about two days of use without problems without looking for an outlet.

Analysis of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 in video

We are not facing the photographic mobile of the year. But this mid-range passes the ballot thanks to its 13 megapixel rear camera, with a very bright sensor. That makes it easier to have clearer photos in low light conditions. Still, sometimes some naturalness is lost in the resulting photos and the lens suffers quite a bit when trying to focus on objects close to the lens.

Is this model worth paying the price? The truth is that the 330 euros that the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 costs make it an important investment. However, the Korean company has worked hard to create a round mobile, capable of being a powerful alternative to its older brother Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. After testing it, we will tell you our impressions.

Offers and where to buy

Buy Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 in the Samsung Store - 330 euros

Buy Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 in Worten - 330 euros

Buy Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 on Amazon - From 330 euros

Buy Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 in El Corte Inglés 330 euros

The design of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is waterproof

Submersible design

IP68 certified, half an hour submersible in water without damage, glass / metal mix, excellent speaker placement, fingerprint reader

Yes. This is the novelty that makes the difference in this year's Samsung Galaxy A. A submersible design, thanks to the IP68 certification. At a theoretical level, this means that we can "bathe" the equipment in water to a maximum depth of one meter and for more than half an hour without suffering damage. Of course, you have to note that these are results obtained in the laboratory. That is, in ideal conditions with distilled water.

Both seawater and pool water can end up damaging our Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 if we get used to diving with us. And it is that both salt and chlorine are corrosive elements. In cases where the mobile ends up under water by accident or mistake, it is important to dry it well afterwards.

The Samsung Galaxy A2 2017 lasts half an hour under water without being damaged

So what does it mean that this mobile is submersible? That we will not have to mourn the death of the team if we accidentally drop it into the sink or receive the direct impact of a rain shower. In fact, it is rare that it will suffer some kind of damage if it ends up under the water of the pool or the sea. However, the Korean company covers its back as other brands such as Sony have done.

Fingerprint reader on the home button

Another function that can give us a lot of play on this mobile. The fingerprint reader has become a "must" for mid-range mobiles. And Samsung has also wanted to bring it to its small mobile.

Side speaker view and layout of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 incorporates the reader in the home button itself . Unlike previous models like the S7, it is no longer necessary to turn on the screen first to use this tool. It will be enough to keep the finger of the fingerprint pressing the button for a couple of seconds.

The performance of the reader is quite good. Better than the Samsung Galaxy S7 and at the level of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 , according to our tests. Recognition is good, let's place the finger in front or more laterally. Of course, it still does not reach the level of models like the Huawei Mate 9.

The main use of the reader is to unlock the screen. Although we can also use it as a gateway to photos and apps that we want to hide from prying eyes in the hidden folder. The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 does not support Samsung Pay payments, at least for now . And it's a shame given the good performance of the reader. Hopefully in the coming weeks the Korean company decides to extend its mobile payment tool to this model.

Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 Gallery

Glass and metal: Samsung's secret mix

Glass, metal. Metal, glass. A good couple that has become, without a doubt, the identity mark of Samsung designs for the premium mid-range and the high-end range.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 repeats the recipe for success, with the rear in 3.5D glass . That is, it includes a slight curvature designed to facilitate grip and to enhance the attractiveness of the terminal. On the sides we enjoy a metal frame, while the front is also covered with a layer of glass, in this case flat.

Speaker power

One of the great novelties in terms of design is the placement of the speaker grill. This is located on the right side, just above the button to turn the terminal on and off. Personally, it seems like a very wise decision. Its placement prevents us from covering it both with the mobile on a surface and when holding it horizontally. In addition, it has very good power and the distortion is small even at full volume.

Without a doubt, great news if we consider that we are facing a model with just 4.7 inches of screen .

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 has very manageable dimensions

Dimensions and weight

Apart from its elegance, the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is a model that achieves a good balance between dimensions and weight . True. We are no longer in the era in which a thinner and thinner design was increasingly sought. No more (generally) half-centimeter-thick models. But it is good news. The brands have understood that what users demand is a device capable of supporting their rhythm of life, and they have opted to include more powerful batteries.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 is slightly heavier and thicker than the previous version, but gains in battery

Be that as it may, the dimensions of the 2017 A3 stand at 135.4 x 62.2 x 7.9 millimeters, along with a weight of 138 grams . It is a model that is very comfortable to handle and has the advantage that it fits in any pocket.

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Comparative table of weights and thicknesses

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As we can see, this model is thicker and somewhat heavier than the previous generation. As mentioned earlier, the key is improved battery . The good news is that it still maintains a fairly slim profile, even more so than models like the Sony Xperia X Compact that are initially in a higher category.

Four colors

Samsung is aware of the importance of color. Users want personalized mobiles that suit their tastes. And each time in a greater variety of color. The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is available in four different colors: gold, rose gold, light blue and shiny black (the hue that we have been able to test). A complete range that will give us a lot of play when choosing our favorite.

In addition, the shine of the glass creates a very attractive effect when it comes to generating reflections. On the negative side, said glass also means that our terminal will absorb fingerprints quite easily . If we want the mobile to maintain that attractive appearance, we will have to make constant use of a cloth to clean the case.

Rear camera of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Cameras at a good level

13 megapixel main camera, light sensors, various filters and quick modes to access camera functions, floating button

It is not the photographic mobile par excellence, but it does what we expect from a mid-range terminal. That would be the summary of our tests with the cameras of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017.

The main camera of the Galaxy A3 is committed to a resolution of 13 megapixels, somewhat lower than that of its brother Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. What it does share is the brightness of the sensor. Thanks to this, pretty decent photos are taken in dark surroundings. Of course, in the effort to increase the brightness, it must also be said that sometimes the resulting photos have a certain air of unreality, as if they were taken with the HDR mode activated.

The aperture of this sensor is f / 1.9, a very good value for a mid-range camera and that facilitates brighter photos at night or dark environments . What we have been missing is an optical stabilizer for the image. By not having it, it is more likely that our photos are blurred if we want to take a quick photo in motion or if we do not have a good pulse.

On the other hand, we really liked the ability of this mobile to focus scenes very quickly and take photos practically instantaneously. Without a doubt, a point in favor of this camera.

Main camera modes of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 app

Main camera modes and functions

Samsung has opted for simplicity in its camera app. The Korean company uses a simple drag system to switch between modes, cameras and filters.

Thus, by dragging your finger on the screen to the right we will see the modes. A drag to the left opens the available filters. Dragging your finger up or down switches between the primary and secondary cameras. By the way, this way of moving is maintained whether we have the mobile horizontally or vertically. That is, the movements will always be the same.

Photo taken outdoors with the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Photo with play of light and shadow of a church

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 with a close-up of a giant chocolate palm tree

AUTO: It is the quintessential mode for users who do not want to complicate things. The phone itself is the one in charge of choosing the best values ​​for each moment.

Pro mode in the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 camera app

PRO: The professional mode. Three phone settings can be handled here: white balance, ISO (up to a maximum of 800), and light exposure . Obviously, this is a mode that may be a little too short for users who love photography, but it does the trick.

PANORí MICA: A mode that cannot be lacking in a mobile worth its salt.

Rí FAGA: With a maximum of 30 shots .

HDR: The quintessential mode for taking photos of sunsets or creating curious effects (albeit with a touch of unreality). Admittedly, the HDR, both the Galaxy A3 and the Galaxy 2017 2017 A5 is fantastic . Ideal if we want to take a photo in which the colors stand out or in a low-light environment.

NIGHT: For the night photos, although I admit that I have not been very happy with the result. It is almost better to bet on auto mode or HDR if it is not yet dark.

FOOD: Instagramers will definitely appreciate this mode.

In addition to these modes, we also have the option to download two others from the Samsung platform. It is a way to create animated GIFs , and a way to take action photos .

View of the selfie camera of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Camera for selfies

As for the camera for selfies, the positive news is that a bright sensor with a resolution of 8 megapixels and aperture of f / 1.9 has been maintained . It also performs very fast when shooting, although it lacks an optical stabilizer.

The modes of this camera are the selfie, with the ability to manage the (loved and hated alike) beauty mode . For the user who is not yet familiar with this mode, it allows to soften the features of the person and hide elements such as wrinkles or imperfections. Of course, it also has a negative part. The resulting photos can be very unreal.

The other mode is the panoramic selfie , an option designed to enhance group photos. Of course, it is not so easy for the group photo to go well with this mode, since you have to have a good pulse and patience to get all the juice.

Vision of the filters of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Camera filters

In addition to the beauty filters, we have nine basic filters to add a differentiated touch to our photos. Samsung has also included other filters through its own platform. We can access them through the "Download" button.

Floating button

One of the great successes of the camera interface. A floating button that is used to place the fire button anywhere on the screen. Although it is even more useful on a large screen, it is a novelty that provides a lot of added value.

Differences between the Samsung Galaxy A5 and the Samsung Galaxy A3 from 2017

Main differences of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 vs Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Larger and higher resolution screen in the A5 2017, more compact and easy-to-carry design of the A3, higher resolution cameras in the older brother, price difference of 100 euros

The two mid-range Samsung models are separated in price by 100 euros . And what are the main differences between Samsung's two main mid-range proposals?

The most obvious is the screen size, since while the Galaxy A5 2017 stands at 5.2 inches, the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 stays at 4.7 inches . This difference also comes to the resolution, with the A5 in Full HD and the A3 in HD at 1,280 x 720 pixels.

The cameras of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 are superior , with a resolution of 16 megapixels on the main one (by 13 megapixels) and 16 megapixels in the selfie camera (by 8 megapixels).

We also find differences in the technical section, since the A5 has a more powerful processor and, above all, a 3 GB RAM memory for the 2 GB of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 . In addition, it also doubles its internal memory (32GB vs. 16GB).

Comparison gallery of Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 and Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Super AMOLED display

4.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, HD resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass 4

Nowadays, it is difficult to find a screen in mid-range mobiles that does not fulfill its mission well. But, in this field, Samsung's hand is noticeable as a veteran manufacturer when it comes to creating panels. The Super AMOLED screen of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 achieves very good performance both in touch response and when displaying content. Peak brightness is remarkable and colors are vibrant.

Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 screen on

Purists will say that on this type of screen there is a higher color saturation. Personally, I think that this effect is not exaggerated and it also makes the videos we see on the mobile gain a point of spectacularity.

Of course, we must remember that we are facing a model that bets on a fairly small screen for what the market has already used to us. Its 4.7 inches bring it closer to smartphones like the iPhone 7 or the Sony Xperia X Compact . This size makes it easier to handle, especially with one hand. But it also means losing breadth when viewing YouTube videos, streaming content or playing games with more powerful graphics.

Gallery of photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

The screen resolution is 1,280 x 720 HD pixels . This resolution leaves us with a density of 312 dpi, on the average but far from the most cutting-edge equipment. Such smartphones easily go up to 500 dpi. Now, in normal use of the smartphone this limitation is not noticed, not even when watching videos on networks. In fact, the experience is more conditioned by aspects such as brightness or color reproduction.

To protect this screen, we have a 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4 glass . With this technology, the panel's resistance to bumps and scratches is improved.

Always Display On on the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Always Display On

The always-on screen is no longer a thing for rich people. Last year Samsung introduced this feature for its Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Basically, it shows basic information about the time, the battery status and the notifications received … When the screen is off. In this way, no detail is lost on what is happening with the mobile. In addition, we avoid having to turn on the panel to check the time or check if a WhatsApp message has reached us.

Samsung has brought its always-on screen to mid-range mobiles 

Without a doubt, a very interesting function that also ends with one of the great criticisms of the Galaxy A of 2016. The fact that the LED notification will be eliminated. Now we have a powerful alternative so that the flickering of light is no longer necessary.

Blue light filter

Another function of the screen that we did not want to miss. We have been discussing the harmful effects of blue light on screens for a long time. Be it true and to what extent, in these years numerous apps have emerged that create a filter for this type of light. This filter is designed to facilitate the reading of documents or books on the mobile. Now, Samsung has introduced the blue light filter as a feature of the phone . To activate it, just go to the notification panel.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 has a USB Type-C port

Power and memory

Balanced technical set, RAM a bit short of 2 GB, good fluidity of the menus and mobile screens, 16 GB of internal storage space

Within the power section, this model bets on Samsung's own eight-core processor. The company wanted to give few details of the chip, although we do know that each core has a maximum speed of 1.6 GHz. Along with this processor we find a 2 GB RAM . This value is somewhat low, especially if we are used to using many applications at the same time. However, we have not found problems in normal use of the device with navigation and use of apps such as Facebook or WhatsApp .

Also noteworthy is a good fluidity throughout the menus and tools. This is largely due to the good work that the Korean company has done to slim down its own interface, which we talk about in another section.

Asphalt 8: Airborne Screenshot

The acid test we have carried out through one of the most powerful games on the Android store, Asphalt 8: Airborne . The animations are fluid but within the game you can see that we are using a more humble chip with some specific cuts in the fluidity. However, it does not detract from the final result but it is clear that we are not facing a mobile for demanding gamers.

This idea is reinforced when we check the results that the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 reaps in the test batteries of AnTuTu and Geekbench. The results are quite far from the most cutting-edge models on the market.

16 GB memory

One of the sections of this phone that leaves more doubts is its internal memory. The 16 GB of space that comes standard is quite fair . As soon as we use their cameras or install apps, we will be forced to look for alternatives to expand internal capacity.

On the one hand, we have a microSD card slot compatible with cards up to 256 GB . These cards are relatively inexpensive and can provide a simple solution to this problem. We also have the option to bet on an online storage system such as Dropbox or OneDrive. Of course, in these cases we will have to pull mobile data at times when we are away from home or a site with WiFi.

Despite the improvement in the battery, the mobile maintains a very competitive thickness

Excellent battery

More than 10,000 points in the AnTuTu test, up to two days of regular use without recharging, no fast charging

If you want a mobile that can withstand a strong rhythm, the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is an excellent candidate. Its 2,300 milliamp battery combined with the optimization of the system and the screen gives us a very high performance . In our tests, we have been able to use this mobile for about a day and a half without charging. With regular use with sporadic browsing, messaging apps and YouTube videos.

Samsung's official numbers speak of up to 16 hours of browsing over 4G , 17 hours of browsing through WiFi or up to 17 hours of video playback. We wanted to check this performance through the battery of tests of AnTuTu Tester. The result is excellent, with its 10,720 points.

AnTuTu Tester battery test on the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

To put it in perspective, here is a comparison table with some of the most powerful models on the market in terms of battery.

Of course, not everything is good news in this section. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017, this smartphone does not have fast charging technology. We have tested its loading speed and the rate is constant for the first thirty minutes, at a near perfect average of 6% load every five minutes (6% at 5 minutes, 12% at 10 minutes and 36% at 30 minutes). The full charge has been done in almost two hours.

To carry out this test, we have completely discharged the phone's battery and kept it off while charging.

View of the glass case of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Operating system and own apps

Android 6.0 Marshmallow, S Health (A3 2017 has step counter), Office apps, PC performance optimizer

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 comes standard with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system . This is a surprising decision, since Android 7.0 has already been on the market for a few months. It is hoped that an update to the latest version will be prepared in the coming months.

Inside we find the latest Samsung Touchwiz interface, with several positive news. We have already told you in previous paragraphs about the inclusion of Always On Display (screen always on) . Or the possibility of directly activating a blue filter to improve the reading of documents on the mobile. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Korean company is expanding its ecosystem of apps more and more, with some really interesting proposals.

Before proceeding further, we must put in the bag of the positive things of this mobile the advances of Samsung in terms of speed. The movement through the screens and menus of the phone is very agile . Something that is much appreciated, and that contrasts with past years in which the firm received more than one criticism for this point.

We are going to focus on some of the most interesting apps and functions of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017:

S Health

How good it feels that a mid-range mobile has a pedometer! Until now, this feature was the exclusive territory of top mobiles. Except for some very specific exceptions. But with this year, it seems that Samsung takes the step to extend the use of pedometer (step counter) in mobiles of less than 500 euros .

S Health is the company's health app, with numerous options to track your activity and create exercise tables . Some of them are done automatically, while others will require us to make the effort to enter them manually. All in all, a very complete app to keep you in shape.

Main screen and battery interface for the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Device maintenance

Today, a large part of mobile phones already have their own tool to optimize the performance of the equipment . And the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 was not going to be left behind.

Device Maintenance is a complete tool that works on elements such as system optimization, battery, storage or security .

In the field of the battery, we can choose between two energy saving modes, one medium and the other maximum. The first will extend the time of use around 20% (approx.) , While the second usually triples the time of use of the mobile. Of course, only with the basic functions activated.

Samsung also offers us a storage manager and a RAM memory liberator. But surely where this tool stands out is in the inclusion of an antivirus to prevent our computer from being infected . It never hurts an extra security.

Hidden folder

Another interesting option in terms of security (and privacy). The user has the option to hide apps, photos and documents in a hidden folder . This folder can be controlled with the use of fingerprint. In this way, there are no prying eyes that can snoop between private photos.

Home screen with Office apps and OneNote cover on the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Microsoft Apps

We end this brief review with a look at Microsoft's own apps. For some time now, the two companies have reached an agreement for Samsung to offer Word, Excel or PowerPoint for free on their Galaxy phones .

This office automation platform is very popular. But, in addition, it must be recognized that the Windows company has done an excellent job in bringing its main tools to the mobile experience.

Inside the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 mobile we can enjoy Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. For those of you who don't know OneNote yet, it's an Evernote-like app designed to make notes easy. But that does not mean that it is necessary to think that it is a basic tool, since it includes many functions that make it very interesting for us to develop at work or in our day to day life.

On the other hand, we also have Outlook applications to manage our mail (are you one of those who still have an active Hotmail account?), Or Skype to carry out video calls with our contacts.

Video review of the Samsung Galaxy A5 from 2017

Price and reviews

It can already be purchased for 330 euros, elegant and submersible design, medium technical set, excellent battery

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is already available in the market for a price of 330 euros (329 euros) . We are facing a mobile with many lights, although with some other shadow that can subtract some brightness from the final result. Starting with its elegant glass and metal design. As the mobile does not only live for beauty, this design also stands out for being submersible (IP68) or for the excellent placement of the speaker.

We have also been surprised by the battery in such a compact device, with about two days of use without recharging . In the photographic section, the two sensors of the main camera and for selfies are very bright. Definitely an advantage to improve photos in low light environments. What we have been missing is the optical image stabilization. This absence will cause some of the takes to be shaky.

Its technical set is balanced, a step below the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 . Perhaps that is why, if we want a mobile capable of running the most powerful Android games without problems, it is worth investing a little more and betting on its older brother. If this point is not key, the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 can become the perfect purchase for this 2017.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is a compact mobile that fits very well in one hand

Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 data sheet

screen

Design

Camera

Power

Multimedia

software

Memory

Connections

Autonomy

+ info

Price: 330 euros  

100 euros of price differentiate these two mid-range terminals

Strengths of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017

Very good battery 

A very nice and elegant design

It is resistant to water and dust (IP67)

Your camera sensors are bright

Samsung's interface is getting lighter every year

It is easy to carry in your pocket and to handle with one hand

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It could get better…

Its small format is more uncomfortable to watch videos or movies

The level of detail of the screen is lower than that of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Suffer with the most powerful games

It does not come standard with the latest version of Android