Samsung Galaxy A-Series hands-on, first impressions

Yesterday, Samsung launched in the Philippines the Galaxy A-Series, namely the Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, and the Galaxy A7. These are metal clad Android smartphones with slim bodies, sporting screen sizes of 4.5-inches, 5-inches, and 5.5-inches. Find out what we think of Samsung’s latest smartphones by reading our hands-on below.

In case you’re wondering why we’re doing a single article for the whole Galaxy A-Series smartphones, that is because these phones are almost identical and feature the same design language and full-metal build. If not for their different sizes it would be a bit difficult to tell which one is which.

On the front is the display, 4.5-inches for the A3, 5-inches for the A5, and 5.5-inches for the A7. Above it are the earpiece, light sensors, and the front-facing camera. Down below is the physical home button along with two capacitive buttons on its left and right side. On the left we have the volume rocker. One the right are power/lock button, and two trays for the SIM cards and microSD card which can only be accessed by an eject pin.

Samsung Galaxy A7

Found right on top is a pinhole for a microphone while down at the bottom are the microUSB port, headset jack, and another microphone. Flip it on its back and you’ll see the rear camera, LED flash, and speaker.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 is 6.3mm thin.

On hand, you’ll immediately notice how slim these phones are. The A7 takes the cake for being the slimmest at 6.3mm, followed by the A5 at 6.7mm and the A3 at 6.9mm. The A-Series features a metal frame with chamfered edges similar to the one found on the iPhone 5S, gives the phones a premium look and feel. The surrounding part of the display features a dotted design which adds a nice touch to an otherwise boring face. The rear part ~~on the other hand, is made of plastic~~ is also made of metal but has a smooth eggshell finish which feels nice in the hands.

Among the three, the A5 is the most comfortable probably because our hands have gotten accustomed to smartphones of this size. Those with smaller hands may find the A3 more pocketable but if you’re the type who’d go for a phablet, the A7 is the perfect choice. In addition, the A7 comes in gold which looks luxurious.

The Samsung Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 will retail for Php16,990, Php19,990, and Php24,990, respectively, and will be available this month.