Samsung is really taking serious efforts in making impressive phone designs, whether it's in the category of top-end devices or low-cost handsets. Attesting to this is the all-metal Galaxy A3 which can match any of these phones: the Sony M series, the HTC One Mini 2, and a few other Chinese brands in this category.
The Samsung Galaxy A3 is light with a 4.5-inch qHD screen display and powered by a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 CPU. While the battery in the A3 is non-replaceable, its 1.5 GB of RAM can be expanded through the microSD card slot.
An external storage space is very much necessary for this handset given that it still runs atop Android 4.4. This means that the OS will occupy a relatively significant space on the Galaxy A3. The external storage will become handy, too, for users when they need to install apps other than the default ones and the internal memory is all used up.
The 1900mAh battery of the Galaxy A3 may not sound like much, but it can provide a decent job since the A3 comes with a lower-spec CPU and RAM. It also lacks pixels that are typical in today's 1080 handsets.
It's clear and sharp screen is a surprise considering it is qHD. But Tech Radar believed that it's the 720 p rather than the qHD that does the trick. The camera that the A3 features - 5MP for front and 8MP for rear - can also capture good enough images for the price. Plus, it features the Wide Selfie Mode which debuted earlier on the Galaxy Note 4.
Overall, it feels like a solid phone with a well-executed component set at a friendly price.
Comparisons
Galaxy A3 vs. Galaxy Alpha
Both has a slim, lightweight metal unibody which measures just 7mm and weigh 115g. The more expensive Galaxy Alpha has a replaceable battery but there's no slot for microSD card. Samsung reverses these options in the cheaper version, thus the non-replaceable battery and available port for microSD card. Given the compromises made on the Galalxy A3, it is expected to have a screen that's not as detailed, an OS that's a little less powerful, and a camera that's not as good as that of Galaxy Alpha.
Galaxy A3 vs. 2013 Moto G
The two handsets have the same OS, RAM, and the 720p 4.5-inch screen, but users review said that the Galaxy A3 can capture a more decent photo than the Moto G handset. The 300 Euro recommended price for the A3 is approximately £50-£100 higher than the Moto G's, but it's justifiable given the material built and it could go lower on off contract sales.
Galaxy A3 vs. OnePlus One
Both are offered at the same price range. The specs of the OnePlus One are higher than that of A3, specifically the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor clocked at 2.5GHz. But the OnePlus phone is very limited in supply, unlike with the A3 that you can buy it whenever you like with or without an invite.
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