The Galaxy A3 and A5 are Samsung's latest offerings in the mid-range category. Both come with low specs list that is expected to non-premium handsets, as well as surprises especially in terms of display sharpness.
The 5-inch screen size of the Samsung Galaxy A5 is 0.5-inch larger than the Galaxy A3. The A5's 2GB of RAM is also bigger than A3's 1.5GB of RAM, and so with the 2,300mAh battery and the 1900mAh battery respectively. Another difference in the two handsets is its rear camera: the A3 features 8-megapixel while the A5 has 13-megapixel.
Other than these differences, both share the same features from the quad-core 1.2GHz processors and 720x1280-pixel screen resolution to the 16GB of internal storage and support for up to 64GB microSD cards. Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi b/g/n support are also common to the two devices. Both phones also have 5-megapixel front cameras.
Physically, the Galaxy A3 and A5 are both slim and light. Internally, the battery of these devices are non-replaceable given both devices' all-metal unibody design. Samsung has to keep the microSD card slot which is located on the right edge below the power button given the small internal storage capacity.
On paper, the batteries of the two devices will not cause problems as each can handle its processors and 720p screen. But let's wait for reviews beyond initial impressions to see if the battery - which appears not that much - can cope up after apps are installed in the device other than the default ones.
The price of the Galaxy A5 can be disappointing, though. Even if it comes with Super AMOLED screen which renders superior display that can match that of HD on first sight, it's CPU is nowhere near "as powerful as the Snapdragon 800 and 801 chipsets that are being offered for a similar price," Tech Radar reviews.
The metal chassis of the Galaxy A5 and its high-quality camera are its two strongest keys, aside from the advanced screen technology that looks superior than that of A3. But then again its larger rival the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comes with a 20.7MP complete with more camera modes.
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