Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was part of Samsung’s revamped A-series lineup, which aimed to bring a premium design and build to the mid-range segment. Released in 2016, the Galaxy A5 (2016) was a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of design, build, and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016):

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was designed to cater to users who wanted a premium-looking device without the flagship price tag. With its glass and metal construction, it echoed the design language of Samsung’s flagship devices from that period.

Features:

Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), later upgradable to Android 7.0 (Nougat).
Display: 5.2-inch Full HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Processor: Exynos 7580 Octa-core or Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, depending on the region.
Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a 5 MP front camera with the same f/1.9 aperture.
Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, Samsung Pay (in supported regions), and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection.

Pros:

Design & Build: The combination of glass and metal gave the A5 (2016) a premium look and feel, making it stand out in its segment.
Display: The Full HD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.
Camera: The f/1.9 aperture in both front and rear cameras allowed for better low-light shots compared to many mid-range competitors.
Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery, combined with the efficient Super AMOLED display, ensured good battery life.

Cons:

Performance: With 2 GB of RAM and mid-range processors, the device wasn’t the snappiest, especially when multitasking.
Software Updates: The device received updates slower than some of Samsung’s flagship devices.
Storage: The base 16 GB storage could quickly fill up, making a microSD card almost essential for many users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Galaxy A5 (2016) faced competition from:

Huawei P9 Lite: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Kirin 650 chipset, and a focus on design.
Moto G4 Plus: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 617, and a focus on clean software experience.
OnePlus X: A 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 801 chipset, and a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was announced in December 2015 and released in January 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, especially with multiple apps running.
Fingerprint Sensor: While the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor was appreciated, its speed and accuracy weren’t always consistent.
Glass Back: The glass back, while premium, was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was a testament to Samsung’s efforts to bring flagship design elements to the mid-range segment. With its premium build, decent camera, and vibrant display, it was a strong contender in its price bracket. While it had its strengths, it also had areas where compromises were evident, especially in terms of performance. For users who prioritized design and build quality in the mid-range segment, the A5 (2016) was a compelling choice. However, those looking for the best performance in the segment might have looked towards other options.