Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)

The Samsung Galaxy A7 is part of Samsung’s mid-range “A” series. Since its introduction, there have been multiple iterations of the Galaxy A7, with the first one being released in 2015 and subsequent versions in the following years. For the sake of clarity, I’ll provide an overview of the 2018 version, which was notable for its triple camera setup.

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was a part of Samsung’s effort to bring innovative features to the mid-range segment. It was the company’s first smartphone with a triple rear camera setup.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, later upgradeable.
Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
Processor: Exynos 7885 Octa-core.
Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 24 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 5 MP depth sensor. A 24 MP front camera.
Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (region-dependent), and GPS.
Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos sound, and Samsung Experience UI.

Pros:

Triple Camera Setup: The A7 (2018) brought versatility in photography to the mid-range segment with its triple camera setup.
Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
Design: With a glass back and sleek design, the phone had a premium feel.
Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a welcome feature for many users.

Cons:

Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t the best in its class.
Processor Performance: The Exynos 7885 was competent, but there were other devices in the same price range with more powerful chipsets.
No USB Type-C: The device still used a micro USB port, which felt a bit dated in 2018.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was highly competitive. The Galaxy A7 (2018) faced competition from:

Nokia 7.1: With its solid build, Android One experience, and HDR10 display.
Xiaomi Pocophone F1: Offering flagship-level specs, including the Snapdragon 845, at a mid-range price.
Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Known for its clean Android experience, good build quality, and decent camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was announced in September 2018 and released in October 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Bloat: Some users found Samsung’s UI to be filled with redundant apps and bloatware.
Camera Inconsistencies: While the triple camera was a highlight, some users reported inconsistent performance, especially in low light.
Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor had mixed reviews, with some finding it inconvenient.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was an important device for Samsung, showcasing the company’s intent to bring flagship features to the mid-range segment. The triple camera setup was its standout feature, offering users more versatility in photography. While it had its share of criticisms, it was generally well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The A7 (2018) was a testament to the rapidly evolving mid-range smartphone market, where premium features were becoming increasingly accessible.