Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017): A Compact All-Rounder with Premium Feel
Samsung’s Galaxy A5 (2017) struck the perfect balance between mid-range affordability and flagship-inspired design when it launched. With its glass-sandwich build, always-on AMOLED screen, and water-resistant chassis, the A5 (2017) felt—even at its price point—like a true premium device. Here’s a look at its pricing (at launch and today’s typical range) plus a detailed spec table.
Price Overview
- Launch Price (Early 2017)
– Europe: ~€429
– U.S. (imported/unlocked): ~$480 USD - Current Street Price (Mid 2024 estimates)
– Refurbished/unlocked units: $140–$200 USD
– New-in-box (limited stock): $250–$300 USD
Note: Actual prices vary widely by region, seller, condition (new vs. refurbished), and ongoing promotions. Always check reputable retailers for up-to-date offers.
What Made the Galaxy A5 (2017) Stand Out?
- Premium Design & Build
Gorilla Glass 4 on front and back, aluminum frame, and an IP68-rated chassis for dust and water resistance—rare at this price point. - Always-On AMOLED Display
5.2″ Full HD Super AMOLED panel with an always-on clock and notifications, combining excellent contrast with low power draw. - Balanced Performance
Exynos 7880 chipset paired with 3 GB RAM handled day-to-day tasks smoothly, with moderate gaming and multitasking capabilities. - Reliable Battery Life
3,000 mAh battery delivering a full day of mixed usage, plus fast charging via USB-C. - OneUI & Software Support
Shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable through Android 8.0 (Oreo), and Samsung’s refined OneUI Lite.
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) — Full Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.2″ Super AMOLED, 1080 × 1920 (FHD), Always-On support |
| Body | Gorilla Glass 4 front/back, aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistance |
| SoC | Exynos 7880 Octa-core (8 × 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-T830 MP3 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB) |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP, f/1.9, PDAF, LED flash |
| Front Camera | 16 MP, f/1.9 |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh, Fast Charging (USB-C) |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 → up to Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Samsung OneUI Lite |
| Connectivity | LTE Cat 6, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS |
| Ports | USB-C 2.0, 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Biometrics | Front-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Dimensions | 146.1 × 71.4 × 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 157 g |
| Colors | Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist, Peach Cloud |
Conclusion
While newer Galaxy A-series models have since taken its crown, the Galaxy A5 (2017) remains a testament to Samsung’s ability to trickle-down premium features into a mid-range package. If you’re after a compact AMOLED phone with solid battery life, waterproofing, and an elegant design—and you don’t mind buying refurbished or lightly used—this model still delivers great value in 2024.