Reasons to buy the Galaxy A5 Unlocked (2017 Edition)
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 5.2" 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED screen
- 16 MP camera with f/1.9 aperture & 16 MP Selfie camera
- 1.9 GHz octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM
- Fingerprint Sensor & NFC
- Samsung Knox security
- USB Type-C data & charging connector
- IP68 water resistance
- 32 GB storage / micro SD support
Box contents
- Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017 Edition) UK / SIM Free
- Samsung mains charger
- USB Type-C cable
Overview
Following several years of strong sales, Samsung can arguably be regarded as the most successful manufacturer of Android phones.
They have devices at every price point with myriad options and features. The new Galaxy A series for 2017 is an excellent mid-range handset that combines modern design and security with an affordable price tag.
With Samsung Knox security, NFC for contactless payments and a fingerprint sensor for locking down access and apps, the Galaxy A5 is a versatile and capable tool for business users and consumers alike.
Design
Samsung now has a serious pedigree in manufacturing smartphones. The Galaxy S and Note series have been highly praised for a number of years.
This, of course, filters down over time and the Galaxy A (2017) models look just as stylish as any iPhone or other top-tier handsets.
The edges of the phone are developed from a milled metallic material which remains lightweight and curves in the hand.
Both front and rear panels utilise Samsung's 3D curved glass. This means that both the inner and outer layers of glass feature a curve, rather than just the external layer in other 2.5D glass phones.
3D curved glass creates an almost seamless finish where you'll be hard pressed to find any edges.
Galaxy A5's screen is a large but manageable 5.2 inches; a fair balance between physical size and comfort. The phone is also available in a range of soft colour finishes.
On the base of the phone is the new reversible USB Type-C connector - a cable is included!
Finally, the IP68 rating ensures the phone is both dust and water resistant to a depth of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes.
Camera
High-end cameras are no longer the reserve of the most expensive cameras.
The Galaxy A5 (2017 Edition) features a very impressive 16-megapixel main camera with a huge variety of shooting modes and built-in filters.
The front selfie camera also matches that 16-megapixel resolution with face detection options, so you can enjoy the same quality recording and images whichever way round you spin the handset.
Quickview
Samsung's Super AMOLED screen technology has incredible power efficiency. When the screen goes dark, zero power is drawn despite still being on. This allows for wonderful 'always-on' technology.
Just lift the phone or glance at it and your choice of notification screen will briefly appear. This can include time and date information, as well as important notifications and calendar events.
Fingerprint Sensor
Built right into Samsung's easily accessible home button is a high-grade fingerprint sensor. This can register a print and unlock your phone in well under half a second.
Useful for securing the phone's lock screen, the sensor can also be used to verify access to folders and individual apps, as well as authorising contactless and online payments with Android Pay and Samsung Pay.
Samsung KNOX
KNOX is an optional element of many new Samsung phones. It offers a highly secure partition on your device with modern encryption.
If you choose to use KNOX, then any apps, folders, files and other data included in the KNOX partition is completely secure and requires additional measures to access. Samsung's own workflow applications are available, plus a selection of highly tested and curated third-party options.
The KNOX partition can also be set up and managed through a company MDM system, VPNs and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. This allows companies to lock down the phone quickly and easily without having to pay for expensive management suites.
Finally, KNOX has a number of secure boot and lockdown options. These ensure the integrity of the Android kernel and bootloaders. Images of these are taken and encrypted. Should they be tampered with, the KNOX system will refuse to boot the phone.
The leading manufacturer-produced security suite for Android, KNOX is used by businesses and individuals around the world.
