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One year later, the Galaxy A5 (2017) has aged like fine wine

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy a5 2017 4814
© nextpit

Smartphones come and go like fashion: everything is ephemeral. But beyond all the flashy new devices that have hit the market over the course of the last year, some older smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) are still doing really well.

Investing in the old

Manufacturers have succeeded in imposing the (false) doctrine of “it’s new so it’s better”. And it's true, some new devices have nothing to envy from their elders, but for others, the big price tags and all the pomp and circumstance are more about marketing than anything else. There are many cases, however, where an older device can still manage to compete with its successors.

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy a5 2017 4851
A quality screen with Always On mode... but it’s not an Infinity display. / © NextPit

Some disadvantages... but some advantages as well

Samsung’s Galaxy A5 (2017) is undoubtedly a device that ages well. Of course, it’s missing some of the more recent components, but this doesn’t mean the device isn’t impressive. The A5’s greatest strength is definitely its autonomy, a characteristic that it shares with its predecessor, the A5 (2016), as well as with the new Galaxy A8 (2018). It can easily reach two days of full autonomy. That's performance that commands a lot of respect for this price range (or even a higher range).

Maybe all the performance you need

Mid-range components have evolved and Qualcomm has even created a new SoC for this purpose. But ask yourself this: what do you really need? It’s not as easy to answer as you’d think. In any case, if you’re not a gamer and use your device in a more 'traditional' way, you’ll have a perfectly smooth experience with the Galaxy A5 (2017) processor.

As I explained in an article I wrote almost two years ago about the Note 7, almost two years ago, there seems to be confusion about what constitutes a real 'need'. While brands like to lure potential customers with big numbers and complicated names for components, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s no point in paying dearly for a device that you’ll use very little.

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy A6 8773
The Galaxy A6 is a good smartphone but it doesn't have the charisma that the A5 (2017) had when it was released. / © NextPit

In certain ways, it even surpasses the A6 (2018)

In summer 2018, you can find a Galaxy A5 (2017) for about 250 - 300 dollars, depending on where you buy it. That’s a good price, considering it was $399 when it was released. At its current price, it’s significantly cheaper than the Galaxy A6 (2018), and even better, it offers features that the new model lacks: fast charging (0% to 100% in 80 minutes) via USB Type-C, and IP68 waterproof certification.

Is it a good deal in 2018?

The Galaxy A5 (2017) isn’t state-of-the-art anymore, but it has proven itself. It’s a tough phone and it's durable. The device can handle a few scratches without fearing for its life, and can hit the ground a few times before the screen breaks. It’s certainly not the ideal device if you’re a tech geek in search of the latest innovations, but for the rest of us, it’s a reliable sidekick.

In the end, this is all quite subjective and depends on your own particular needs. The competition is fierce and Oppo, Honor and OnePlus might be interesting if you want to give up on Samsung. The Nokia 6.1 also has its merits. It's a little more expensive, but offers a better screen-to-body ratio and Android One.

Do you think a smartphone from last year is still worth considering this year? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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Benoit Pepicq

Benoit Pepicq
Editor

Benoit is passionate about new technologies and everything related to computers. A big Android fan since 2011, he joined the AndroidPIT team to satisfy his passion and to share his knowledge on Android with readers.

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  • Albin Foro 30
    Albin Foro Jul 13, 2018 Link to comment

    As I mentioned under another column, ZTE phones are looking good in specs / dollar with the current political fooferah. Amazon U$140:

    ZTE Blade V8 Pro (32GB) 5.5" FHD Display, Dual 13MP Camera's, Dual SIM 4G LTE GSM Factory Unlocked Phone (US Warranty) - Black Diamond
    - 5.5 display with FHD (1080 X1920) - 2.5D Gorilla glass 3, Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 Octa-Core Processor, HiFi audio 2.0, Android 6.0.1
    - Dual-lens rear Camera - 13MP + 13MP AF (Upto 2160P Video), Front Camera - 8MP FF, Micro SD Slot (Upto 256GB, Takes up SIM Slot 2)
    - Dual SIM, 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM, 3140 mAh with Qualcomm Quick Charge, Fingerprint Scanner
    - 3G HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100, 4G LTE band 2(1900), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 12(700) - Compatible with all US GSM Carriers and world wide. Will NOT Work with Verizon, Sprint, and Boost.

    And that's for a very clean Android without Samsung's "eco" stuff. And I agree with the other comment. My brother recently bought a comparable Moto G plus for about U$180.


  • 49
    storm Jul 13, 2018 Link to comment

    Moto g line performs just as well for half the price. A midline smartphone isn't worth it a year later. A past flagship is worth a year depreciation.

    Albin Foro