Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) smartphone
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016)

December 2015 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is an Android smartphone that was announced in late 2015 and released in early 2016. It features a compact 4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED display and a premium design combining metal and glass. Positioned as a mid-range device, it offered a balance of aesthetics and essential functionality for its time.
Display4.7" HD Super AMOLED
ChipsetExynos 7578 Quad
Main Camera13 MP
Battery2300 mAh
Starting from $6,999

💰 Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) Price

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) lowest price is $6,999, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size4.7 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
ChipsetExynos 7578 Quad
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-T720MP2

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot for single SIM models, shared with SIM slot for dual SIM models), up to 128GB
Internal16GB 1.5GB RAM

Main Camera

Single13 MP, f/1.9, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single5 MP, f/1.9
VideoNot specified

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable

Body

Dimensions134.5 x 65.2 x 7.3 mm
Weight132 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM (Single SIM or Dual SIM, dual SIM models may use a shared microSD slot)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedDecember 2015
StatusAvailable. Released January 2016

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium build quality for its price point
  • Compact and easy to handle
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Expandable storage
  • Good battery life for its size

Cons

  • Limited RAM (1.5GB)
  • Modest processor performance
  • No fingerprint sensor
  • Not available in all regions (e.g., North America, India)
  • Older Android version out of the box (Android 5.1)
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) offered a premium design and a good display for its class, but its performance was held back by limited RAM and an older processor.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is now an older model, primarily suitable for those seeking a very compact and affordable smartphone for basic tasks. Its premium metal and glass design still holds up aesthetically, and the Super AMOLED display offers vibrant colors. However, with only 1.5GB of RAM and an older quad-core processor, it will struggle with modern apps and multitasking. Consider it if you need a secondary phone, a device for light usage, or are on a very tight budget and prioritize build quality over raw performance. Ensure the software is updated to the latest available version (Android 7.0 Nougat) for better security and app compatibility. Be aware that battery health might be degraded on older units.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) Handset
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headphones
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty applies, typically 1 year.

❓ Questions & Answers

Is the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) still a good phone in 2026?

No, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is an outdated model in 2026. While it offered a premium design and decent display for its time, its specifications, particularly the limited RAM and older processor, will struggle significantly with modern applications and operating system demands.

What Android version does the Galaxy A3 (2016) run?

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) originally launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop and was upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) have expandable storage?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) features a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 128GB.

What are the main camera specifications of the Galaxy A3 (2016)?

The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is a 13-megapixel sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) have a fingerprint sensor?

No, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) does not feature a fingerprint sensor.

What is the battery life like on the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016)?

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is equipped with a non-removable 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery. For its compact size and modest specifications, it generally offered good battery life for a full day of moderate use when new.