Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) smartphone

Photo: Superandi321 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

January 2017 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is a compact smartphone released in January 2017, featuring a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display, an Exynos 7870 Octa processor, and a 13MP main camera. It was designed as a mid-range option with a focus on a premium build and decent everyday performance, including IP68 water resistance.
Display4.7-inch Super AMOLED, 720p resolution
ChipsetExynos 7870 Octa
Main Camera13 MP, f/1.9
Battery2350 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $6,508

💰 Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) Price

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) lowest price is $6,508, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

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

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
ChipsetExynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)
CPUOcta-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-T830 MP1

Memory

Internal16GB
RAM2GB
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - up to 256GB

Main Camera

Single13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP, f/1.9
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2350 mAh, non-removable

Body

Dimensions135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9 mm (5.33 x 2.61 x 0.31 in)
Weight138 g (4.87 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back, aluminum frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
ProtectionIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

Announced2017, January
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact size, easy for one-handed use
  • Premium build quality with glass and metal
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Bright and vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage
  • Good battery life for its size
  • NFC for mobile payments

Cons

  • Limited internal storage (16GB)
  • Only 2GB RAM, which can feel slow by modern standards
  • Outdated Android version (upgradable to Oreo, but no further)
  • 720p display resolution is not Full HD
  • Single main camera, no ultrawide or telephoto
  • Performance might struggle with demanding apps
★ Our Verdict

While it offered a premium compact experience for its time with good build and display, its outdated software, limited storage, and modest performance make it less competitive in today's market.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was a solid compact smartphone for its era, offering a premium design with glass and metal, along with valuable features like IP68 water resistance and a vibrant Super AMOLED display. However, as of 2026, it is significantly outdated. Its Android 8.0 (Oreo) maximum software version means it lacks modern security updates and compatibility with newer apps. The 16GB internal storage and 2GB RAM will severely limit its usability for most users today. While its compact size is appealing, it's best suited only for very basic tasks or as a collector's item, not as a primary daily driver. Consider newer, budget-friendly alternatives for a much better experience.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) handset
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Wall charger
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick start guide
  • Headphones

Typically, Samsung phones come with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) released?

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was released in January 2017.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) water resistant?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) run?

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) originally launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and is upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo.

How much internal storage does the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) have?

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot up to 256GB.

What is the screen size and type of the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)?

It features a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) still a good phone to buy in 2026?

In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is largely outdated due to its old software, limited storage, and modest performance, making it unsuitable as a primary device for most users.