Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)

December 2015 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) is a mid-range Android smartphone known for its premium design, featuring a metal frame and Gorilla Glass 4 on both the front and back, reminiscent of the flagship Galaxy S6. It offers a vibrant 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display, a capable 13MP main camera with OIS, and a 2900 mAh battery with fast charging, making it a stylish and functional device for everyday use.
Display5.2" Super AMOLED, 1080p
ChipsetExynos 7580 Octa
Main Camera13 MP with OIS
Battery2900 mAh with fast charging
Starting from $6,372

💰 Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) Price

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) lowest price is $6,372, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.2 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels (FHD)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
ChipsetExynos 7580 Octa
CPUOcta-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-T720MP2

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 256GB)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM

Main Camera

Single13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), OIS, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single5 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide)
Video1080p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2900 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W fast charging (Quick Charge 2.0)

Body

Dimensions144.8 x 71 x 7.3 mm
Weight155 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes (market dependent)
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedDecember 2015
StatusReleased December 2015

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium build quality and design (glass and metal)
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display
  • Good camera performance with OIS
  • Long battery life and fast charging
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Fingerprint scanner

Cons

  • TouchWiz software experience can be inconsistent/heavy
  • Not ideal for heavy 3D gaming due to processor limitations
  • Loudspeaker can be quiet
  • No LED notification light
  • Limited software updates due to age
★ Our Verdict

While offering a premium design and good display/camera for its time, its software experience and processor performance for demanding tasks were noted as drawbacks, especially compared to some alternatives.

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was a stylish mid-range option at its release, boasting a premium glass and metal build and a vibrant Super AMOLED screen. If you're considering this phone today, it's important to recognize its age; it runs an older version of Android and may not receive further official updates, limiting app compatibility and security. It's best suited for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, or as a secondary device. Performance for demanding apps or modern games will be limited, and the camera, while good for its era, won't match contemporary standards. Look for refurbished models if you need a budget-friendly, compact smartphone with a decent display and build for essential functions.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) smartphone
  • In-ear headset
  • Fast charger (2-pin, 9V-1.67A / 5V-2A)
  • Micro USB cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick start guide and user manual

Standard manufacturer's warranty applies, typically 1 year depending on region.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) released?

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was announced in December 2015 and released that same month, with wider availability by April 2016.

What operating system does the Galaxy A5 (2016) run?

It originally launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and was upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) have a good camera?

Yes, it features a 13 MP main camera with f/1.9 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which was considered good for its time, and a 5 MP front camera.

Is the battery life good on the Galaxy A5 (2016)?

The Galaxy A5 (2016) comes with a 2900 mAh non-removable battery and supports fast charging, offering good battery life for its class.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) support expandable storage?

Yes, it has a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for expandable storage up to 256GB.

What are the main design features of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)?

The phone boasts a premium design with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass 4 on both the front and back, giving it a sleek and sturdy feel similar to flagship models of its era.