Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) smartphone

Photo: revi via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0 kr)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)

December 2015 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) is a mid-range Android smartphone known for its premium glass and metal design, resembling Samsung's flagship devices of its era. It features a vibrant 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display and a capable 13MP camera with OIS. Originally launched with Android Lollipop, it offered a balance of style and performance for its time.
Display5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED
ChipsetExynos 7580 Octa or Snapdragon 615
Main Camera13MP with OIS
Battery3300 mAh with 18W Fast Charging

💰 Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
ChipsetExynos 7580 Octa (Global) / Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (China)
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) - Exynos 7580 / Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) - Snapdragon 615
GPUMali-T720MP2 (Exynos 7580) / Adreno 405 (Snapdragon 615)

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot up to 256GB)
Internal16GB 3GB RAM

Main Camera

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

Selfie Camera

Single5 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable
Talk timeUp to 17 h (3G)
Music playUp to 78 h

Body

Dimensions151.5 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm (5.96 x 2.92 x 0.29 in)
Weight172 g (6.07 oz)
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
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

Announced2015, December 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2015, December / Q1 2016

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Elegant glass and metal design with Gorilla Glass 4 protection
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks
  • Solid battery life and fast charging support
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main camera for clearer photos
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking

Cons

  • Performance can be inconsistent and lag behind rivals of its time
  • Limited internal storage at 16GB
  • Launched with an older Android version (5.1.1 Lollipop)
  • Considered overpriced at launch compared to some competitors
  • No 4K video recording capability
  • Not available in North America and parts of Europe at launch
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) offered a premium design and a great display for its time, but its inconsistent performance and relatively high price at launch tempered its overall appeal.

As a device from 2016, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) is now significantly outdated in terms of software, security updates, and hardware performance. While its Super AMOLED display and premium build remain appealing, it will struggle with modern apps and operating system demands. It is not recommended as a primary smartphone for daily use in 2026 due to potential security vulnerabilities, lack of app compatibility, and slow performance. If considering it for nostalgic reasons or as a very basic secondary device, ensure it's in excellent condition and understand its limitations. Prioritize devices with more recent Android versions for better security and app support.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) handset
  • Quick start manuals
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Samsung earbuds
  • MicroUSB cable
  • Adaptive fast charging wall charger

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covered for one year from the date of purchase, varying by region.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) released?

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) was announced on December 2, 2015, and released in December 2015 or early Q1 2016 in various markets.

What operating system did the Galaxy A7 (2016) run?

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

Does the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) have a good camera?

It features a 13MP main camera with f/1.9 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which was considered good for its time, especially in low-light conditions.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) still a good phone to buy today?

Due to its age, outdated software, and limited hardware capabilities compared to modern devices, it is generally not recommended as a primary smartphone for daily use in 2026. It lacks current security updates and struggles with modern applications.

What are the key features of the Galaxy A7 (2016)?

Key features include a premium glass and metal design, a 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, a 13MP OIS camera, a 3300 mAh battery with fast charging, and a front-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Can the storage on the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) be expanded?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) supports expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for up to 256GB of additional storage.