Samsung Galaxy A7 review (hands on): Triple-camera Galaxy
The Galaxy A7 is one of FOUR new Samsung smartphones, but this mid-range, triple-camera handset has a lot to prove
There certainly weren’t any huge surprises when Samsung finally pulled back the curtains on the Galaxy A7. It is a tech launch in 2018 after all, so leaks were rife with images and specifications, long before Samsung eventually had the chance to lift the lid on its latest mid-range handset.
Still, I’ve got to say I’m rather impressed with what Samsung has shown off so far; it’s a lovely-looking phone for the price, and such a low price tag certainly turned some heads during the announcement. The Galaxy A7 is a good £200 less than the Galaxy S9.
In addition to the A7, Samsung is launching three other Galaxy-branded phones in the budget and mid-range price bracket. The Galaxy A9, which adds four rear-facing cameras into the mix, along with the J6 Plus and J4+ will all be making an appearance in phone shops in the coming weeks.
Samsung Galaxy A7 hands-on review: Key specifications, price and release date
- 6in, 2,200 x 1,080, AMOLED screen
- 2.2GHz processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage (up to 512GB with microSD)
- 24MP (f/1.7), 5MP (f/2.2), 8MP (f/2.4) rear cameras
- 24 MP (f/2.0) front camera
- Android 8.1
- 160mm x 77mm x 7.5mm
- 168g
- UK Price: £309
- UK release date: October 2018
Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy A7 now from Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A7 review: Design, key features and first impressions
At a glance, the Galaxy A7 is most easily compared to the Huawei P20 Pro. Its tall, skinny chassis, glossy hue and triple-rear cameras are strikingly similar; a major compliment for Samsung, considering the P20 Pro is a flagship that costs hundreds of pounds more.
About those cameras, then. Samsung has stacked them vertically along the left-hand side of the handset, with the flash sitting just below. It’s a neat, clean design which leaves the shimmering back panel largely unobstructed – all the better for your fellow commuter to admire. As well as the blue and gold colours shown in my hands-on images, the Galaxy A7 will also be available in a plain black finish.
The trio of cameras includes a 24-megapixel f/1.7 primary sensor, an 8-megapixel, f/2.4 ultra-wide lens and a 5-megapixel, f/2.2 depth sensing unit. Video recording capabilities are pretty standard, with a maximum of 1,920 x 1,080 at 30fps, and none of the cameras are equipped with optical image stabilisation.
Flipping the phone over to take a look at the phone’s display, which is thankfully notch-free. The forehead and chin bezels aren’t exactly discreet, but the display is cut ever-so-close to the left and right edges. As is typical of any mid-range of flagship phone these days, there is no home button, either. The display itself seems top-notch for a phone of this price; it’s a Super AMOLED 2,200 x 1,080 (Full HD) screen, wrapped in durable 2.5D glass for added protection against drops and scrapes.
Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy A7 now from Samsung
Even before I’ve set our colour calibrator loose on a review unit, I can tell you that the contrast ratio and sRGB coverage will be essentially perfect, as Samsung’s OLED panels always are. If it’s anywhere near as good as the Galaxy A8, then this is likely going to be a £300(ish) phone worthy of your eyeballs.
Another nice touch on the Samsung Galaxy A7 is its side-mounted fingerprint sensor, nestled next to the power and volume controls. I prefer these as I find it’s where my thumb naturally drifts when I pick up a phone, and it prevents clutter on the rear of the handset which, as I mentioned, the A7 is blissfully clear of.
Frustratingly, I can’t tell you much about the Galaxy A7’s internal specifications, because Samsung is keeping that a secret until closer to the launch date (again, the exact day has yet to be announced). All we know so far is that it will be powered by an octa-core 2.2GHz CPU belonging to Samsung’s self-made Exynos lineup. The Galaxy A8 had an Exynos 7885 chip with 2.2GHz, so it could be possible that we’ll see the same in the A7. If so, I shouldn’t expect any hiccups with performance come launch.
Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy A7 now from Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A7 hands-on review: Early verdict
Without testing its CPU, display, and battery performance, there’s not much left to say about the Samsung Galaxy A7. So far, though, I rather like it. The design is lovely, and it could easily be mistaken for a flagship phone by not-so-tech savvy onlookers. The triple cameras, too, are a premium feature that you won’t find in many smartphones in this price bracket.
Keep an eye out for the full review of the Samsung Galaxy A7 in the near future.