Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) Specs and Price

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) Review: A Premium Midrange Smartphone Redefined

In 2016, Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) arrived as a strong contender in the midrange smartphone segment, blending premium design with solid performance. At a time when flagship-inspired aesthetics were rare in affordable devices, Samsung pushed boundaries by bringing glass-and-metal craftsmanship to a wider audience. If you’re looking for a stylish smartphone that balances performance, camera quality, and battery life without reaching flagship pricing, the Galaxy A5 (2016) stands out as one of the most compelling options of its year.

Design & Build Quality: Premium Feel Meets Everyday Durability

One of the most striking features of the Galaxy A5 (2016) is its design. Samsung clearly took inspiration from its flagship lineup, particularly the Galaxy S series, by incorporating a glass front and back with a sturdy aluminum frame. The device measures just 7.3mm thick and weighs around 155g, making it sleek yet comfortable to hold. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 4 on both sides ensures durability against scratches and minor drops.  

Comparison with Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016)

Compared to Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016), the A5 (2016) feels more refined and premium. While both share a similar design language, the A5 benefits from:

• A larger and more immersive display
• Slightly more solid in-hand feel due to its size
• Better screen-to-body ratio

The A3 (2016) is more compact and pocket-friendly, but the A5 clearly targets users who want a more “flagship-like” experience.    

Display: Vibrant Super AMOLED Excellence

Samsung continues to dominate display technology, and the Galaxy A5 (2016) is no exception. It features a 5.2-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of around 424 PPI. Colors are vivid, blacks are deep, and viewing angles are excellent, perfect for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use. Whether you’re watching videos or browsing social media, the display quality feels premium.    

Performance: Smooth for Daily Tasks

Under the hood, the Galaxy A5 (2016) is powered by an octa-core processor clocked at 1.6GHz, paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. While it may not compete with flagship devices, performance is smooth for:

• Social media apps
• Web browsing
• Light to moderate gaming
• Multitasking

Storage can be expanded via microSD (up to 128GB or more depending on region), which is a welcome addition.    

Camera: Reliable and Consistent

The Galaxy A5 (2016) features:

• 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• 5MP front camera

The rear camera captures sharp and detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. Thanks to OIS, photos remain stable, reducing blur in low-light situations. The front camera is decent for selfies and video calls, though not groundbreaking. Overall, the camera setup delivers consistent results for everyday photography.    

Battery Life: All-Day Performance

Equipped with a 2900mAh battery, the Galaxy A5 (2016) comfortably lasts a full day with moderate usage. Even better, Samsung includes fast charging support, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed, an impressive feature for a midrange phone in 2016.    

Software: Simple and Functional

Out of the box, the device runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface. While not the latest version at launch, the interface is:

• Smooth and user-friendly
• Feature-rich without being overwhelming
• Customizable to suit user preferences

The phone later received updates up to Android Nougat, improving performance and usability.    

Connectivity & Features

The Galaxy A5 (2016) comes packed with essential features, including:

• 4G LTE connectivity
• Dual SIM support (in some variants)
• Fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button
• NFC support
• MicroSD expansion

These features make it a versatile device for both work and personal use.    

Price at Launch (2016)

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was positioned as a premium midrange device. Based on global pricing trends at the time, here’s an approximate breakdown:

• 🇳🇬 Nigeria: ₦95,000 – ₦120,000 (estimated launch range)
• 🇺🇸 USA: $350 – $400
• 🇬🇧 UK: £280 – £320
• 🇮🇳 India: ₹29,000 – ₹30,000

These prices placed it just below flagship devices, offering premium features at a more accessible cost.    

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium glass and metal design
• Excellent Super AMOLED display
• Reliable camera with OIS
• Solid battery life with fast charging
• Expandable storage and dual SIM support
• Fingerprint sensor included

Cons

• Only 2GB RAM (limited for heavy multitasking)
• Runs Android Lollipop at launch
• No 4K video recording
• Performance not ideal for heavy gaming
• Glass body prone to fingerprints

 

Conclusion: Is It Worth It in 2016?

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) successfully bridges the gap between affordability and premium experience. It brings flagship-level design and display quality to the midrange segment, making it one of the most attractive smartphones of its time. If your priorities are design, display, and reliable everyday performance, this device is an excellent choice. However, power users and gamers might find its hardware slightly limiting. Still, for the average user in 2016, the Galaxy A5 (2016) offers exceptional value for money and stands as one of Samsung’s most balanced midrange smartphones.  

Full Specifications