Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) Review: A Premium Mid-Range Smartphone That Redefines Style and Performance
The smartphone market in 2016 is more competitive than ever, and
Samsung continues to strengthen its position with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016). Designed for users who want a premium smartphone experience without paying flagship prices, the Galaxy A7 (2016) combines elegant design, solid performance, impressive battery life, and a vibrant display into one attractive package.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, Samsung has refined almost every aspect of the Galaxy A7. From its premium glass-and-metal construction to its enhanced camera system and powerful hardware, the Galaxy A7 (2016) stands out as one of the most compelling smartphones in the upper mid-range category.
In this detailed review, we take an in-depth look at everything the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) has to offer and determine whether it deserves a place in your pocket.
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) Overview
The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) is part of Samsung’s revamped Galaxy A lineup, aimed at bringing premium design elements from the flagship Galaxy S series to a more affordable price point.
With a large 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, octa-core processor, fingerprint scanner, 3GB RAM, and a generous 3,300mAh battery, Samsung has created a device that looks and feels significantly more expensive than its actual price.
Key Specifications
- Display: 5.5-inch Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD)
- Processor: Exynos 7580 Octa-Core
- RAM: 3GB
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Expandable Storage: Up to 128GB via microSD
- Rear Camera: 13MP with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Battery: 3,300mAh
- Operating System: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- Fingerprint Sensor: Yes
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) is its premium construction.
Samsung has moved away from the plastic-heavy designs that characterized many of its earlier devices. Instead, the Galaxy A7 (2016) features a combination of Gorilla Glass on both the front and back, complemented by a sturdy aluminum frame.
The result is a smartphone that feels luxurious in the hand and closely resembles Samsung’s flagship devices.
Comparison with Samsung Galaxy A7 Duos
When compared to the
Samsung Galaxy A7 Duos, the Galaxy A7 (2016) introduces a more refined and modern design language. While the A7 Duos already offered a slim and stylish profile, the 2016 version improves significantly with its glass-and-metal sandwich construction.
The curved edges feel smoother, the frame is more durable, and the overall fit and finish are superior. Samsung has clearly focused on making the Galaxy A7 (2016) look and feel like a flagship device rather than just another mid-range smartphone.
Despite its larger display, the device remains comfortable to hold thanks to its slim profile and well-balanced weight distribution.
Display Quality
Samsung has long been known for producing some of the best smartphone displays in the industry, and the Galaxy A7 (2016) continues that tradition.
The smartphone features a 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Colors are rich and vibrant without appearing overly saturated. Blacks are deep and true, while contrast levels are excellent.
Whether you’re browsing the web, watching movies, viewing photos, or gaming, the display delivers a premium viewing experience.
Display Highlights
- Sharp Full HD resolution
- Excellent outdoor visibility
- Deep blacks and vivid colors
- Wide viewing angles
- Energy-efficient AMOLED technology
The display alone makes the Galaxy A7 (2016) one of the most attractive options in its category.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy A7 (2016) is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7580 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM.
For everyday usage, performance is smooth and responsive.
Tasks such as:
- Social media browsing
- Web surfing
- Video streaming
- Email management
- Multitasking
are handled effortlessly.
Apps launch quickly, navigation remains fluid, and overall system performance feels polished.
Gaming Performance
The Galaxy A7 (2016) performs well for casual and moderately demanding games.
Popular titles run smoothly with minimal lag, and the Full HD display enhances the gaming experience.
While it may not match the raw power of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series, it delivers more than enough performance for the average smartphone user.
Software Experience
The Galaxy A7 (2016) ships with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and Samsung’s customized TouchWiz interface.
Samsung has improved TouchWiz significantly compared to previous versions.
The interface feels cleaner, smoother, and more user-friendly.
Features include:
- Multi-window support
- Custom themes
- Power-saving modes
- Fingerprint security
- Samsung Smart Manager
These additions enhance usability without overwhelming the user.
Camera Performance
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera improvements Samsung has introduced in the Galaxy A7 (2016).
Rear Camera
The smartphone features a 13MP rear camera equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
The inclusion of OIS is particularly impressive at this price point.
Photos captured during daylight conditions show:
- Excellent detail
- Accurate color reproduction
- Good dynamic range
- Fast autofocus performance
The camera performs reliably across various lighting conditions.
Low-Light Photography
Thanks to Optical Image Stabilization, low-light photography sees noticeable improvements.
Images retain more detail and exhibit less blur compared to many competing smartphones.
Night shots are brighter and clearer than expected from a mid-range device.
Front Camera
The 5MP front-facing camera produces sharp selfies with natural skin tones.
Video calling quality is equally impressive, making it a strong option for users who frequently use social media and messaging applications.
Battery Life
Battery performance is another major strength of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016).
The device packs a large 3,300mAh battery that comfortably lasts an entire day of moderate to heavy usage.
Typical daily activities such as:
- Browsing
- Messaging
- Social networking
- Video streaming
- Photography
can be performed without constantly searching for a charger.
Fast Charging Support
Samsung has also included fast charging technology.
This feature significantly reduces charging times and provides additional convenience for busy users.
Battery life is among the best in its class, making the Galaxy A7 (2016) a reliable companion throughout the day.
Security Features
The Galaxy A7 (2016) includes a fingerprint scanner integrated into the physical home button.
Fingerprint recognition is quick and accurate, providing enhanced security and convenient device unlocking.
At a time when fingerprint sensors are still relatively uncommon in mid-range smartphones, this feature gives Samsung an important competitive advantage.
Audio and Multimedia
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A7 (2016) with solid multimedia capabilities.
The speaker delivers clear audio suitable for videos, music, and voice calls.
Combined with the vibrant Super AMOLED display, watching movies and streaming content becomes an enjoyable experience.
The smartphone also supports expandable storage, allowing users to carry large media libraries without worrying about running out of space.
Connectivity
The Galaxy A7 (2016) offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options.
Features include:
- 4G LTE support
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.1
- NFC
- GPS
- Micro USB connectivity
Call quality is clear, network reception is strong, and wireless performance remains stable across different environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium glass and metal design
- Beautiful Full HD Super AMOLED display
- Excellent battery life
- Fast charging support
- Optical Image Stabilization camera
- Reliable fingerprint scanner
- Smooth everyday performance
- Expandable storage support
Cons
- Only 16GB internal storage
- TouchWiz still includes some unnecessary apps
- Processor not as powerful as flagship alternatives
- Uses Micro USB instead of newer standards
- Glass back can attract fingerprints
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) Release Price
At launch, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) was positioned in the premium mid-range segment.
Approximate release prices:
| Currency |
Launch Price |
| US Dollar (USD) |
$430 |
| British Pound (GBP) |
£290 |
| Indian Rupee (INR) |
₹28,500 |
| Nigerian Naira (NGN) |
₦85,000 |
Prices may vary slightly depending on market, taxes, and retailer.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) successfully bridges the gap between affordability and premium smartphone design.
Samsung has managed to deliver a device that looks and feels like a flagship while maintaining a price that remains accessible to a broader audience.
Its stunning Super AMOLED display, premium construction, dependable camera performance, long battery life, and fingerprint security make it one of the strongest contenders in the mid-range smartphone market.
For users seeking a stylish smartphone that offers excellent everyday performance without stepping into flagship territory, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) is an outstanding choice.
Even in a crowded market, Samsung has crafted a device that stands out through thoughtful design, balanced performance, and premium features that exceed expectations.
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