Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) SPecs and Price

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Review: A Premium Mid-Range Smartphone That Feels Like a Flagship

Samsung has kicked off 2017 with a strong statement in the mid-range smartphone market. The newly announced Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) brings premium design, water resistance, improved cameras, and refined performance to users who want flagship-like features without spending flagship money. The Galaxy A series has always served as the bridge between Samsung’s budget offerings and its premium Galaxy S lineup. With the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017), the company continues that tradition by delivering a smartphone that looks and feels expensive while maintaining a more affordable price point. But does the Galaxy A7 (2017) have what it takes to dominate the upper mid-range segment? Let’s take a closer look.    

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Specifications

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of what the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) offers:

• Display: 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Exynos 7880 Octa-core
• RAM: 3GB
• Storage: 32GB expandable via microSD
• Rear Camera: 16MP f/1.9
• Front Camera: 16MP f/1.9
• Battery: 3600mAh
• Operating System: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
• Water Resistance: IP68 Certified
• Fingerprint Scanner: Yes
• USB Type-C: Yes

   

Design and Build Quality

One of the biggest highlights of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) is its premium design. Samsung has borrowed heavily from its flagship Galaxy S series, giving the A7 a sleek glass-and-metal construction that instantly feels premium in the hand. The curved glass on both the front and back enhances the aesthetics while improving grip. The device is slim, elegant, and surprisingly comfortable despite its large 5.7-inch display.    

Comparison with Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016), the new Galaxy A7 (2017) feels much more refined. While the A7 (2016) already featured a premium metal-and-glass design, the 2017 model introduces smoother curves, a more polished finish, and significantly better durability. The most important improvement is the addition of IP68 water and dust resistance. This means the Galaxy A7 (2017) can survive accidental splashes, rain, and even temporary submersion in water. This feature was absent on the A7 (2016) and is usually reserved for flagship devices. Samsung has also transitioned to a USB Type-C port, making charging and connectivity more convenient and future-proof. Overall, the Galaxy A7 (2017) looks more modern and premium than its predecessor.    

Display Quality

Samsung has long been known for producing some of the best smartphone displays in the industry, and the Galaxy A7 (2017) is no exception. The 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display delivers:

• Rich colors
• Deep blacks
• Excellent contrast
• Wide viewing angles
• Great outdoor visibility

Watching videos, browsing social media, and gaming all feel immersive thanks to the large screen size and vibrant display technology. Although the resolution remains Full HD instead of Quad HD, it is more than sufficient for everyday use and helps improve battery efficiency. For users who consume a lot of multimedia content, the Galaxy A7 (2017) is a fantastic option.    

Performance and Hardware

Powering the Galaxy A7 (2017) is Samsung’s Exynos 7880 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. This combination provides smooth performance for:

• Web browsing
• Social media
• Video streaming
• Multitasking
• Casual gaming

Apps open quickly and transitions remain fluid throughout daily use. While it may not match the performance of premium flagship processors found in the Galaxy S series, the Exynos 7880 handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Storage is another strong point. The phone comes with 32GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards, allowing users to expand storage for photos, videos, and apps.    

Camera Performance

Samsung has placed a strong focus on photography with the Galaxy A7 (2017). Rear Camera The smartphone features a 16MP rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture. Photos captured during daylight show:

• Excellent detail
• Natural color reproduction
• Good dynamic range
• Fast autofocus

Low-light performance is also respectable, thanks to Samsung’s image processing and wide aperture. Front Camera Perhaps the biggest surprise is the front-facing camera. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A7 (2017) with a 16MP selfie camera, matching the resolution of the rear camera. Selfies appear sharp and vibrant, making this phone particularly appealing to social media users and selfie enthusiasts. Video calls also benefit from the improved front camera quality.    

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017). The device packs a generous 3600mAh battery, which easily powers the phone through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Users can comfortably enjoy:

• Web browsing
• Social networking
• Video streaming
• Photography
• Gaming

without constantly searching for a charger. Samsung has also included fast charging support, allowing the battery to recharge quickly when needed. Combined with the energy-efficient Exynos processor and Full HD display, battery performance is excellent.    

Software Experience

The Galaxy A7 (2017) ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and Samsung’s custom user interface. Samsung’s software offers numerous features, including:

• Multi-window support
• Theme customization
• Secure Folder
• Always-On Display
• Enhanced security options

The user interface feels polished and feature-rich. Samsung is also expected to provide software updates that will further improve performance and functionality over time. Security Features Security has become increasingly important for smartphone users, and Samsung addresses this with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the home button and performs quickly and accurately. Users can unlock their phones, authenticate purchases, and secure sensitive information with ease. Water and Dust Resistance A standout feature of the Galaxy A7 (2017) is its IP68 certification. This means the device is protected against:

• Dust particles
• Rain exposure
• Accidental spills
• Temporary water immersion

For many consumers, this feature alone significantly increases the value of the device. Very few mid-range smartphones currently offer this level of protection. Audio and Connectivity Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A7 (2017) with a loud and clear speaker system suitable for music playback and videos. Connectivity options include:

• 4G LTE
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• NFC
• GPS
• USB Type-C

The inclusion of NFC makes mobile payments and quick pairing more convenient.    

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Price at Launch

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) was priced at approximately:

Currency	Launch Price
US Dollar (USD)	$430
British Pound (GBP)	£350
Indian Rupee (INR)	₹29,500
Nigerian Naira (NGN)	₦135,000

Prices may vary slightly depending on region, taxes, and retailer.    

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium glass and metal design
• Excellent Super AMOLED display
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• Strong battery life
• Great front and rear cameras
• Expandable storage
• Fast charging support
• USB Type-C connectivity
• Reliable fingerprint scanner

Cons

• Full HD resolution instead of Quad HD
• Processor not as powerful as flagship devices
• Android Marshmallow out of the box
• Glass back can attract fingerprints
• Camera lacks optical image stabilization

   

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) is one of the most impressive mid-range smartphones Samsung has produced to date. It successfully combines premium aesthetics, water resistance, strong cameras, excellent battery life, and dependable performance into a package that feels much more expensive than its price suggests. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016), the improvements are substantial. The addition of IP68 certification, USB Type-C, upgraded cameras, and refined design make the newer model a clear winner. For users seeking a stylish smartphone with flagship-inspired features without paying flagship prices, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) is an easy recommendation and one of the standout mid-range devices of 2017.  

Full Specifications