The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is a compact and stylish mid-range smartphone that caters to users who prefer a smaller form factor without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. Released as part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, this device offers a blend of premium design and decent hardware, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and everyday usability over high-end specs. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out—or fall short—in today’s competitive market.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Galaxy A3 2017 is its sleek, minimalist design. Samsung opted for a glass and metal construction, which gives the phone a premium feel despite its mid-range positioning. The back panel is made of Gorilla Glass 4, offering a glossy finish that looks elegant but is also prone to fingerprints. The metal frame adds rigidity, and the compact 4.7-inch size makes it easy to handle with one hand—a rarity in an era of oversized smartphones. The device is also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, a feature rarely seen in this price range, which adds to its durability.

Display

The Galaxy A3 2017 sports a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While the resolution may seem low by today’s standards, the AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption. The smaller screen size also means the pixel density remains acceptable at 312 PPI, so text and images appear sharp enough for most users. Outdoor visibility is decent, though the brightness could be higher for better performance under direct sunlight.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy A3 2017 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7870 chipset, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz, paired with 2GB of RAM. While this configuration is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light multitasking, it struggles with more demanding applications and games. The 16GB of internal storage is disappointingly low, though it can be expanded via a microSD card slot. The phone runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI layered on top. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to receive major OS updates at this point, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Camera Performance

The rear camera is a 13MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture, which performs reasonably well in good lighting conditions. Photos are detailed with accurate colors, though low-light performance is mediocre, with noticeable noise and lack of sharpness. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, but don’t expect flagship-level results. The camera app is straightforward, with basic modes like Pro, Panorama, and HDR, but lacks advanced features found in higher-end models.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 2350mAh battery, the Galaxy A3 2017 offers modest battery life. For light users, it can last a full day, but heavy usage will require a midday top-up. The lack of fast charging is another downside, as the phone takes a considerable amount of time to recharge fully. However, the power-efficient AMOLED display and optimized software help stretch the battery life as much as possible.

Software and Features

The phone runs Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, which adds useful features like Samsung Pay (with NFC support) and a customizable always-on display. However, the interface can feel bloated at times, and the aging Android version means you’ll miss out on newer features and security updates. The inclusion of an IP68 rating and a fingerprint scanner (embedded in the home button) are nice touches, though the scanner isn’t as fast or accurate as those found in more recent devices.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is a mixed bag. Its premium design, compact size, and AMOLED display make it appealing for users who want a stylish, pocket-friendly phone. However, the underwhelming performance, limited storage, and outdated software hold it back from being a standout choice in today’s market. If you prioritize aesthetics and durability over raw power, this phone might still be worth considering—especially if found at a discounted price.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9 mm

Weight: 138g

Display: 4.7-inch Super AMOLED, 720 x 1280 pixels (312 PPI)

Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa-core 1.6 GHz

RAM: 2GB

Storage: 16GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB)

Rear Camera: 13MP, f/1.9, autofocus, LED flash

Front Camera: 8MP, f/1.9

Battery: 2350mAh, non-removable

OS: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C

Other Features: IP68 dust/water resistance, fingerprint scanner, Samsung Pay