Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
Galaxy S7
Starting at
£78.66£489.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy S7?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) starts at £72.10, £6.56 less than the Galaxy S7. The Galaxy A5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 (14 nm), Exynos 8 Octa 8890 on the Galaxy S7.
- The Galaxy S7 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- Screen size: 5.2 inch on the Galaxy A5 (2017), 5.1 inch on the Galaxy S7.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy S7 both offer solid options for those seeking a refurbished Samsung phone, but they suit different priorities. The Galaxy A5 (2017) is better for you if you want a higher resolution front camera. It also comes in larger storage sizes and has a slightly larger screen. The Galaxy S7 has a higher screen resolution overall and a main camera with fewer megapixels but a reputation for balanced performance. It has more RAM which helps with running multiple apps smoothly. Choose the Galaxy A5 (2017) for a bigger selfie camera and storage, or the Galaxy S7 for a sharper screen and slightly lighter device.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 price
Colour
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and physical design. Durability focuses on their basic build and software compatibility.
Operating System And Updates
This means both phones operate on older versions of Android, which suits users comfortable with stable, established software rather than the newest features.
Physical Design
Both phones have a traditional design. This makes them straightforward and familiar to use for anyone wanting a classic smartphone form.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 performance
Performance is shaped by chipset, RAM and storage options. Each device has different chipsets and RAM amounts that fit different user needs.
Chipset Types
The Galaxy A5 (2017) runs on the Exynos 7880 chipset, while the Galaxy S7 uses either the Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 or the Exynos 8 Octa 8890, depending on the version. This means the Galaxy S7 is designed with a chipset that was high-end for its release, suiting users who want strong performance for apps and games.
Memory For Multitasking
The Galaxy S7 has 4 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open smoothly, ideal if you switch between apps frequently. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has 3 GB of RAM, which supports everyday use well but is better suited for lighter multitasking.
Storage Sizes
The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers storage options of 32GB and 64GB, so you can choose more space for photos, apps and files. The Galaxy S7 is stocked in 32GB only, which suits users who manage storage carefully or use external storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 screen
Screen quality revolves around size, resolution and display type. Both phones use Super AMOLED screens but have different sizes and resolutions that affect viewing experience.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S7 features a 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution, offering very sharp detail for watching videos and viewing images. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920, which is still clear and good for everyday use but less detailed than the S7.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a slightly larger 5.2 inch screen, providing a bit more room for reading and media. The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1 inch screen, which is more compact and may suit those wanting a smaller phone that fits easily in hand or pocket.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras that capture photos and video. The two phones differ in front and main camera megapixels, affecting photo detail and selfie quality.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-quality self-portraits or video chats. The Galaxy S7 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which provides decent selfie quality but less detail.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A5 (2017) offers a 16 megapixel main camera, good for capturing detailed photos. The Galaxy S7 has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still takes sharp pictures and may appeal to those who prefer balanced camera performance.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 size and design
Miscellaneous features cover network, physical size, carrier compatibility and expandability. These details affect everyday usability and convenience.
Carrier And Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, making them flexible choices for use with most UK carriers. They both accept dual physical SIM cards and microSDXC cards, so you can expand storage and use two numbers if needed.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy A5 (2017) measures 146.1 mm in height and 71.4 mm in width, with a depth of 7.9 mm and weight of 157 g. The Galaxy S7 is slightly taller at 142.4 mm, narrower at 69.6 mm, deeper at 7.9 mm, and lighter at 152 g. These size differences may influence which phone feels more comfortable in your hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or Galaxy S7: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £72.10, £6.56 less than the Galaxy S7
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy S7 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (152 g vs 157 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A5 (2017) generally say it looks like new and operates well. Many appreciate the phone's reliability and recommend it for everyday use. Some mention issues with network locking on a few units, but overall users find it a good value with clear screens and solid performance for common tasks. The larger front camera is a highlight for those who enjoy selfies.
Galaxy S7 customers describe the phone as good quality with a fair price. Several users note that the battery life can be short and may require replacement to improve usage. The screen is praised for sharp detail, but some find setup a little tricky due to different apps. The phone's size and balanced performance are appreciated, although some report minor hardware quirks like an unresponsive side switch.
Both phones suit different needs: choose the Galaxy A5 (2017) if you want higher front camera resolution and storage options, or the Galaxy S7 if you value a sharper screen and slightly more RAM for multitasking.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 (14 nm), Exynos 8 Octa 8890 on the Galaxy S7. The Galaxy S7 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £72.10 compared with £78.66 for the Galaxy S7.
Both have the same battery: 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy S7 ended in Jun 2019.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) adds a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 5 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £6.56 less (from £72.10 vs £78.66).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy S7 in 32GB.
