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Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) vs Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) specs comparison

Will the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) be a credible upgrade to last year's model? We take a look at the specs sheets to see they compare.
By
January 2, 2017

Samsung revealed its 2017 editions of the Galaxy A series in a press release earlier today. The news arrives just ahead of CES 2017 in Las Vegas, meaning there’s a chance we’ll get to go hands-on with them at the show. Until then, here’s a quick look at how the new Galaxy A7 — the high-end model of the series — compares to its 2016 counterpart.

The design of the two devices, while similar, differ in their shape: the Galaxy A7 featuring more pronounced curves on the edges and on the rear thanks to its 3D glass design. Further, the design of the Galaxy A7 (2017) also affords water and dust resistance with IP68 certification, and has a slightly larger display at 5.7-inches compared to 5.5-inches. Otherwise, the overall approach of the two is almost identical, with the buttons and sensors appearing in the same positions.

Samsung announces Galaxy A (2017) series with 3D glass, water-resistance and more
News

In terms of hardware components, the Galaxy A7 (2017) features improvements in almost every area. The processor, RAM, internal storage and battery all deliver some form of upgrade, but it’s the leap from 5 MP to 16 MP for the front-facing camera that may represent the most noticeable change.

The Galaxy A (2017) also benefits from USB-Type C connectivity, for faster charging and data transfer speeds, as well as an Always On display like the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Display
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED, 386ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, Always On Display
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED, 424ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Processor
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Exynos 7880 Octa, 1.9 GHz octa-core
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Exynos 7580 Octa, 1.6 GHz octa-core
GPU
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Mali-T830MP3
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Mali-T720MP2
RAM
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
3 GB
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
2 GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
32 GB
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
16 GB
Software
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
MicroSD
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Yes, up to 256 GB
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Yes, up to 128 GB
Rear camera
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
16 MP CMOS, f/1.9, autofocus, OIS, 1080p video recording,
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
13 MP CMOS, f/1.9, autofocus, OIS, 1080p video recording
Front camera
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
16 MP, f/1.9 aperture, 1080p video recording
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
5 MP, f/1.9 aperture, 1080p video recording
Fingerprint sensor
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Yes
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Yes
Battery
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
3,600 mAh, fast charging, USB Type-C
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
3,300 mAh, fast charging, microUSB v2.0
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
Dual-SIM, LTE, FM Radio, dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
Dual-SIM, LTE, FM Radio, dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v4.1, GPS
Extras
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
MST technology (Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, IP68 certification
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
MST technology (Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX
Dimensions and weight
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm, (weight tbc)
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
151.5 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm, 172 g

How exactly the price of these devices will differ remains to be seen, but it’s rumored that the 2017 A7 will cost RM1,899, or about $424. Meanwhile, the A7 2016 went on sale for the equivalent of around $380 when it launched in January last year.

Though Samsung doesn’t appear to have offered any “game-changing” upgrade, it has improved most aspects of the phone and added a few extras. If it can keep the price in the same region as the last model, I can’t see why fans of the series would be disappointed.

Do you think Samsung has provided a credible improvement with the Galaxy A7 (2017)? Or did you expect more? Give us your thoughts in the comments.