Just started using the new Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) in March 2017. I didn't managed to find a lot of online user reviews on this phone so I kinda based on my past usage experience with the A5 (2016) to decide on buying this phone. I compared the specs of the A series 2016 and 2017, the difference is not much but here are some of the useful features in the new A7 (2017)
Dual SIM
This is great for those who are like me. You have two SIM cards which you need to have access to calls, SMS and WhatsApp. In the past, I used to carry two devices with me everywhere I go.
The A series 2016 is already having this feature, however 2G networks will be closed in Singapore from 1st Apr 2017. The A series 2017 supports 3G on SIM 1 and SIM 2, allowing users to have both SIM on 3G at the same time. However, only 1 SIM can be on 4G so choose the one with more data for your Data. Not to worry, you can switch out which default SIM to use for call, SMS and data from the SIM manager. For calls and SMS, you can easily choose which SIM to use to call out from the phone and message app.
In terms of WhatsApp, Samsung introduced Secure Folder (previous known as My Knox). This feature allows users to have a set of apps which are of a new "instance" apart from the main device. In my case, I used this feature to enable my A7 (2017) to have two instances of WhatsApp on one phone. Think of Secure Folder like a Virtual Machine.
With these features, users are future proof from the closure of 2G network and users no longer need to bring 2 different devices for work and personal use anymore. So simple.
Battery Life
The battery life on this device surprised me. Maybe it was due to the lesson which Samsung learnt from the Note 7 recall, Samsung did a lot more QC and testing on this series of device.
I am able to easily get 14 to 16 hours of use each day. And if I am not actively using the phone in the day, I will typically be left with about 40% of juice left after 12 hours of use.
Under Setting, Device Management, there is also a feature to automatically optimise the device to close background apps. The other useful feature is the Always on Display feature. This feature doesn't use a lot of battery and on the contrary, it save a lot of battery. I no longer need to click on the Home or power button to activate the screen to see if I have any notification waiting for me. All I need to do is to pull out my phone and the Always On Display will show me if I have any notification. The phone is also smart enough to turn off the screen when you put it in your pocket or bag, saving even more battery. You can also set the time for Always on Display to be active, then keep the feature off when you are asleep.
This phone also supports USB Type C so you can expect fast charging for this phone as well.
NFC Features
This phone support Samsung Pay, Android Pay, Dash, NFC Transit (for taking bus and train). With these features, you can safely say that this phone is able to handle most of the cashless transaction which you need as long as the merchant supports it. Lesser cards to bring around in the wallet.
Ease of use
For any android users, this phone is easy to lean and use. There is no learning curve for any existing android users.
iPhone users may take a while to get use to this phone, similar to any other android devices.
Samsung had kept the skin to the minimum. There is nothing fanciful about the skin. Just plain simple and easy.
Dust and Water Resistance (IP68)
This device had been designed to be IP68 standard. I had not tested it out nor do I do water activities often. But this feature does give users some assurance that the device is safe when accidents do happen.
Camera
This phone have a 16M camera. I am not very particular about image quality nor am I a professional photographer. But in general, the camera is able to take some decent photos without much issue. I do have a say that the camera doesn't perform so well in low light situation.
Overall
If you are looking for a "perfect" phone, then you can skip this phone as you may be disappointed. You will probably be happier if you get a iPhone or Galaxy S series phone. However, for a mid-range phone, this phone is "perfect" for the budget seeker. Although I must say that it is not the cheapest phone around. There are other mid-range phones out there with a lower price tag.
This phone shine when it comes to the support you can get with the brand name of Samsung. You can be sure that if there are apps which need the device to have finger print sensor or NFC support, this phone will most likely be supported and tested by the apps developer.
For software and firmware update, you can also look out for at least 2 years worth of update from Samsung. Until A7 2019 arrive, you will probably be still using this phone until then.
Article written on 20th Mar 2017
Jus Sayin Oni
Disclaimer
I do not work for Samsung nor get paid for writing this article. I am just writing out of interest and to share my personal usage experience. Stones and poison emails are NOT welcome.
