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Samsung A5 (2017) reviews
4.00out of 5
Compare Samsung A5 (2017) reviews, specifications and available UK retailer offers. Check the details for this exact model and follow the original critics’ findings.
Manufacturer codeSM-A520FZKA
The product, explained
About the Samsung A5 (2017)
Samsung SM-A520FZKA is listed in the smartphones category. The recorded specifications include display diagonal: 13.2 cm (5.2"); internal storage capacity: 32 GB; mobile network generation: 4G; operating system installed: Android 6.0.16. This entry covers manufacturer code SM-A520FZKA. Specifications relate to this exact source record; other editions or packages may differ.
The 13.2 cm (5.2") display is specified at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Consider these together: a larger screen provides more physical space, while resolution determines the number of pixels available. Neither specification establishes brightness, colour accuracy or motion quality.
- Screen size
- 13.2 cm (5.2")
- Screen resolution
- 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Memory (RAM)
- 3 GB
- Storage capacity
- 32 GB
- Mobile network generation
- 4G
- Rear camera resolution
- 16 MP
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Independent perspectives
Expert reviews 4
Independent ratings, converted to the same five-point scale. Each card links to the original review and identifies the available evidence.
Alphr
4.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 80%
The one fly in the ointment is that the phone doesn't come with Android 7 Nougat out of the box, which is mildly disappointing, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy A5 is a great mid-range smartphone. The current price of around...
Supplier-linked review for Samsung SM-A520FZKA. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 25 Sep 2026
What Hi-Fi?
4.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 80%
The Samsung Galaxy A5 is a mid-range phone in flagship clothing, and does a pretty impressive job of balancing the two so you don't feel like you're missing out.Understandably, there are some compromises to be made, but Samsung has picked them carefully a...
Supplier-linked review for Samsung SM-A520FZKA. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 25 Sep 2026
Stuff
4.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 80%
The A series used to be the runt of Samsung's Galaxy litter, but things have turned around massively for 2017. The Galaxy A5 is a great-looking, great-performing mid-ranger, with plenty of features you'd normally have to pay the big bucks for. Water resi...
Supplier-linked review for Samsung SM-A520FZKA. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 25 Sep 2026
TechRadar
4.00 / 5Publisher rating supplied by Icecat: 80%
Samsung has taken a lot of what makes the Galaxy S7 great and applied it to a phone on a tighter budget. If you want the best of Samsung but can't afford the flagship, the Galaxy A5 may be designed for you...
Supplier-linked review for Samsung SM-A520FZKA. Check the original for the tested configuration.
Read the full review ↗Excerpt and rating supplied through Icecat · Checked 25 Sep 2026
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8/ 104.00/ 5
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Samsung A5 (2017) specifications
Manufacturer code: SM-A520FZKA · Icecat product 34626751 · Checked 23 Sep 2026. Specifications belong to this exact model.
Key specifications
The main features to compare for this exact model. Missing details are not assumed.
| Screen size | 13.2 cm (5.2") |
|---|---|
| Screen resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Memory (RAM) | 3 GB |
| Storage capacity | 32 GB |
| Mobile network generation | 4G |
| Rear camera resolution | 16 MP |
| Battery capacity | 3000 mAh |
| Operating system installed | Android 6.0.16 |
| NFC | Yes |
More product specifications
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Audio & listening4 details
| Speakerphone | Yes |
|---|---|
| Microphone mute | Yes |
| Audio formats supported | AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, FLAC, MP3, OPUS, Vorbis, WMA |
| Headset included | Yes |
Display7 details
| Screen shape | Flat |
|---|---|
| Display technology marketing name | Super AMOLED |
| Panel type | OLED |
| Display number of colours | 16.78 million colours |
| Touchscreen type | Capacitive |
| Second display | No |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
Processor, memory & storage4 details
| Processor cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Processor frequency | 1.9 GHz |
| Compatible memory cards | MicroSD (TransFlash) |
| Maximum frame rate | 30 fps |
Camera, image & video12 details
| Front camera type | Single camera |
|---|---|
| Front camera resolution (numeric) | 16 MP |
| Rear camera flash | Yes |
| Video capture resolution (max) | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Resolution at capture speed | 1920x1080@30fps |
| Video recording modes | 1080p |
| Rear camera type | Single camera |
| Auto focus | Yes |
| Zoom capability | Yes |
| Video recording | Yes |
| Video call | Yes |
| Video formats supported | H.263, H.264, H.265, MP43, MPEG4, VC-1, VP8, VP9, WMV7, WMV8 |
Printing, scanning & paper2 details
| Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) | No |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
Connections & wireless14 details
| USB mass storage | Yes |
|---|---|
| SIM card type | NanoSIM |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standards | 802.11a, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11b, 802.11g, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HID, HOGP, HSP, MAP, OPP, PAN, PBAP |
| 2G bands (primary SIM) | 850,900,1800,1900 MHz |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| USB port | Yes |
| USB connector type | USB Type-C |
| Headphone connectivity | 3.5 mm |
| Wi-Fi positioning | Yes |
| Browsing time (Wi-Fi) (max) | 18 h |
Power & battery5 details
| Talk time (3G) (max) | 16 h |
|---|---|
| Stated music playback time | 53 h |
| Continuous audio playback time (display off) | 78 h |
| Continuous video playback time (max) | 19 h |
| AC adapter included | Yes |
Controls & features3 details
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ambient light sensor | Yes |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
Design & dimensions9 details
| Form factor | Bar |
|---|---|
| Product colour | Black |
| Colour name | Black Sky |
| Protection features | Dust resistant, Water resistant |
| Water and dust resistance (IP rating) | IP68 |
| Width | 71.4 mm |
| Depth | 7.9 mm |
| Height | 146.1 mm |
| Weight | 159 g |
Software & compatibility1 detail
| 3G bands supported | 850,900,1900,2100 MHz |
|---|
Further product details47 details
| Touch technology | Multi-touch |
|---|---|
| User memory | 23.1 GB |
| Maximum memory card size | 256 GB |
| Flash type | LED |
| Geotagging | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| 2G standards | GSM |
| 3G standards | WCDMA |
| 4G standard | LTE |
| Tethering (modem-mode) | Yes |
| Subscription type | No subscription |
| ANT+ enabled | Yes |
| Short Message Service (SMS) | Yes |
| Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) | Yes |
| Instant messaging (IM) | Yes |
| Chat | Yes |
| Yes | |
| Assisted GPS (A-GPS) | Yes |
| GPS (satellite) | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes |
| BeiDou | Yes |
| Position location | Yes |
| Personal info management (PIM) | Alarm clock, Calculator, Calendar, To-do list |
| Flight mode | Yes |
| Personalization | Icons, Menu, Shortcuts |
| Support for contact groups | Yes |
| Themes | Wallpapers |
| Vibrating alert | Yes |
| Call waiting | Yes |
| Call divert | Yes |
| Call hold | Yes |
| Caller ID | Yes |
| Conference call | Yes |
| Speed dialling | Yes |
| Call timer | Yes |
| Platform | Android |
| App distribution platform | Google Play |
| Google applications | Google Maps, Google Play, YouTube |
| Browsing time (3G) (max) | 13 h |
| Browsing time (4G) (max) | 16 h |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
| Quick start guide | Yes |
| Head SAR (EU) | 0.522 W/kg |
| Body SAR (EU) | 1.39 W/kg |
| Extremities SAR (EU) | 2.08 W/kg |
Packaging & supplied accessories5 details
| Package width | 160 mm |
|---|---|
| Package depth | 85 mm |
| Package height | 50 mm |
| Package weight | 3.54 kg |
| Cables included | USB |
Specifications describe the supplied product data, not measured review results. Battery life, range and performance figures are source claims and can vary with use.
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Your questions, answered
Samsung A5 (2017) FAQs
How many expert reviews are available for Samsung A5 (2017)?
This page currently includes 4 scored critic reviews. Each publisher counts once. Follow the review cards for the original verdict and the version that was tested.
What is the COR Score for Samsung A5 (2017)?
The current COR Score is 4.00 out of 5, calculated from 4 distinct critics. Ratings are converted to a five-point scale and given equal weight; affiliate offers do not affect this calculation.
Which exact version does this page cover?
This page identifies Samsung A5 (2017) using manufacturer code SM-A520FZKA. Check that code, configuration and supplied accessories against the retailer listing. Related-version reviews are labelled separately and do not contribute to this version’s score.
What is the listed display diagonal for Samsung A5 (2017)?
The source specification records display diagonal as 13.2 cm (5.2"). This is a specification, not an independent performance measurement. Check the exact model and the original critic reviews for real-world results.
What is the listed display resolution for Samsung A5 (2017)?
The source specification records display resolution as 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is a specification, not an independent performance measurement. Check the exact model and the original critic reviews for real-world results.
Where can I compare prices for Samsung A5 (2017)?
Use the retailer-offer section on this page for available matched offers. If no offer is shown, we do not currently have a verified price. Confirm model, stock, delivery and the final total at the retailer; coverage does not include every seller.
Will 5G work on every network?
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Are more megapixels always better?
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How should I use the specifications alongside reviews?
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Start with the complete buying guide →Phone screen sizes: choosing comfort over the diagonalA large diagonal can come from a tall, narrow display, so it does not describe grip width or pocket fit. Chassis dimensions, weight distribution and case thickness are better clues to everyday comfort.How much phone storage do you need?Choose storage from offline media, photo and video habits, large apps and how long the phone will be kept.Phone camera specifications that matter beyond megapixelsCompare main, ultrawide and telephoto results in real light, including focus, stabilisation and processing.Phone battery life, charging speed and long-term healthCompare tested endurance, charging time, heat and software limits rather than battery capacity alone.