Samsung Galaxy A3 (2014)
The manufacturer offers this phone with a 4.5 inch Super AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916 chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.
Reveal its truths, both good and not-so-good!
Table of Contents
- Samsung Galaxy A3 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Samsung Galaxy A3 specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Name | Galaxy A3 |
| Model | SM-A300 |
| Release date | 2014 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 3.88 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.12 x 2.58 x 0.27 inch |
| Colors | champagne gold, light blue, midnight black, pearl white, platinum silver, soft pink |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the Samsung Galaxy A3 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Adreno 306 |
The Samsung Galaxy A3 comes with Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | Super AMOLED |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.5 inch |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The Galaxy A3's AMOLED display has deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has fast response times and features like Always-On Display. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Galaxy A3 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Galaxy A3 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | yes |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The Galaxy A3 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Galaxy A3 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Galaxy A3 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Galaxy A3 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 1900 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Galaxy A3 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Galaxy A3 smartphone has an accelerometer. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- Super AMOLED display
- microSD slot
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
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I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.