Side by side on a table, the two nearly identical rectangular handsets look innocuous enough and extremely familiar. Yet two things quietly make the Samsung Galaxy A3 and A5 stand out: their all-aluminum material and their unibody construction. Following the metal-l framed (and plastic-backed) Samsung Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy Note 4, the A5 and A3 represent Samsung's first stab at an all-metal build, and the first of its smartphones to seal in the battery completely. The square-sided handsets look and feel good, similar to the Alpha, or like smaller, more maneuverable versions of the Note They're also on the light side and are noticeably slim -- in fact, they're the most svelte Galaxy phones yet. Don't look for any real standout textures or design elements to show off the move to metal; these smooth-backed specimens are understated as far as that goes.
Since the back cover isn't removable, you'll find the SIM-card and microSD-card slots on the rightvedge. In some countries, a hybrid slot will accommodate either a second SIM or a storage card, just not both at the same time. As midrange phones, you won't find a heart-rate monitor built in with the camera module; Samsung says that sensor is reserved for more premium phones like the Galaxy S5 , Galaxy Note 4, and Galaxy Alpha. Midrange specs You might think that luxe metal casings like these would house equally high-end specs, but the A series is actually defined by midrange specs that target a more youthful demographic. Samsung's market studies revealed that this group isn't fussy about top-flight hardware, but is turning toward the metal trend in a serious way.
Samsung also points out that the A5 ad A3 emphasize sound quality, with adjustable audio that increases volume when it detects competing background noise. Another feature, called Wise Voice, helps keep volume levels constant for the receiver even if you're holding the phone away from your face. Sounds good in theory, though I didn't get a chance to test out either enhancement. In terms of color, both the A3 and A5 will come in six shades. There's the usual black and white, gold and silver metallics, and the same blossom pink and light blue as the Note 4. As usual, not every color will be available in every country.
Extra themes
Android 4.4 KitKat is the OS standard for these phones, with Samsung's TouchWiz interface on top. In a nod to self-expression, a new take on the UI lets you apply four new themes -- such asb"nature" -- that applies pre-selected images and ringtones. The A3 and A5 also have their own unique touch sounds that other Galaxy phones don't.
Supercharged selfies
The A3 and A5 may fall in the middle of the hardware spectrum, but they have a few fun new camera features dedicated to selfies, another huge trend we're seeing in smartphones.
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