Samsung A7 Review : Is the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) Still Worth Buying?

Samsung A7 Review is still a popular search term among people looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone with premium features. Even though the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was launched several years ago, many users still consider it because of its stylish design, Super AMOLED display, triple rear camera setup, and reliable battery life. If you’re planning to buy a used Galaxy A7 or simply want to know whether it’s still worth using today, this detailed review will help you make the right decision.

In this Samsung A7 Review, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the phone’s design, display quality, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software experience, and overall value. We’ll also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the device so you can decide whether it fits your needs.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was one of Samsung’s most exciting mid-range smartphones when it was introduced. It was among the first Samsung phones to feature a triple-camera system, bringing premium camera features to a more affordable price range.

The phone combines an elegant design with Samsung’s vibrant AMOLED display technology. While it doesn’t compete directly with today’s flagship smartphones, it still offers a smooth everyday experience for users who mainly browse the internet, use social media, watch videos, and take photos.

Key Specifications

  • 6.0-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Display
  • Exynos 7885 Processor
  • 4GB or 6GB RAM
  • 64GB or 128GB Storage
  • Dedicated microSD Card Slot
  • Triple Rear Camera
  • 24MP Front Camera
  • 3300mAh Battery
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner
  • Android with Samsung Experience UI

Premium Design That Still Looks Modern

samsung a07 review
Samsung A7 Review

One of the highlights of this Samsung A7 Review is the phone’s appearance. Samsung gave the Galaxy A7 a premium design that still looks attractive today.

The front and back are covered with glossy glass, giving the phone an expensive look. The shiny finish reflects light beautifully, making it feel much more premium than many smartphones in the same price category.

Although the frame resembles metal, it is actually made of plastic with a glossy finish. Most users may not even notice this difference unless they inspect the phone closely.

Samsung also avoided using a display notch, which many users still appreciate. The bezels are slim enough while leaving space for the selfie camera and sensors.

The phone feels comfortable in the hand despite its large display, and the build quality is solid.

Design Pros

  • Premium glass finish
  • Stylish appearance
  • Comfortable grip
  • Modern symmetrical design
  • Attractive color options

Design Cons

Slippery without a case

Glossy back attracts fingerprints

Plastic frame instead of aluminum

Unlike many phones in 2018, Samsung opted for a full top bezel rather than a notch, housing the selfie camera and sensors. The 6-inch AMOLED display is a treat for the eyes, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals at a 1080p resolution with a pixel density of 411 PPI. The 600 nits brightness ensures great visibility, even in bright sunlight. Samsung’s signature Always-On Display feature is also here, but unfortunately, the phone lacks a notification LED, which may disappoint some users.

Also read this: Samsung A05: A Comprehensive Review of Samsung’s Budget-Friendly Smartphone

Premium Design That Still Looks Modern

Samsung A7 Review

One of the highlights of this Samsung A7 Review is the phone’s appearance. Samsung gave the Galaxy A7 a premium design that still looks attractive today.

The front and back are covered with glossy glass, giving the phone an expensive look. The shiny finish reflects light beautifully, making it feel much more premium than many smartphones in the same price category.

Although the frame resembles metal, it is actually made of plastic with a glossy finish. Most users may not even notice this difference unless they inspect the phone closely.

Samsung also avoided using a display notch, which many users still appreciate. The bezels are slim enough while leaving space for the selfie camera and sensors.

The phone feels comfortable in the hand despite its large display, and the build quality is solid.

Design Pros

  • Premium glass finish
  • Stylish appearance
  • Comfortable grip
  • Modern symmetrical design
  • Attractive color options

Design Cons

  • Glossy back attracts fingerprints
  • Plastic frame instead of aluminum
  • Slippery without a case

Beautiful Super AMOLED Display

samsung a07 review
Samsung A7 Review

Another reason why people still search for a Samsung A7 Review is the display quality.

Samsung has always been known for making excellent displays, and the Galaxy A7 continues that tradition.

The device features a 6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2220 × 1080 pixels. Colors appear vibrant, blacks are incredibly deep, and contrast levels are excellent.

Whether you’re watching YouTube, Netflix, or browsing photos, the display provides an enjoyable viewing experience.

The AMOLED technology also helps save battery while delivering richer colors than many LCD displays.

Display Highlights

  • Bright enough for outdoor use
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Deep black levels
  • Wide viewing angles
  • Crisp Full HD resolution

The Always-On Display is another useful feature that lets you quickly check notifications, time, and battery percentage without unlocking the phone.


Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor

Samsung A7 Review

Samsung introduced something different with the Galaxy A7 by placing the fingerprint scanner on the side rather than the back.

This location feels natural because your thumb rests near the power button while holding the phone.

The sensor generally works well, although it isn’t the fastest fingerprint scanner Samsung has ever produced.

Sometimes it takes an extra second to recognize your fingerprint, especially compared to newer smartphones.

The fingerprint scanner also supports a useful gesture that lets you swipe down to open the notification panel.

Although this is convenient, accidental swipes can occasionally happen.


Audio Experience

Samsung included several features that music lovers appreciate.

The phone offers:

  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Dolby Atmos support
  • FM Radio
  • Loud speaker
  • Good headphone volume

Having a headphone jack is still a major advantage for users who prefer wired headphones.

When using compatible headphones, Dolby Atmos enhances the listening experience by creating richer and more immersive sound.

Speaker quality is also respectable for a mid-range smartphone.


Storage and Expandability

One area where Samsung deserves praise is storage flexibility.

Unlike many smartphones today, the Galaxy A7 includes:

  • Dedicated microSD card slot
  • Dual SIM support
  • 64GB or 128GB internal storage

Since the microSD slot is separate, users don’t have to sacrifice a SIM card to expand storage.

This makes the phone ideal for users who store lots of photos, videos, music, and offline content.


Connectivity: Some Good Decisions and Some Strange Ones

Samsung A7 Review

While writing this Samsung A7 Review, it’s impossible not to mention Samsung’s unusual decisions regarding connectivity.

The phone supports:

  • Dual SIM
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi
  • Expandable storage

However, Samsung chose to include a Micro USB port instead of the newer USB Type-C connector.

At the time, many competing smartphones had already adopted USB-C, making this decision somewhat disappointing.

Another downgrade compared to the previous generation is the removal of the IP68 water resistance rating.

For users who value durability, this is one of the biggest compromises.


Performance for Everyday Use

Samsung A7 Review

The Samsung Galaxy A7 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7885 processor paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM.

For everyday activities, the phone performs well.

You can comfortably:

  • Browse social media
  • Watch videos
  • Use messaging apps
  • Attend video calls
  • Browse the web
  • Listen to music
  • Switch between multiple apps

The processor focuses more on power efficiency than raw performance.

If you’re a casual smartphone user, you’ll likely be satisfied.

However, gamers looking for maximum frame rates in demanding titles may notice that the phone isn’t as powerful as devices using Snapdragon processors from the same generation.

Even so, for daily use, the Galaxy A7 remains responsive enough for most people.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the Galaxy A7 (2018). The phone comes with a 3,300mAh battery, which may not sound large by today’s standards, but thanks to the power-efficient Exynos 7885 processor and AMOLED display, it delivers dependable all-day performance for most users.

For typical daily use, such as browsing social media, watching YouTube, chatting on WhatsApp, checking emails, and listening to music, the battery comfortably lasts an entire day. Users who mainly perform light tasks may even get through a day and a half before needing to recharge.

What You Can Expect

  • Up to a full day of normal usage
  • Excellent standby battery life
  • Efficient power management
  • Good battery optimization with Samsung Experience

Charging Speed

One drawback is the charging speed. The phone supports only 7.5W charging, which feels slow by modern standards. Charging from 0% to 100% takes well over two hours, so you’ll need some patience.

If fast charging is important to you, newer Samsung Galaxy A-series devices offer much quicker charging solutions.


Software Experience

Samsung A7 Review

The Galaxy A7 (2018) originally launched with Android Oreo and Samsung Experience UI. At the time, Samsung Experience provided a clean and user-friendly interface that included many useful features.

The software includes:

  • Samsung Themes
  • Game Launcher
  • Samsung Gallery
  • Google Photos integration
  • Device Maintenance tools
  • Secure Folder
  • Always-On Display
  • One-handed mode
  • Split-screen multitasking

The interface is easy to understand, even for first-time Samsung users. Navigation is smooth, menus are well organized, and Samsung’s extra features add convenience without making the phone difficult to use.

While the software feels polished, users should remember that the Galaxy A7 no longer receives major Android updates. If having the latest Android version and security patches is your top priority, this is something to consider.


Triple Camera System

The biggest highlight of this Samsung A7 Review is the triple-camera setup. At launch, Samsung became one of the first major smartphone manufacturers to bring three rear cameras to the mid-range market.

The camera system includes:

  • 24MP Main Camera
  • 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
  • 5MP Depth Sensor

Each camera serves a different purpose, giving users more flexibility when taking photos.


Main Camera Performance

The 24MP primary camera performs well in daylight.

Photos generally offer:

  • Bright colors
  • Good exposure
  • Nice contrast
  • Reliable autofocus
  • Pleasant dynamic range

Samsung’s image processing makes colors look vivid without appearing unnatural. Landscapes, buildings, food, and outdoor scenes all look attractive.

The camera also handles HDR reasonably well, helping preserve details in bright skies and darker shadows.

However, don’t expect flagship-level sharpness. Fine details sometimes appear softer than expected from a 24MP sensor.

Still, for everyday photography, the results are more than satisfying.


Ultra-Wide Camera

The ultra-wide camera is one of the reasons many people still search for a Samsung A7 Review today.

This lens allows you to capture much more of a scene, making it useful for:

  • Landscapes
  • Architecture
  • Group photos
  • Travel photography
  • Indoor spaces

Having this option greatly increases the phone’s versatility.

The downside is that image quality drops slightly compared to the main camera.

You may notice:

  • Less detail
  • Narrower dynamic range
  • Slightly muted colors
  • Barrel distortion around the edges

Even so, it’s a fun camera to use and remains useful in many situations.


Portrait Mode

The dedicated depth sensor helps create background blur for portrait shots.

Portrait photos generally produce:

  • Good edge detection
  • Adjustable blur level
  • Natural-looking backgrounds

Hair separation isn’t perfect every time, but for a mid-range smartphone released in 2018, portrait mode performs surprisingly well.


Low-Light Photography

Low-light performance is one area where the Galaxy A7 begins to show its age.

At night, photos tend to have:

  • Less detail
  • Softer textures
  • Reduced dynamic range
  • Slightly muted colors

Noise control remains decent, but don’t expect bright, detailed night photos like those from modern Samsung Galaxy phones.

The ultra-wide camera struggles even more in dark environments, so it’s best reserved for well-lit scenes.


Selfie Camera

Samsung equipped the Galaxy A7 with a 24MP front-facing camera, making it an attractive option for selfie lovers.

During daylight, selfies look:

  • Bright
  • Colorful
  • Natural
  • Social-media ready

Skin tones appear pleasant, and portrait selfies also look quite good.

The only limitation is that the front camera uses fixed focus. If you hold the phone slightly farther away than expected, your face may not appear as sharp as it could.

Nevertheless, for casual selfies and video calls, the camera performs very well.


Video Recording

Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which was common for mid-range smartphones of its generation.

Despite lacking 4K recording, video quality remains impressive.

Videos offer:

  • Good detail
  • Accurate colors
  • Excellent contrast
  • Smooth electronic stabilization

The stabilization works especially well while walking, helping reduce shaky footage.

The ultra-wide camera can also record videos, making it useful for travel and outdoor shooting.


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Premium-looking design
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display
  • Triple-camera setup
  • Dedicated microSD card slot
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Dolby Atmos support
  • Reliable battery life
  • Bright and colorful display
  • Good daylight photography

Cons

  • Micro USB instead of USB-C
  • No IP68 water resistance
  • Slow charging speed
  • Average gaming performance
  • Low-light camera could be better
  • Fingerprint scanner isn’t the fastest

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A7?

The Galaxy A7 is still a reasonable choice if you:

  • Want an affordable Samsung phone
  • Mainly use social media
  • Watch YouTube and Netflix
  • Need a beautiful AMOLED display
  • Like taking casual photos
  • Prefer expandable storage
  • Want a headphone jack

However, if you need powerful gaming performance, 5G connectivity, fast charging, or the latest Android updates, you should consider a newer Galaxy A-series model.


Final Verdict

To conclude this Samsung A7 Review, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) remains a well-rounded smartphone for users looking for a budget-friendly Samsung experience. Its premium design, vibrant AMOLED display, dependable battery life, and versatile triple-camera system are still enjoyable for everyday use.

While it lacks some modern features such as USB Type-C, water resistance, and fast charging, it continues to perform well for basic tasks, multimedia consumption, and casual photography.

If you’re buying it at a reasonable second-hand price, the Galaxy A7 can still offer good value. However, if your budget allows, newer Galaxy A-series smartphones provide better performance, longer software support, improved cameras, and faster charging.

Overall, this Samsung A7 Review shows that the Galaxy A7 (2018) was an important step in Samsung’s mid-range lineup and remains a capable device for users with modest smartphone needs.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A7 still worth buying?

Yes, especially if you’re purchasing it at a low price for everyday use such as calling, messaging, social media, and video streaming.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A7 have a good camera?

Yes. The triple-camera system performs well in daylight and offers a useful ultra-wide camera, although low-light photography is only average.

Does the Galaxy A7 support expandable storage?

Yes. It has a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage without removing a SIM card.

Is the display good?

Absolutely. The 6-inch Super AMOLED display remains one of the phone’s biggest strengths thanks to its vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Is the Galaxy A7 good for gaming?

It can handle casual games comfortably, but demanding games may require lower graphics settings for smoother performance.

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