Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018): Unveiling Specs, Features & Price in the UAE

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) made waves upon its release as Samsung's first foray into the triple camera system on a smartphone, a feature previously reserved for flagship devices. This positioned the A7 as a compelling mid-range option for consumers looking for advanced photography capabilities without the premium price. Its arrival in the UAE, a market with a high smartphone penetration rate of 99%, marked a significant shift in the accessibility of advanced mobile technology. For instance, users could finally experiment with wide-angle photography and depth-of-field effects without breaking the bank, broadening the creative possibilities for everyday users and aspiring mobile photographers.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) - A Mid-Range Contender in the UAE Market

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was fiercely competitive. The A7 (2018) distinguished itself with its triple camera setup, offering users versatility and creative control previously unseen in its price bracket. This, combined with its Super AMOLED display and sleek design, made it a strong contender in the UAE, a market where consumers appreciate both functionality and style. The device also boasted Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the audio experience for multimedia consumption, a feature highly valued in a region where entertainment is a significant part of the lifestyle.

As we've established, the A7 (2018) carved a niche for itself by democratizing the triple camera system. This review will dissect the device's long-term value proposition in the current UAE market, considering the advancements in technology since its release and the rise of pre-owned and refurbished device markets. We'll offer practical advice on where to find the best deals and what to look for when purchasing a pre-owned A7 (2018).

The Super AMOLED Display: Vibrant Colors for All Conditions

We’ll examine the vibrant Super AMOLED display, a technology that has continued to be a hallmark of Samsung devices, and assess its performance under the often bright sunlight conditions of the UAE. This discussion will include details on screen size, resolution, and its durability, thanks to Gorilla Glass protection. We'll also compare it to LCD screens common in other mid-range devices and illustrate the advantages of AMOLED technology in terms of color accuracy and power efficiency.

Beyond just specs, we’ll explore how the design and display contribute to the overall user experience, considering factors like ergonomics and the device’s feel in hand. We’ll look at how the A7 (2018)'s size and aspect ratio impact media consumption, especially for popular platforms like YouTube and Netflix, considering the UAE's high mobile video consumption rates.

Design and Display: Immersive Viewing for the UAE Lifestyle

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) features a 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. This provides ample screen real estate for browsing social media, watching videos, and playing games, all popular activities in the UAE, where smartphone usage is exceptionally high. The Super AMOLED technology ensures vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making the viewing experience immersive even under bright sunlight, a common scenario in the UAE. This vividness is particularly beneficial for viewing HDR content, which is increasingly prevalent on streaming platforms.

The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering a reasonable level of resistance against scratches and minor impacts, important for a device intended for everyday use in a dynamic environment like the UAE. This adds to the phone’s longevity, a key factor for budget-conscious consumers seeking value for their investment. While Gorilla Glass 3 isn't the latest version, it still provides decent protection against everyday wear and tear. Using a screen protector is recommended for added peace of mind.

RAM and Storage Options: Multitasking and Data Management

The A7 (2018) was available in two variants: 4GB RAM with 64GB of internal storage and 6GB RAM with 128GB of storage. Both versions supported expandable storage via microSDXC, allowing users to store a significant amount of media and files. This flexibility is beneficial for users who capture a lot of photos and videos with the triple camera system, a feature heavily promoted upon the device’s launch. For example, a user could easily store a large music library and several HD movies without worrying about running out of space.

Performance and Hardware: Powering Your Daily Tasks

The phone is powered by the Exynos 7885 chipset, fabricated using a 14nm process. This processor, coupled with the RAM options, delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. This is relevant for the UAE market where users are actively engaged in online activities and entertainment, driving a substantial portion of e-commerce revenue, with smartphones capturing a 79% share in 2024. While not a flagship processor, the Exynos 7885 handles common tasks efficiently, offering a lag-free experience for most users.

Processor Deep Dive: Understanding the Exynos 7885 (ARM Cortex-A73 & ARM Cortex-A53)

The Exynos 7885 features an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of two high-performance ARM Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six power-efficient ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This combination aims to balance performance and battery life, a crucial consideration in the UAE's mobile-centric lifestyle. This big.LITTLE architecture allows the phone to seamlessly switch between high-performance and power-saving modes depending on the task, optimizing battery usage without sacrificing performance when needed. For example, while browsing the web, the power-efficient cores are utilized, whereas during gaming, the high-performance cores kick in.

Graphics Performance: The Mali-G71 MP2 for Gaming and Visuals

The Mali-G71 MP2 GPU handles the graphics processing on the A7 (2018). While not designed for high-end gaming, it provides a decent gaming experience for casual gamers. It can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings, offering a smooth visual experience. Users can expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, albeit at lower graphical settings.

RAM and Storage Options: Multitasking and Data Management

As discussed earlier, the ample RAM and storage options enable users to multitask effectively and manage their data, further enhanced by the capability of expandable storage via microSDXC. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently switch between apps or use resource-intensive applications, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. For instance, users can seamlessly transition between browsing social media, checking email, and listening to music without experiencing significant slowdowns.

Operating System and User Interface (Mentioning Android version and Samsung's UI at the time)

The Samsung A7 launched with Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Samsung Experience 9.0. It was later updated to Android 10 with One UI 2.0. While not the latest Android version, One UI 2.0 offers a streamlined and user-friendly interface, enhancing the overall experience. This is significant for users in the UAE who value a smooth and intuitive software experience. One UI 2.0 brought improvements in navigation, gestures, and overall system performance, making the A7 (2018) feel more modern despite not running the latest Android version.

Connectivity Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Network Support (4G LTE)

The A7 (2018) supports 4G LTE for fast mobile data speeds, crucial for a market like the UAE with high internet penetration. It also features Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and GPS for seamless connectivity. The dual SIM card option caters to users who frequently travel or utilize multiple mobile numbers, a common practice in the UAE. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 allows for faster data transfer speeds and improved connection stability with compatible devices, enhancing the user experience when using wireless headphones or transferring files.

The 8MP telephoto lens allows users to capture detailed close-up shots, adding another dimension to the phone's photographic capabilities. This is particularly useful for capturing subjects that are far away, such as wildlife or architectural details, without compromising image quality. The 2x optical zoom provides a closer perspective without resorting to digital zoom, which can degrade image quality.

The 24MP main camera serves as the primary lens for capturing everyday photos. The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a wider field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. The 5MP depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode shots, adding a professional touch. The interplay between these lenses allows for a dynamic and versatile photography experience, providing users with more creative control.

Camera Features: AI Enhancements, Scene Optimizer, and More

While the A7 (2018) doesn't have the advanced AI features found in newer smartphones, it does include some basic scene optimization features. These features automatically adjust camera settings based on the detected scene, such as landscape, portrait, or food, optimizing the image for the best possible results. For example, when taking a photo of food, the camera will boost color saturation and sharpness to make the dish look more appealing.

Video Recording Capabilities

The A7 (2018) can record videos at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. While not the highest resolution available today, it’s sufficient for capturing everyday moments. The video quality is decent, capturing smooth footage with adequate detail. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in more stable videos, particularly when recording handheld.

Battery Life and Charging: Keeping You Connected Throughout the Day

The A7 (2018) is equipped with a 3300mAh battery. While charging speeds weren’t explicitly highlighted at launch, real-world tests show decent battery life, especially considering the phone’s processor and display technology. The device supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. This is crucial for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day. A full charge typically lasts a full day with moderate usage.

Price and Market Positioning

With the average price of a mobile phone in the UAE, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) now offers exceptional value in the pre-owned and refurbished market. Fonezone.ae stands out as a reliable source for competitive pricing on this device, catering to budget-conscious consumers in the UAE seeking quality Samsung Galaxy devices. Purchasing a pre-owned or refurbished A7 (2018) can offer significant cost savings compared to buying a new mid-range device, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) presents a compelling option for consumers in the UAE seeking a reliable and affordable Galaxy phone. While not a flagship device, its triple camera, vibrant Super AMOLED display, and decent performance make it a valuable choice in the pre-owned market. For the best Samsung Galaxy A7 price in UAE, visit Fonezone.ae. Its competitive pricing in the pre-owned market makes it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable and feature-rich smartphone experience without the premium price tag.

FAQ - Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)

1. What are the main camera features of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)?

The Galaxy A7 (2018) features a triple rear camera system with a 24MP main lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP depth sensor.

2. Does the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) support dual SIM cards?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) is a dual SIM smartphone, allowing users in the UAE to use two different numbers.

3. What is the battery capacity and life of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)?

It has a 3300mAh battery that can last a full day with normal use, though it lacks fast charging support.

4. What processor powers the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)?

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) is powered by a Samsung Exynos 7885 octa-core processor.

5. Does the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) have an AMOLED display?

Yes, it features a 6.0-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display.