Samsung galaxy a5 2017 or galaxy j5 2017, which one do I buy?

Are you thinking of buying a Samsung mobile for less than 350 euros? Two of the possibilities with which you have the name Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 or Samsung Galaxy J5 2017. These are two devices with good features whose prices range between 300 euros, euro above euro below. Within the mid-range it is difficult to opt for one or the other. In any case, we cannot avoid bringing up some differences that will be the ones that will mark the final decision.

While the Galaxy A5 2017 stands out for the photographic section, the Galaxy J5 2017 does so in the operating system. And, the first of the two is governed by Android 6 and the second by Android 7, the most recent version available from Google's mobile platform. If you want to get rid of doubts and know which one to buy, keep reading. We give you all the keys to both.

Comparative sheet

	Samsung Galaxy A5 2017	Samsung Galaxy J5 2017
screen	5.2, Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (424 dpi)	Super AMOLED 5.2 inches with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution
Main chamber	16 megapixels, f / 1.9, Full HD video	13 megapixels with f / 1.7 aperture and flash
Camera for selfies	16 megapixels, f / 1.9, Full HD video	13 megapixels with aperture at f / 1.9 and flash
Internal memory	32 GB	16 GB
Extension	microSD up to 256GB	microSD up to 256 GB
Processor and RAM	Octa-core 1.9GHz processor per core, 3GB RAM	Exynos 7870 eight-core 1.6 GHz, 2GB of RAM
Drums	3,000 mAh	3,000 mAh
Operating system	Android 6.0 Marshmallow	Android 7 Nougat
Connections	BT 4.2, GPS, USB-C, NFC, WiFi 802.11 b / g / n / ac	minijack, USB 2.0, 4G, WiFi a / b / g / n / ac, WiFi Direct, GPS, Bluetooth 4.2
SIM	nanoSIM	nanoSIM
Design	Metal frames and glass back. Colors: Black / Gold / Blue / Pink	Aluminum and glass, black, blue and gold
Dimensions	146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 millimeters (159 grams)	146.3 x 71.3 x 7.8 mm (160 grams)
Featured Features	Fingerprint reader, IP68 protection, Always On Display	NFC, fingerprint reader
Release date	Available	Available
Price	320 euros	280 euros

1. Design and display

It's going to be difficult to decide on either one if you look only at the design. Both the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and the Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 have a very similar appearance, with a metal frame on the front and 3D glass on the back. Also, the two models offer very similar measurements, with a thickness of 7.9 and 7.8 millimeters, respectively. Its weight does not exceed 160 grams. Samsung, on the other hand, has placed a fingerprint reader on the front of the devices, right on the home button itself. This will help us to make payments or increase security.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2017

At the screen level things are also very close. If you wanted to find out in this section you are not in luck, except for the resolution and another small detail. The two computers have the same screen size: 5.2 inches.Of course, while the Galaxy A5 2017 offers a Full HD resolution, the J5 2017 stays in HD. For its part, the A5 2017 has an Always On Display or always-on screen. What does this mean? It is a quick alternative to having to turn on the panel every two by three every time we want to see, for example, our social networks. It will allow us to save a greater battery. Another point in its favor is that it boasts IP68 certification, something the J5 2017 lacks. Thanks to it, we can submerge the phone in up to a meter deep for half an hour.

2. Power and memory

We advise you that if you are looking for a mid-range device with an ideal power level, do not hesitate to take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. This model comes with an eight-core processor, capable of operating at a speed of 1.9 GHz, and accompanied by a 3 GB RAM memory. This set will give us the ability to work with heavy applications, including games with advanced graphics. The processor of the Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 does not roar in the same way. In your case you have an eight-core Exynos 7870 at 1.6 GHz with 2GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

In the internal storage capacity we also find differences. Here the Galaxy A5 2017 is again on top with a space of 32 GB (expandable). The J5 2017 has only 16 GB of storage, which can also be expanded by using microSD-type cards.

3. Camera

Again the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is again a little above the Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 in this section. The South Korean firm has done a great job with the A5's camera, both with the main and secondary sensors. Both offer a resolution of 16 megapixels,that for the subject of selfies is not bad. In fact, the Galaxy A5 2017 is one of the phones on the market that makes the best self-portraits. The aperture is f / 1.9 and it is capable of making video recordings in Full HD quality. Also, we have to highlight its HDR mode, one of the best results has given us in our tests. It is quite noticeable how the colors are more vivid and bright than in other rival phones. Also, the clarity in dark surroundings is really noticeable. It is worth that the captures present a certain unreal touch, although we can assure that not as much as in other cameras.

The Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 can not complain either, since its cameras have a resolution of 13 megapixels. In addition, in its favor we will say that unlike the A5 2017 the front camera has a flash, which never hurts to take selfies in poorly lit places. In your case, the aperture of the rear camera is f / 1.7 (it also has a flash). The secondary camera aperture is somewhat larger, at f / 1.9. In this sense, you will be the one who decides if you prefer to sacrifice some resolution, but have a flash for selfies. It should also be noted that neither of them offer optical image stabilization, so they can play some tricks on us when taking photos in motion.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2017

4. Operating system

Here we have to make a small stop, since there is a big difference that can make the final purchase decision. The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 comes standard with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The J5 2017 already does it with Android 7.0 Nougat. This version, in case you don't know them yet, has introduced some improvements and changes. Not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of add-ons and functionalities. One of the most prominent is the multi-window mode, which allows you to use two applications at the same time from the same screen. Nougat also features a smarter battery-saving Doze and a simpler, more minimal notification system.

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

The two versions of the platform: Android 6 and Android 7 are combined with the Touchwiz interface, the South Korean company's own software layer. In recent years, Samsung has worked a lot to reduce the weight of this interface. This has allowed us to see changes in performance and fluidity. These positive results can be seen quite evident in the Galaxy A5 2017 and Galaxy J5 2017. The loading time in menus and applications is now shorter and we can move around the screen more lightly.

5. Autonomy and connections

In our tests, the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 behaved at the autonomy level like a champion. We managed to get to use it for a whole day with half the charge. This is something that always comes in handy if we have to move or go on a trip for many hours. The fact that you don't have to think about a power supply to charge it always makes you breathe better. Specifically, this model has a 3,000 mAh battery. We show you the results it obtained in our tests with AnTuTu Tester. This tool measures the endurance of the device with a constant cycle of tasks: video playback, navigation, camera…

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 AnTuTu

We do not have such conclusive tests with the Samsung Galaxy J5 2017, but we believe that it will behave in a similar or better way, given its performance. The 2017 J5 also has a 3,000 mAh battery. On the subject of connections, again the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has something that the J5 2017 lacks. We refer to the USB type C port, which is used to transfer files or charge the device more quickly. However, both devices have LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC or a headphone minijack.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2017

6. At this point… which one to buy?

There is no doubt that if you are looking for a mobile that takes good selfies, offers somewhat superior functions, such as IP68 certification or USB type C, it is best that you opt for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. This device is somewhat more powerful than the J5 2017 and it also has some characteristics, as we have seen, that put it ahead. Logically, these types of improvements make it have a slightly higher price. Currently the Galaxy A5 2017 can be found for about 320 euros. The J5 2017 ranges from 280 euros. It is not too big a difference, but it can end up conditioning.

If you really use your mobile to browse, visit social networks, talk on WhatsApp and little else. All this without doing without a camera that is not bad and Android 7, the Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 is the mobile you need. What else for? Really deciding whether one or the other is going to depend a lot on your needs and the profile you have. If you are an athlete. for example, we recommend the A5 2017 in this case. Especially since it is a phone that has IP68 certification and that is always a plus. If instead you are an Android fan, you already know that the J5 2017 comes standard with Android 7 Nougat, so you will be able to enjoy the latest in apps and games.