Samsung Galaxy A5
Mid-range phones tend to fall down as a result of their disappointing cameras, usually because of mediocre software and slow image processing.
Keeping the Samsung Galaxy A5 chugging along is a brand-new octa-core Exynos 7880 CPU, with a slightly higher clock speed over its predecessor. However, it’s the 14nm manufacturing process that really makes it an interesting mid-range CPU.
A lower number here represents a more efficient processor, and this helps the Galaxy A5 achieve impressive stamina. General performance is good, with little to no lag, but it’s nowhere near as snappy as the only slightly more expensive Oneplus 3.
The rear-facing 16-megapixel camera is reliable, capturing detailed shots with good colour accuracy and without the need to faff around with confusing modes. Focusing is fast and accurate, and the clean app makes the shooting process pain-free.
The lack of OIS is a shame – especially since it graced the 2016 model – and there’s no phase detection autofocus either, but start shooting in sunny conditions and you’ll be happy with the results. There’s good depth to shots and enabling the HDR mode makes this even more obvious.
The 3, 000mAh cell – non-removable, as is now common with Samsung phones – is capable of making it through the day with few issues, and if you’re only using the phone infrequently throughout the day, it should have some juice left over for the following day if you forget to charge it one evening.