Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016): A Detailed Look

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) represented a significant step forward in Samsung’s mid-range smartphone offerings, blending premium design elements with solid performance. Released in December 2015, this device aimed to bridge the gap between Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series and its more affordable options. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Galaxy A5 (2016), covering its design, features, and current market value.

Design and Build Quality

One of the defining features of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was its design. Unlike its predecessor, the A5 (2016) adopted an aluminum and glass construction, giving it a more premium feel akin to the flagship Galaxy S series. Both the front and back of the device were protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 [1], enhancing its durability against scratches and impacts. The phone measured 144.8 x 71 x 7.3 mm and weighed 155g.

Display

The Galaxy A5 (2016) featured a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) resolution and a pixel density of 424 ppi. The 2.5D curved glass added to the phone’s aesthetic appeal and provided a comfortable grip. The display offered vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, typical of Super AMOLED technology.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy A5 (2016) was powered by a Samsung Exynos 7 Octa 7580 processor, featuring an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. The device came equipped with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which could be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. It supported 2G, 3G (UMTS/HSPA), and 4G (LTE) networks.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy A5 (2016) boasted a 13MP rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture, a 28mm lens, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). OIS helped to minimize blur in photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The rear camera was capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. The front-facing camera was a 5MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 24mm lens, as well capable of recording 1080p video.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The device was equipped with a 2900 mAh non-removable battery, which offered up to two days of moderate use. It also supported prompt charging technology. Connectivity options included 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.1 with A2DP, EDR, and LE, and a microUSB 2.0 port. It also featured a fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, digital compass, aGPS, and GLONASS.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) originally launched with Android 5.1.1 “Lollipop” with Samsung’s TouchWiz Noble UX. It was later updated to Android 7.0 “Nougat” with Samsung Experience 8.0.

Current Market Value (February 2026)

As of February 2026, used Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) units are available on various e-commerce platforms at prices ranging from IDR 500,000 to IDR 850,000, depending on the device’s physical condition. [2]

Key Takeaways

• Premium Design: The combination of aluminum and Gorilla Glass 4 provided a luxurious feel.
• Stable Camera: The 13MP rear camera with OIS ensured clear photos and videos.
• Expandable Storage: The microSD card slot allowed for up to 128GB of additional storage.
• Solid Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery offered up to two days of moderate use.