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Storage and connections
- 64GB storage
- micro USB charging port
An impressive feature here is that Samsung gives you 64GB of storage on the Galaxy A7, the same capacity found in flagships like the Galaxy S9, Razer Phone 2 and Sony Xperia XZ3, not to mention the entry-level model of the new iPhone XS.
There’s also a microSD slot, so you can bump up the internal storage by an additional 512GB, plenty for any movie nut or music hoarder. The 4GB RAM likewise matches many flagships, while the A7 offers 4G connectivity up to Cat. 6 (301Mbps).
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A7 is, for the most part, a great mid-range phone. It delivers a punchy screen for the price and a solid user experience, while the camera system is really versatile. It also has great battery life and plenty of storage.
Beneath its sleek exterior, however, the A7 does feel a touch hollow, with the plastic frame paling in comparison to the rich metal on the cheaper Nokia 7.1, while the micro USB port and lack of fast charging are disappointments.
If none of that phases you though, and you want a great user experience, you can pick up the Galaxy A7 with confidence.
Who it's for
If you don’t want to pay flagship bucks for a good-looking phone with a versatile camera system and a great screen, the A7 could be for you.
It’ll even serve casual gamers well, and with its ample storage should keep movie fans happy. The 3.5mm headphone port is also a plus.
Should I buy it?
Yes, if you don’t mind the plastic frame, slightly hollow finish, dated charging port and not having the latest version of Android on your phone.
It’s also worth noting that there’s no manual camera mode and that pictures taken on the A7 are processed a fair bit, so amateur photography enthusiasts may not always love the results.
If, however, you’re happy with a phone that makes the decisions for you when it comes to picture taking, is reliable and snappy, and has a killer screen for the price, go for it.
Before you buy the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018), why not check out the competition?
Honor 8X
Costing almost £70 less than the Galaxy A7 in the UK, though not available in the US, the Honor 8X gives you much of what makes the A7 great, as well as more screen, more battery and more power.
You aren’t getting the Galaxy S9-esque user experience, but with more manual camera modes and such a big saving, anyone who wants a bigger screen and doesn’t mind forgoing a few Samsung niceties could profit from checking out the 8X.
Read our full Honor 8X review
Honor Play
Honor is nailing it in the mid-range market right now, and the Honor Play crams in a huge amount of power thanks to the Kirin 970 chipset, while costing less that the Galaxy A7.
This also guarantees it speedier 4G speeds, and better gaming performance. The all-metal body gives it a more industrial look too, while the inclusion of a USB-C charging port makes it feel a bit more future-proof.
Read our full Honor Play review
Nokia 7.1
The Nokia 7.1 outdoes the A7 when it comes to the design and in-hand feel. It’s also an Android One phone, so has a stock take on Google’s mobile OS and will get software updates sooner.
Its Achilles’ heel, however, is the 32GB onboard storage – half that of the Galaxy A7, although like the A7 it offers microSD expansion.
Read our full Nokia 7.1 review
First reviewed: November 2018
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