Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) review: A milestone for the masses

It was not all that long ago that Samsung was chronically criticized for putting too many plastic parts on expensive phones. Now, in 2017, things are entirely different. Of course, a few markets already saw affordable premium devices final year, but for many consumers, the new Galaxy J (2017) series presents that which seemed impossible only a few years agone. In this Galaxy J5 (2017) review, I'll be looking thoroughly at the outset of these devices to hit markets in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Galaxy J5 (2017) review: pattern

Jumping straight into the design of the Milky way J5 (2017), it is easy to understand why I am stoked. In many markets, this volition be ane of Samsung'south entry-level smartphones, and it easily surpasses recent flagship devices like the Milky way S6, mayhap fifty-fifty the Galaxy S7, in build quality.

Thanks to its moderate 5.ii-inch display and slightly thinner bezels, the Galaxy J5 (2017) is much nicer to handle than its predecessor. Simply like, for instance, on the Galaxy A3 (2017), the speaker is now institute on the side, just above the ability key. The metallic back is quite prone to scratches but no fingerprint magnet.

Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) review: A milestone for the masses

Overall, the Galaxy J5 (2017) is just a very well-built device, and I would prefer it over the Milky way A5 (2017) if it had any blazon of IP-certification. Information technology, even so, does not, as Samsung plainly must keep some differentiation betwixt it Galaxy J and A lineup. I am guessing the decision to include a micro-USB connector instead of a type-C one is backed by like logic, or Samsung simply had some other few one thousand thousand of those lying effectually. This was, obviously, non the instance with the notification LED, as the phone is non equipped with one, despite it being available on final year's Galaxy J7 Prime for the Indian market.

Either style, the phone feels very much nicer in my manus than the price tag suggests. And that is something I accept never said most whatsoever of Samsung's not-flagship devices until at present.

Brandish

Equally expected, the Galaxy J5 (2017) packs a 5.2-inch AMOLED display. While its contrast and color reproduction are as proficient as can be expected, the 720p HD resolution isn't quite 2017. If your eyes are good, y'all tin meet individual pixels, thank you to the display's PenTile subpixel layout.

At that place are several devices in the same price range, or cheaper, that have a 1080p Full Hard disk panel. These phones, however, normally accept a TFT LCD display, with lower contrast and less lively colors. If you lot're in the market for a telephone in this grade, your pick boils down to this: higher resolution or prettier colors. The Galaxy J5 (2017) offers the latter, not the onetime.

Samsung, in some of the J5's marketing materials, refers to the brandish as a 2.5D-display. And indeed, the panel lies ever so slightly to a higher place the metal rim surrounding information technology. Nonetheless, compared to any other two.5D display used by Samsung (S7, A series), this display should probably exist called two.second, if that were a affair. The visual consequence just isn't that obvious.

Overall, I volition say the Galaxy J5 (2017) packs a pretty nice display, even if it could take been sharper. The lower resolution sure is friendlier on the battery (more on that later). And although you lot have to wait a bit for our full review of the Milky way J7 (2017), I can requite you one footling spoiler: the Exynos 7870 SoC used in both the J5 and J7 handles 720p a lot better than 1080p.

Photographic camera

In this review and then far, the Milky way J5 (2017) was off to a flying start when I described the telephone's design. The display, though more than satisfactory, gave fewer reasons for outright enthusiasm, and this line continues with the cameras. Though fine for your average 'allow-me-quickly-snap-a-pic-to-post-somewhere' scenario, they're just not very adept. In recent years, Samsung has become and then good at providing a mind-blowing camera experience in its loftier-end smartphones, but there's none of that if you lot don't trounce out S8-similar cash. In other words: the J5 (2017)'southward cameras are very basic. At that place's no optical image stabilization, no real time HDR mode, and unlike the A series, yous can't fifty-fifty download additional camera features.

The lack of stabilization especially comes into play because at that place is no existent time HDR mode. The non-real time HDR 'Rich Tone' setting is so slow, it is near-incommunicable to concur the phone still enough for as long every bit it takes to capture the image. Without the HDR mode, dynamic range is express, so pictures often turn out too vivid or too night.

Colors are a fleck of a hit and miss affair too. Sometimes the rather dull looking tones are really closer to reality than some other devices that turn out oversaturated colors. However, at other times, the Galaxy J5 (2017)'s colors really are duller than reality. That said, machine focus is mostly pretty fast and authentic, which is a very of import quality for users who only want to point their phone and take a motion picture – in other words, most users, particularly ones shopping in this price range. And, especially in the light of earlier J devices, low-light shooting has improved considerably. I'k even inclined to say it performs meliorate in the night than, for example, the Galaxy A5 (2017), no doubt cheers to the faster autofocus and the reduced aperture (f/1.7 on the J5 vs f/1.9 on the A5).

As has become a stable in the J serial, the Galaxy J5 (2017) has a front cam (now 13 megapixels, just like the rear sensor) with a LED wink. And though I'm however not 1 to take a selfie more than, say, once a decade, I see the point of that flash. In the first-generation J series, using it often resulted in some rather unflattering pictures. In the Galaxy J5 (2017), the front flash has, for lack of a better clarification, matured. It's not about putting a heap of low-cal in your face, but about taking a more balanced picture show with fewer areas that are too nighttime or too light. I'one thousand nevertheless no fan, merely there are enough skilful reasons here to disagree with me.

In the video section, you won't be shooting anything sharper than 1080p FHD resolution. The Milky way J5 (2017) provides digital stabilization, which does a practiced job ironing out larger vibrations. Still, particularly in low-light conditions, the stabilization cannot entirely continue up with smaller ones.

All in all, the cameras in the Galaxy J5 (2017) do not present any surprises. They shoot overnice pictures in average conditions. For users who mostly desire to share their snaps with family and friends through messengers and social media, this is fine. The front flash has, so I guess, become pretty useful past at present. But with the J serial getting a more premium blueprint, the camera department is where paying less affects the overall feel. Perhaps not surprising, but something to be aware of nevertheless.

Software

What applies to the camera, applies less and less to the software. The first Milky way J'due south often lacked basic features plant in slightly more than expensive Samsung devices. But no more. The Milky way J5 (2017) comes with Android seven.0 out of the box, and (more notably) runs the same version of the Samsung Experience UX as the Galaxy S8.

This ways y'all tin can disable the app drawer entirely, or merely remove the button and then you accept to swipe up to admission it. At that place is the secure folder, not only hiding images and files simply entire apps and accounts. In that location is the theme store, that lets you install entire themes, or simply the wallpaper, or a different gear up of icons.

There are different energy saving modes, and Samsung's own cloud service Samsung Cloud is fully integrated. The blueish light filter is present, and you tin use two instances of some messenger apps – even exterior of the secure folder.

In terms of the Milky way J5 (2017)'s future software development, I cannot give you a definitive prediction. Going by previous J serial models, at least one big update to the Android Os can be expected. In term of security updates, Samsung has been updating the phone'south predecessors roughly every 2d month, dropping to quarterly updates in the 2d year of its lifespan. I say 'roughly' because ultimately update frequency varies per market.

Performance

Now, a few paragraphs back I already briefly touched on the Galaxy J5 (2017)'s operation. The 14-nanometer Exynos 7870 system-on-a-chip is not very powerful. Nevertheless, because of the display'south 720p resolution, it does non demand to be. During daily apply, the device feels smoothen and fast enough. Even most games can be played reasonably well, once again, considering of the modest pixel count.

Still, doing anything that requires more than ability often leads to delays. If you are installing, updating, or removing big applications, while doing something else, you lot will notice things can take a bit of fourth dimension.

The Galaxy J5 (2017) sure is fast plenty for the average user sending messages, sharing some pictures and playing a lilliputian game or two. Heavy users will observe the combination of Exynos 7870 and its 2GB RAM defective. This phone is not trying to impress the aficionado, though. It is trying to be 'just fast plenty' for the average user. I estimate it succeeds, particularly considering of ane aspect.

Sound quality

Like this year's A serial, the Galaxy J5 (2017) has its speaker located higher up the ability button. Compared to last year'southward J5, they provide a relatively balanced sound. At that place'southward less treble, and more mid, though I still can't call any of information technology bass. That is not Samsung'due south error, as tiny phone speakers are physically incapable of producing actual bass.

As for the earphones, slowly the time is approaching for Samsung to upgrade their mid-range earphone game. They did it with the Galaxy S8, and hopefully cheaper phones will profit from the Harman acquisition eventually. The set up that comes with the J5 (2017) is primarily 1 thing: cheap. For phone calls, it is satisfactory. For listening to music, not so much. Realistically, though, I did not expect much in this price range anyway. And if you bring your ain headphones, the phone is capable of pushing out acceptable audio quality.

Battery life

You might know the formula: decent battery size plus small processor and resolution equal practiced bombardment life. This is the equation Samsung's nails in the Galaxy J5 (2017). Even more assuredly than concluding year'south J serial models, this year's J5 (2017) squeezes 2 full days out of its 3,000 mAh battery in most usage scenarios.

The device continues the line Samsung has been post-obit for some fourth dimension at present, where its mid-range phones generally have a bombardment life equal to or better than its flagship models. Unfortunately, one feature that did not reach the J series however is fast charging. Through its micro-USB port, the J5 (2017) charges at an old-fashioned rate, though honestly, it is all the same pretty quick.

And while we're talking most the battery of the Milky way J5 (2017), in that location is another of import observation to be made. Not but was Samsung known for its use of plastics, but for years an exchangeable battery was part of the South-Koreans' practical approach. With the arrival of the full-metal J series, the user-exchangeable bombardment is almost gone from Samsung's portfolio in most markets. Only niche-devices similar the Milky way Xcover four even so accept the required removable dorsum plate. This, besides, is a landmark of sorts. Just a very different one than Samsung's utilise of metal in its cheaper devices.

Fingerprint reader, other features

Though the wrap-upwards of this review is in sight, we still must pay some attending to the fingerprint reader. But as with the metal body, this is a welcome addition to Samsung's lower mid-range lineup. On the Galaxy J5 (2017) it works without fuss. Like with other contempo Galaxy devices, the fingerprint reader on this telephone is always-on, too. To become to your beginning screen quickly, just put your pollex on the dwelling house key, and you will be in that location inside a second. No need to press the primal, mind you.

But bated from convenient unlocking, the fingerprint reader offers handy integration with features like Samsung Laissez passer and Secure Folder. The beginning remembers user details for apps, services, and websites, and then you can log-in everywhere using only your fingerprint. Secure Folder offers an extra secure environment without the Galaxy J5 (2017)'due south usual interface. Hither, yous can store all kinds of content you don't want to exist accessible to other users of the telephone. Furthermore, y'all can install unabridged applications in the Secure Folder, including user accounts that are not visible outside the folder.

In add-on, the fingerprint reader makes the Galaxy J5 (2017) well suited for professional use. The same applies to various payment services, with Samsung Pay as a notable instance, unfortunately with limited regional availability. The fingerprint reader provides functionality and versatility on a device that, in previous iterations, used to have clear limitations in this expanse. Or, in other words: despite its lower cost bespeak, the Galaxy J5 (2017) packs quite an elaborate set of features. And if you make up one's mind to become the dual-SIM version, you will still accept a microSD slot, dissimilar in the dual-SIM Galaxy S8. Y'all can utilise two SIM cards and still aggrandize the 16GB internal storage.

Conclusion

The Galaxy J5 (2017) most certainly presents a notable evolution of Samsung's J serial. The device no longer feels like an entry-level phone, only rather, offers an impressive build quality. Battery life is keen, and overall the J5 (2017) is a rich package blimp with useful features: fingerprint reader, Samsung Pass, Secure folder, Samsung Deject, FM radio, a microSD slot, dual messenger, themes and other customization options. The display looks groovy, even if no one would have been surprised well-nigh a panel with a higher pixel count.

Performance is sufficient for a vast majority of users shopping in the Galaxy J5 (2017)'southward price range. The rear camera'due south performance will exist sufficient for most as well, and the front cam takes pretty skillful selfies. Is it a pity that the Galaxy J5 (2017) is not water resistant? Sure, though not many (if whatever) phones in the same price range offer such a body nonetheless.

A real downside of the Galaxy J5 (2017), at least for some, could be the fact information technology no longer offers an exchangeable battery. As well, if y'all're into heavy applications and games, y'all will notice limitations to the processing prowess of the device. In 2017 Samsung still considers a notification LED to exist a high-end characteristic, as the Milky way J5 (2017) has none.

Even so, if you are looking for a solid, functional smartphone with solid bombardment performance, the Milky way J5 (2017) checks pretty much all boxes. I'd go as far as to say that this is the Galaxy that offers the most bang for your buck, peculiarly since most buyers will pay much less than its initial pricing, as they acquire it in the class of the next 12 to 18 months. Samsung is planning to send tens of millions of devices like this, and it is not difficult to imagine them doing just that.

Pros	Cons
Solid metal design	Screen resolution could exist higher
Expert looking brandish	No more exchangeable battery
Two-twenty-four hours battery life	No LED notification
Total of useful features	Micro-USB connector
Fast fingerprint reader
Good selfie camera