Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) vs Galaxy A7 (2017): A Detailed Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy A series aimed to bridge the gap between budget and flagship devices. The A9 Pro (2016) and A7 (2017) were popular choices, but which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A7 (2017) edges out the A9 Pro (2016) thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly better camera performance, and exceptional battery life. While the A9 Pro boasts a larger screen, the A7's overall package is more compelling for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016)	Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 28, 38, 40 -A910F/DS	-

Launch
Announced	2016, March. Released 2016, May	2017, January. Released 2017, January
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	161.7 x 80.9 x 7.9 mm (6.37 x 3.19 x 0.31 in)	156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm (6.17 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	210 g (7.41 oz)	186 g (6.56 oz)
	-	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~367 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size	6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~75.9% screen-to-body ratio)	5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm)	Exynos 7880 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 510	Mali-T830MP3
OS	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), Experience UI 9	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 4GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.8", AF, OIS	16 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/1.9	16 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE	4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (market dependant)	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio, RDS, recording	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
	ANT+ Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)	ANT+ Samsung Pay

Battery
Charging	18W wired	18W wired
Music play	Up to 109 h	Up to 59 h
Talk time	Up to 33 h (3G)	Up to 23 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	White, Black, Gold	Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud
Models	SM-A9100, SM-A910F, SM-A910F	SM-A720F, SM-A720S
Price	About 300 EUR	About 280 EUR
SAR	-	1.00 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.62 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body)	0.21 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise-91.9dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 115h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.124(sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 81dB
Performance	-	GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016)

Larger 6.0-inch display
Decent performance for everyday tasks
Expandable storage (microSD card slot)

Older chipset (Snapdragon 652)
Shorter battery life
Less efficient processor

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)

Better performance (Exynos 7880)
Exceptional battery life (115h endurance)
Slightly better camera quality
More modern design

Smaller display compared to A9 Pro
No significant upgrade in camera resolution

Display Comparison

Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The A9 Pro (2016) has a larger 6.0-inch screen compared to the A7 (2017)'s 5.5-inch display. While both have excellent contrast ratios (reported as 'Infinite' and 4.124 in sunlight), the A7's slightly smaller size might make it more comfortable to hold and use one-handed.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer decent camera capabilities. The A7 (2017) generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to its more modern image processing. Both have Photo/Video capabilities, but the A7's image processing is superior.

Performance

The A9 Pro (2016) utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652, while the A7 (2017) is powered by an Exynos 7880. The Exynos 7880 generally offers better performance and efficiency, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. The A9 Pro's Snapdragon 652 is still capable, but the A7 has a noticeable edge in responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Galaxy A7 (2017) shines in this category. It boasts an impressive endurance rating of 115 hours, significantly outperforming the A9 Pro (2016). This translates to significantly longer battery life on a single charge.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016)? Users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and gaming might find it appealing. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)? Those seeking long battery life, a more modern chipset, and a generally smoother user experience will prefer the A7.