Samsung says that the A5 and A3 are its slimmest smartphone models to date, measuring at 6.7mm and 6.9mm respectively. Both smartphones do away with the company's tradition of using plastic for the bodies. Moreover, both models come with a front camera of 5 MP.
The Galaxy A5 has higher specs. Apart from the five-inch screen, it has a RAM of 2GB, a quad-core processor of 1.2 GHz, and a rear shutter at 15 MP. It also comes with a HD super AMOLED display and 2300 mAh battery.
The Galaxy A3 features a smaller 4.5-inch super AMOLED display. While the processor is similar with the A5's, the device has a RAM of 1GB, and a rear camera of 8 MP. The battery is set at 1900 mAh.
Both models run Android KitKat 4.4, has built-in storage of 16GB, a slot for Micro-SD memory cards that can support up to 64GB and support for 4G networks. Moreover, both have batteries that can't be removed.
For the software, both devices offer similar software features that are common among the other Galaxy devices. These include an audio that can be automatically adjusted, Private Mode and Multiscreen and Ultra-Power Saving Mode. However, they don't seem to have the heart rate monitor and the finger print scanner found in the Galaxy S5.
As the phones are designed to cater mostly to young consumers, Samsung has chosen the colors light blue, soft pink, platinum silver, midnight black, pearl white and champagne gold for the new phones.
The 5 MP front cameras of both devices are perfect for super-sharp selfies. Some of the selfie features that are offered include the Rear-cam Selfie, Beauty Face Features, Animated GIF, Palm Selfie, and Wide Selfie. According to Samsung, the new phones can detect and focus on a subject's face automatically.
Samsung says that the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 are launching in China and in some select markets in November. Though the pricing for the two models are yet to be disclosed, it would be interesting to know how the phones would fare against the Xiaomi phones in China, which retail at $300 and $150.
With the new Galaxy models, Samsung aims to provide a premium-like smartphone experience but on a budget that is presumably more affordable. At least, the phones should be more pocket-friendly than the Galaxy S5 or the Galaxy Note 4.
"The Galaxy A5 and A3 offer a beautifully crafted full metal unibody, slim design, superior hardware and the best possible social media experience," said JK Shin, Samsung Electronics' CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication. "These devices make our advanced Galaxy experience even more accessible to young and trend conscious consumers."
