Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)

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Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8 phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

4/24/2018 10:36 PM, updated: 12/24/2021 4:38 AM

Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 8 X Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS) 05Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

5.2"
AMOLED

1080x1920

16
MP

16mp

3GB
RAM

Octa-core

3000
mAh

(Non removable)

27Points Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.3"
AMOLED

1440x2960

12.2
MP

8mp

6GB
RAM

Octa-core

3300
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

5 Advantages Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	vs	27 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
+157 grams (5.5 ounces)24% Lighter	vs	195 grams (6.83 ounces)
+7.9 millimeters (0.31 inches)9% Thinner	vs	8.6 millimeters (0.34 inches)
+(front) 16MP59% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies	vs	(dual front camera) 8MP + 2MP
+18W20% More power (watts) to charge the battery faster. Sometimes, the charger that comes with the device doesn't have the same power supported by the device. Check before you buy it.	vs	15W
+2 slots (Dual-SIM) (dedicated slot)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.	vs	2 slots (Dual-SIM) (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)
1.9GHz 64bit Octa-core	vs	+2.3GHz 64bit Octa-core (10nm)18% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
3GB LPDDR4	vs	+6GB LPDDR4X100% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
32GB (22GB available)	vs	+128GB (115GB available)4 times More internal storage for applications and files
eMMC 5.1	vs	+UFS 2.1Advantage Fastest write and read storage.
Until 256GB microSD, microSDXC	vs	+Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC3 times More external storage for files using memory cards
Not supported	vs	+HDR10Advantage The HDR10 display provides vibrant colors and more details
1080x1920 pixels	vs	+1440x2960 pixels106% Higher resolution screen
424 PPI	vs	+522 PPI23% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
5.2"	vs	+6.3"21% Larger screen
(back) 16MP	vs	+(dual camera) 12.2MP + 12MP52% Higher resolution main camera
LED flash	vs	+Dual-LED flashAdvantage The Dual-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
Only digital zoom	vs	+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
EIS: Digital stabilization	vs	+OIS: Optical stabilizationAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video
HDR photo only main camera	vs	+HDR photo/video on both camerasAdvantage The HDR technology produced photos with more detail in dark areas
f/1.9 (aperture)	vs	+f/1.7 (aperture)12% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
Full HD (1920x1080)	vs	+4K UHD (3840x2160)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
(front) Full HD (1920x1080)	vs	+(front) 2K UHD (2560x1440)78% More image quality for recording videos with the secondary camera
Android 8.0 Oreo	vs	+Android 9.0 PieAdvantage Android 9.0 Pie is newer and safer
(4G LTE-A) 300 Mbps	vs	+(4G LTE-A) 1024 Mbps2 times Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Not supported	vs	+Face unlockAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Heart rateAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Iris scannerAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+SpO2Advantage Sensors help you use the device
3000 mAh	vs	+3300 mAh10% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
Not supported	vs	+Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)Advantage Wireless charging is another way to charge the battery.
4.2 + A2DP	vs	+5.0 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 5.0 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster
USB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector	vs	+USB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.

25 Common items in both devices

Aluminum frame, glass front/back

Super AMOLED

60Hz

16 million

Autofocus / PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera

4G LTE-A

Capacitive

+18 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Other model names	Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F/Dual-Sim	Galaxy Note8 Duos SM-N950FD, Samsung Baikal
Country or region available	(Latin America), (Global, International), Saudi Arabia, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine	(Latin America), (Europe), (Global, International), Brazil
Brand	Samsung	Samsung
Release date	1/13/2017	9/1/2017, Announced: 8/23/2017
Depth	7.9 millimeters (0.31 inches)	8.6 millimeters (0.34 inches)
Size (width x height)	71.4 x 146.1 millimeters (2.81 x 5.75 in)	74.8 x 162.5 millimeters (2.94 x 6.4 in)
Weight	157 grams (5.5 ounces)	195 grams (6.83 ounces)
Build, materials	Aluminum frame, glass front/back	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Display type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Screen size	5.2" inches	6.3" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~71.5% (screen-to-body ratio)	~82.9% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1080x1920 pixels (16:9)	1440x2960 pixels (18.5:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	424 PPI	522 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass 3	Gorilla Glass 5
Refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz
Display features	Not supported	HDR10 Always-On Display
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
System version	Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow	Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Firmware update	Android 8.0 Oreo	Android 9.0 Pie
User Interface	feature not registered	Grace UX UI
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Chipset	64bit: Samsung Exynos 7 Octa 7880 (14nm)	64bit: Samsung Exynos 8895 (10nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 1 processor: 8x 1.9GHz ARM Cortex-A53 (Octa-core)	Octa-core, 2 processors: 4x 2.3GHz M2 Mongoose (Quad-core) 4x 1.7GHz ARM Cortex-A53 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	ARM Mali-T830 MP3	ARM Mali-G71 MP20 (546MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	feature not registered	AnTuTu: 262850 (v8) Geekbench: 6748 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
RAM memory	3GB LPDDR4	6GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage	32GB (22GB available) eMMC 5.1	128GB (115GB available) UFS 2.1
External storage	Until 256GB microSD, microSDXC (dedicated slot)	Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC (hybrid slot/shares the same SIM-2 slot)
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (dedicated slot)	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)
SIM card	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	300/50 Mbps	1024/150 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G	2G, 3G, 4G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat6 (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 28) TD-LTE (Bands 38, 40, 41)	LTE Cat16 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
Primary 5G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A	GPRS, EDGE, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
Secondary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	LTE Cat16 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
Secondary data network	GPRS, EDGE	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
📷 Camera
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Back camera (main camera)	16 megapixels	(dual camera) 12.2 megapixels 12MP telephoto f/2.452mm1/3.6"1.0µmAF2x-optical-zoom
Main camera resolution	4608x3456 pixels	4032x3024 pixels
Video recording (primary)	Full HD (1920x1080) 30 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 30 fps
Flash	LED flash	Dual-LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.9 (aperture)	f/1.7 (aperture)
Focal length	27mm lens	26mm lens
Sensor size	feature not registered	1/2.55" inches
Pixel size	feature not registered	1.4µm pixel
Autofocus	Autofocus	PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	EIS: Digital stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Only digital zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Not supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo only main camera	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	feature not registered	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Front camera (secondary)	16 megapixels	(dual front camera) 8 megapixels 2MP irisscanner
Front camera resolution	4608x3456 pixels	3264x2448 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	Full HD (1920x1080)	2K UHD (2560x1440)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/1.9 (aperture)	f/1.7 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm lens	25mm lens
Sensor size	1/3.1" inches	1/3.6" inches
Pixel size	1µm pixel	1.22µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Loudspeaker	Supported	Mono sound (not stereo) 32-bit/384kHz
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	2 microphones or more
Radio	FM	FM
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, WMV	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, DivX, XviD
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, OGG, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
USB	USB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector	USB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	3.5mm jack	3.5mm jack
TV output	Not supported	USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth	4.2 + A2DP	5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Not supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Barometer Compass Fingerprint sensor (front-mounted) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted) Gyroscope Hall effect Heart rate Iris scanner Proximity sensor SpO2
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity	3000 mAh	3300 mAh
Charger, watts	18W Wired fast charging	15W Wired fast charging Quick Charge 2
Inductive / wireless charging	Not supported	Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
Talk time autonomy	16 hours	22 hours
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Black, Gold, Blue, Pink • Gorilla Glass on the back • Samsung Grace UX	• Colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Orchid Gray • Samsung DeX (desktop experience) • Curved edge screen • Corning Gorilla Glass 5 back panel • Samsung Gear VR compatible • Samsung Pay
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F/DS)	Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS 128GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	0.522W/kg (head), 1.39W/kg (body)	feature not registered