Samsung Galaxy On7 First Impressions - The Better Affordable Samsung Experience?

To be honest, Samsung's portfolio in the sub-10K range is arguably their weakest in terms of value for money. Even if there's a dramatic improvement compared from their offerings last year, their current J series is still not as competitive against their rivals from the international scene.

Samsung Galaxy On7 first impressions

Enter the Galaxy On7, a device that was first announced in China late last year which aims to bring good "Samsung experience" on an affordable package. It's touted to have better build, sleeker design, and better specs than their J series under 10K. Gladly, we got the good news from Lazada Philippines that they'll exclusively bring this handset here.

Then earlier, we got a chance to grab a hold of this unit to tell you guys what we think of it. Is it a great buy? Let's all find out.

Samsung Galaxy On7 Specs

Display: 5.5 Inch HD TFT 1280 x 720 resolution at 267 ppi

CPU: 1.3 GHz 64 Bit Snapdragon 410 quad core processor

GPU: Adreno 306

RAM: 1.5 GB

ROM: 8 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128 GB

Back Camera: 13 MP f/2.1 w/ AF and LED flash

Selfie Camera: 5 MP

Battery: 3,000 mAh

OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop w/ TouchWiz UI

Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth 4.1, dual SIM (hybrid)

Others: Colors: Gold

Dimensions: 151.8 x 77.5 x 8.2 mm

Weight: 172 g

Price: 8,990 Pesos

Build Quality / Design

Faux leather back cover

For me, the Samsung Galaxy On7 arguably has the best design and build from any modern sub-10k Samsung device that's readily available here. It goes with metallic like full plastic frame that has great feel and texture. On its back cover, you'll be treated with a faux leather like design that doesn't feel cheap at all. On top, there's a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protected panel that prevents annoying hairline scratches and even damages from light drops.

SIM card trays, micro SD card slot, removable 3,000 mAh battery

Based on what we initially experienced, the On7 comes with decent build quality for the price, that should be durable enough as long as you take a good care of it properly.

Micro USB port, single mic and 3.5 mm jack below

Volume rocker on the left

Power button on the right

In terms of design, this is an easy to love phone even on first look. It kinda reminds me of the Note series, but smaller. It has some nice chamfered like edges, beautiful contours, nice semi curve at the back, and stylish chrome painted sides.

The On7 is an affordable Samsung phone that mimics their higher end offerings very well in terms of design.

To my eyes, this phone mimics the look of their higher-end offerings in the above 15K range unless you grab a real hold of it where you'll discover the difference in materials used.

Ergonomically, it did just fine as well. It's easy on the hands, doesn't have too much heft, and comes with good grip to give you a better hold. It's button and ports placements were quite okay too, even if we're used to phones that only have the volume rocker and power button on one side.

In general, while it doesn't have top notch material, Samsung managed to make it average at best that doesn't feel tawdry at all.

Specs and features analysis

27K Antutu score for a Snapdragon 410 chip

In terms of specs, the Galaxy On7 appears to be acceptable on paper. It goes with a 5.5 inch screen with 2 points of multitouch, Snapdragon 410 chip, 1.5 GB RAM, 8 GB ROM, and 3,000 mAh of battery capacity. When we run the benchmark, we scored 27K at Antutu. That's probably decent to run basic apps, multitasking, and some light to casual games.

In terms of camera, that's where you'll enjoy this handset. Compared with other Samsung handsets under 10K, this has a 13 MP f/2.1 main camera that's good enough in colors and details as long as you're in well lit places. The color tone just look a little darker than my liking, but it has fast shutter speed, focus, and can take close macro at times.

Main camera sample

In front, there's a good 5 MP front facing camera for your selfies and video calls. It also has nice beautification features and has acceptable sharpness and overall quality.

Selfie camera test

Another highlight of this device is it has LTE connectivity which can be used to experience faster internet as long as you have good signal.

As of the moment

While it's specs still lags behind other international competitors, the Galaxy On7 is a capable Samsung phone on a budget. It's also their best phone in the sub-10K range.

It has good design, big screen size, doesn't run with a lousy chip, and has good cameras on a budget. It'll be great for individuals who seeks a "representation" phone without the need of shelling out too much cash.

As a whole, we expect this nicely perform as long as you won't run heavy apps and games. Should be decent for students, millennials, and anyone who wants a capable Samsung phone.

Where to buy this? Click Here!