We travel all the way to Thailand for Samsung’s E5 and E7 smartphones!

A few days ago we attended Samsung’s Impact Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Korean company introduced new devices and smartphones announced during CES last January. This included two decidedly mid-range smartphones the E5 and E7, which are set to go on sale around the Philippines today. Before we start our hands-on, let’s check out their specs:

Samsung Galaxy E7 specs

• 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
• Adreno 306 GPU
• 2GB of RAM
• 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 1280 x 720 resolution
• 16GB of storage, expandable via microSD up 64GB
• 13-megapixel rear camera with AF and flash
• 5-megapixel front facing camera
• 3G, HSPA+
• WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
• 2950mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 151.3 x 77.2 x 7.3mm

Samsung Galaxy E5 specs

• 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
• Andreno 306 GPU
• 1.5GB of RAM
• 5-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 1280 x 720 resolution
• 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 64GB
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 5-megapixel front camera
• 3G, HSPA+
• WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
• 2400mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 141.6 x 70.2 x 7.3mm

Initial impressions: mid-range alternatives to the metal A-series of phones

Samsung’s design language shows through with both the E5 and its larger counterpart, the E7. With its unibody design reminiscent of the recently released A series, the E series slightly more rounded edges and the full metal bodies replaced with materials we’ve been more accustomed to on Samsung devices.

The button layout and ports on the E series phones remains exactly the same as its full metal bodied siblings as well, with the power button on the right side of the device, the volume rocker on the left, and a micro USB port, Headphone Jack, and Microphone located on the bottom of either unit. One SIM card slot and a hybrid card slot also occupy the right side of the E series’ body, so while the quick look of the specs above will tell you that storage is expandable with a Micro SD card and the option for the use of two SIM cards is there, owners of either of the E series phones will have to choose between more storage or an extra SIM.

As mentioned, the E series is focused on its users getting the best selfie experience via some added functionalities, like wide Selfie that is similar to taking a panoramic shot giving you more real estate to include a friend or two, Palm Selfie where showing your palm activates the timer as you frame shots properly, a GIF feature and Beauty Shot for those who might want to tweak their photos before posting.

Both phones rocking with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 410 processor. This means that both devices are ready for Lollipop if/when it comes to the two devices.

You can expect the E5 and E7 to hit Philippine shores very soon. It has a Consumer Launch Promo, which pairs the device with a free Samsung Battery Pack, scheduled on February 21 for all Samsung Experience stores and a few select stores. The Samsung E5 and E7 will set you back around Php 12,990.00 and Php 15,990.00 respectively; both phones will be available in either White or Black.