Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) - Full Specifications, Features & Used Price in Pakistan

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) - model SM-A320 - was the peak of Samsung's compact A-series: the first small Samsung with IP68 water resistance, a fingerprint sensor, USB-C and Samsung Pay. Nine years later it is the most usable of the three classic A3 generations on the used market, and the only one that can still run a useful set of apps. This guide covers its verified specifications, the store's used-market listing price in Pakistan, and the checks that matter before buying.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Brand / Model	Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017), SM-A320x
Store-listed used price in Pakistan	Rs. 14,000 - verified on the Zohaan Mobile Gallery product page, 2026-10-11
Status	Discontinued - used market only; never sold as new
Display	4.7-inch Super AMOLED, 720 x 1280 (HD, ~312 ppi), Corning Gorilla Glass 4, Always On Display
Chipset	Samsung Exynos 7870 (14nm) - octa-core 1.6GHz Cortex-A53, Mali-T830 MP1 GPU
Network	4G LTE, 3G, 2G; Nano-SIM (dual-SIM on some variants, shared microSD slot)
RAM / Storage	2GB RAM; 16GB storage, microSDXC up to 256GB
Rear camera	13MP f/1.9, 27mm wide, autofocus, LED flash; 1080p@30fps video
Front camera	8MP f/1.9; 1080p@30fps video
Battery	2,350mAh, non-removable, with fast wired charging
Dimensions / Weight	Not verified in consulted sources - compact 4.7-inch metal-and-glass body
Operating system	Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow at launch, upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo - no updates since ~2019
Colours	Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist, Peach Cloud
Water resistance	IP68 (dust-tight; survives 1.5m water for 30 minutes) - seals degrade with age

Design and Build Quality

The A3 (2017) brought the Galaxy S7's design language down to a 4.7-inch body: curved glass back, metal frame, and - remarkably for a small mid-ranger - full IP68 dust and water resistance. The front-mounted fingerprint sensor (in the home button) was another first for the series. Treat the IP68 rating as historical, not current: seals degrade, and no seller can guarantee water resistance on a 2017 phone. Test the fingerprint sensor, which can fail with age.

Display Features

The 4.7-inch Super AMOLED at 720 x 1280 (~312 ppi) matches the 2016 model's sharpness and adds Always On Display - a flagship feature in 2017 that shows the time and notifications without waking the phone. Gorilla Glass 4 protects the front.

Processor and Performance

The Exynos 7870 is a 14nm octa-core chip (8x 1.6GHz Cortex-A53) with a Mali-T830 MP1 GPU - efficient for its era and meaningfully stronger than the quad-core chips in the 2015 and 2016 models. With 2GB of RAM and Android 8.0 Oreo, this is the only A3 generation that can still run a useful range of apps: older but functional versions of WhatsApp, YouTube and browsers generally work, though everything feels slow by 2026 standards and the newest app versions increasingly require Android 9+. It is usable as a secondary phone; as a primary smartphone it will frustrate.

RAM and Storage

2GB of RAM with 16GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1), expandable via microSDXC up to 256GB on the shared second SIM slot of dual-SIM variants. 2GB is the minimum for Android 8 to function acceptably - keep expectations modest and the app count low. The generous 256GB card ceiling is useful for offline music and photos. As with any phone nearing a decade old, be alert to failing storage: random reboots, disappearing files and extreme slowdowns signal dying flash.

Camera Features

The 13MP f/1.9 rear camera (27mm wide, autofocus, LED flash) takes respectable daylight photos for casual use and records 1080p@30fps video. The 8MP f/1.9 front camera was a genuine upgrade over the 2016 model's 5MP unit and handles selfies and video calls fine in good light. Image quality is firmly 2017-era - fine for documenting, not for photography enthusiasts. The camera app itself is simple and fast, which counts for something on old hardware.

Battery and Charging

The 2,350mAh battery supports fast wired charging - the first A3 with the feature - over USB Type-C. Realistically, surviving original batteries hold only a fraction of their capacity after nine years; a replaced battery transforms the phone, an original one limits it to a few hours. Ask the seller directly whether the battery has been replaced, and physically check for swelling. Charging via USB-C is convenient, though speeds are far below modern fast-charging standards.

Software and Updates

Launched on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and officially updated to Android 8.0 Oreo, with security patches ending around 2019. Android 8 is the key advantage over its siblings - it keeps the door open to far more apps - but the security warning still applies: seven years without patches means known vulnerabilities, and banking apps increasingly require newer Android versions with current security patch levels. Do not use this phone for mobile banking or sensitive accounts. Samsung Pay, Knox and the bundled software are long discontinued.

Connectivity and Additional Features

4G LTE with VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/GLONASS, NFC with MST for Samsung Pay (discontinued service), USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG, FM radio, 3.5mm headphone jack and ANT+ support. Sensors include the front fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass and barometer - a fuller set than its predecessors. The fingerprint sensor is convenient when it works; test it before buying, as aging sensors can become unreliable.

Variants, Colours and Availability

Model numbers include SM-A320F, A320Y and A320FL across regions. Colours had evocative names: Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud. Discontinued for years - only used units circulate. Among the three A3 generations, the 2017 model is unambiguously the best used buy: IP68 (when new), fingerprint sensor, USB-C, 2GB RAM and Android 8 justify its higher used price over the 2015 and 2016 models. Verify the installed Android version is 8.0 - some units were never updated past 6.0.1 or 7.0.

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

The store-listed used price is Rs. 14,000, verified on the Galaxy A3 (2017) product page on 2026-10-11. At roughly 1.4x the price of the A3 (2016), you get a substantially more usable phone - the premium is justified if the unit is in good condition. Confirm the Android version, battery status and fingerprint sensor function with Zohaan Mobile Gallery, and read how to buy a used mobile safely.

PTA: PTA approval is per device and IMEI. SMS the IMEI to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" status before paying. See how to check PTA approval.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages (as a used buy):

• The most usable vintage A3: Android 8.0 Oreo runs far more apps than its siblings
• IP68 rating and fingerprint sensor (firsts for the compact A-series)
• USB-C with fast charging; 8MP front camera
• Compact 4.7-inch AMOLED with Always On Display
• FM radio, 3.5mm jack, microSD up to 256GB

Limitations:

• No security updates since ~2019 - not safe for banking or sensitive accounts
• 2GB RAM and 16GB storage are tight; newest apps need Android 9+
• Battery heavily aged; IP68 seals can't be trusted after nine years
• Small screen and 2017-era cameras by modern standards

Who Should Consider This Phone?

Good fit: buyers who want the best of Samsung's classic compact line - as a collector's piece, a minimalist secondary phone, or a simple phone for calls, texts, FM radio and light apps. At Rs. 14,000 it is the sensible pick among the three A3 generations.

Look elsewhere if: you need a daily driver with current apps and security - even a used Galaxy A24 is in another league. Browse all mobiles for practical modern alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the used price of the Galaxy A3 (2017) in Pakistan?

Rs. 14,000 on the Zohaan Mobile Gallery product page (verified 2026-10-11), sold as a used unit.

Is the Galaxy A3 (2017) better than the A3 (2016)?

Yes, meaningfully: IP68 water resistance, fingerprint sensor, USB-C with fast charging, 8MP front camera, 2GB RAM and Android 8.0 Oreo vs Android 7.0.

Can it run WhatsApp and YouTube?

Generally yes on Android 8.0 - far better app compatibility than its siblings - though performance is slow and the newest app versions increasingly require Android 9+.

Is it safe for banking apps?

No. Security patches ended around 2019, and banks increasingly require current patch levels. Keep banking off this phone.

Is the IP68 rating still valid?

No - treat it as historical. Seals degrade over nine years; never intentionally expose a used unit to water.

What Android version should the unit have?

Android 8.0 Oreo is the final official version. Verify in Settings - some units were never updated past 6.0.1 or 7.0.

Is it PTA approved?

PTA status is per device. SMS the unit's IMEI to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" before paying.

Is it available at Zohaan Mobile Gallery?

Check the Galaxy A3 (2017) product page or WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 for used-unit availability.

Final Verdict

The Galaxy A3 (2017) is the connoisseur's choice among Samsung's classic compacts: the only one with a fingerprint sensor, water resistance, USB-C and software new enough to still be useful. At Rs. 14,000 used, it is fairly priced for what it is - a charming, pocketable secondary phone with hard security limits. Keep it away from your bank accounts, and it remains a delightful piece of Samsung history.

Call to Action

See the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, browse the Samsung collection, or WhatsApp us at +92 305 8452080 for the confirmed current price and condition of used units. Or visit our Rahim Yar Khan store - Shop No. 6, First Floor, Iqra Plaza, Railway Road - and inspect the phone in hand before you buy.