Samsung refreshes mid-tier A series

Samsung updated its Galaxy A smartphone line, which sees wider support for the company’s fledgling Samsung Pay mobile payment service.

The company said that it “took the consumer feedback on our original Galaxy A models and made thoughtful and impactful improvements offering consumers a seamless convergence of style and performance for their everyday lifestyles”.

The line comprises three devices, A7 (5.5-inch screen), A5 (5.2-inch screen), and A3 (4.7-inch screen), the first two of which support Samsung Pay, with fingerprint scanner for user verification. So far the vendor’s rival to Apple Pay is available in two countries – South Korea and the US.

It said that the line “continues the latest Galaxy design heritage”, combining metal and glass with a narrower bezel over its predecessors. Also on the feature list is an enhanced camera system, which delivers “both brighter and clearer photos and videos”.

While much of the attention is focused on Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series and Galaxy Note lines, in its most recent quarterly results the vendor noted growing sales for the A line.

Samsung announced its first A series devices last year, as it looked to bring more of a premium feel to its mid-tier.

Availability in China will be from mid-December, after which it will be expanded to global markets.