For just under $200, Samsung's latest budget offering, the Galaxy A17 5G, proves that you don't have to break the bank to get a capable Android phone. The device's solid build quality and bright 6.7-inch OLED display are standout features, even if they're not entirely new or revolutionary.
While its Exynos 1330 processor is several years old, it still manages to deliver respectable performance for the price. A 4GB of RAM is somewhat limiting, but you won't notice any significant slowdowns in most situations. In contrast, the phone's cameras are a highlight, with the 50MP primary sensor and 5MP ultrawide cam taking better-than-expected photos in well-lit conditions.
Battery life is also decent, lasting over 23 hours on our local video rundown test – although it falls short of the Pixel 9a's impressive 28-hour mark. On the plus side, the phone's wired charging speed of 25 watts will quickly top up your battery whenever you're in a hurry.
One notable feature that sets the Galaxy A17 apart from its rivals is its microSD card slot, which allows users to expand their storage capacity without having to upgrade to a more expensive model. Additionally, Samsung has committed to providing six years of OS and security updates, which will ensure the device stays secure for an extended period.
In short, if you're on a tight budget, the Galaxy A17 5G is worth considering – it offers a capable Android experience without breaking the bank. While its performance could be smoother, its cameras are a highlight, and its battery life is respectable for the price.
The only drawback is that the phone's design isn't particularly groundbreaking. The polycarbonate frame and teardrop cutout on the front may feel like minor concessions to cost savings, but they're forgivable given the device's overall value.
For those with some wiggle room in their budget, opting for the 8GB RAM version would be a wise decision – just $30 more than the base model. Alternatively, if money isn't an issue, the Pixel 9a remains one of the best Android phones on the market, offering exceptional performance and camera capabilities at a higher price point.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a solid choice for those who want an affordable Android phone without sacrificing too much in terms of features or quality. It's not perfect, but its combination of a bright display, capable cameras, and microSD card slot make it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their budget device.
While its Exynos 1330 processor is several years old, it still manages to deliver respectable performance for the price. A 4GB of RAM is somewhat limiting, but you won't notice any significant slowdowns in most situations. In contrast, the phone's cameras are a highlight, with the 50MP primary sensor and 5MP ultrawide cam taking better-than-expected photos in well-lit conditions.
Battery life is also decent, lasting over 23 hours on our local video rundown test – although it falls short of the Pixel 9a's impressive 28-hour mark. On the plus side, the phone's wired charging speed of 25 watts will quickly top up your battery whenever you're in a hurry.
One notable feature that sets the Galaxy A17 apart from its rivals is its microSD card slot, which allows users to expand their storage capacity without having to upgrade to a more expensive model. Additionally, Samsung has committed to providing six years of OS and security updates, which will ensure the device stays secure for an extended period.
In short, if you're on a tight budget, the Galaxy A17 5G is worth considering – it offers a capable Android experience without breaking the bank. While its performance could be smoother, its cameras are a highlight, and its battery life is respectable for the price.
The only drawback is that the phone's design isn't particularly groundbreaking. The polycarbonate frame and teardrop cutout on the front may feel like minor concessions to cost savings, but they're forgivable given the device's overall value.
For those with some wiggle room in their budget, opting for the 8GB RAM version would be a wise decision – just $30 more than the base model. Alternatively, if money isn't an issue, the Pixel 9a remains one of the best Android phones on the market, offering exceptional performance and camera capabilities at a higher price point.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a solid choice for those who want an affordable Android phone without sacrificing too much in terms of features or quality. It's not perfect, but its combination of a bright display, capable cameras, and microSD card slot make it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their budget device.
... I mean, the Galaxy A17 5G is definitely worth considering if you're on a tight budget, 'cause its performance is pretty respectable for the price 
... but at the same time, that old Exynos processor might be holding it back from being, like, super fast or something 
. And don't even get me started on the cameras – they're not bad, but I've seen better pics from other budget phones 
.
... and it's only $200, which is crazy cheap! 
So yeah, the Galaxy A17 5G might be a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, but I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'd want to shell out even more cash for the higher-end version with 8GB of RAM 
. I mean, $200 is pretty much peanuts for a phone that's got 50MP cameras and a decent battery life. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know you want all the bells and whistles, but sometimes it's just nice to have a solid device without breaking the bank 
.
I'm kinda surprised Samsung still includes that microSD card slot in some of their phones 
. It's not gonna win any design awards, but who cares about that when you can get all these features for under $200? 
I'd say go for the 8GB RAM version if you've got some wiggle room in your budget, it's worth the extra $30 
The design might not be the prettiest thing in the world, but I mean, u get what u pay for, right? 
. Honestly, it's a solid choice if you're on a tight budget 
Plus, six years of OS and security updates is a huge plus for its longevity 
.
️. And yeah, the design isn't exactly fire 
. Still, for what you're getting, it's a great value proposition 
Finally a new phone that's worth considering on a budget 
it's exactly what I needed - a big screen without breaking the bank 
but I do wish they'd bump up the RAM to at least 6GB 
.
I mean, who needs all that extra RAM anyway? 4GB is fine, it's not like I'm gaming or anything 
. The only thing keeping me from buying this phone ASAP is... hmm, how about the design? It's a bit basic, but I guess that's what you get for saving $30 
. The build quality and display are top-notch, and I love that they've included a microSD card slot - that's like, a total game-changer for storage expansion. And let's be real, the cameras aren't half bad either! 50MP primary sensor? That's no joke