If you're in the market for a good budget phone and have a limited budget, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a solid option to consider. Priced at just $200, it may seem like too good to be true, but this Android device delivers on several fronts without breaking the bank.
The Galaxy A17 boasts a sturdy build quality that's hard to believe considering its plastic casing. The phone feels substantial in your hand and has a solid weight to it, suggesting that Samsung has managed to make cost savings without sacrificing durability.
One of the standout features of this budget device is its display, which is an impressive 6.7-inch OLED screen with good brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games a delight.
The phone's cameras are another area where Samsung has done well. Although it doesn't come with three rear cameras as some might expect, its 50MP main camera does produce better images than you'd anticipate at this price point, especially in good lighting conditions. While the low-light performance isn't quite on par with that of more expensive mid-range phones like the Pixel 9a, it's still a respectable effort.
Battery life is also decent for a budget phone, lasting around 23 hours and 8 minutes in our test, which is slightly less than the Pixel 9a but well within the realm of acceptable usage. The phone also supports fast charging at 25 watts, making it quick to top up when you're out and about.
Another notable feature is the presence of a microSD card slot, which allows users to expand storage beyond the initial 128GB limit. This is a rare feature in budget devices these days, so Samsung's inclusion of it as standard is a bonus.
While performance might not be the Galaxy A17's strong suit – it can get a bit laggy when multitasking or switching between heavy apps – this is more than made up for by its overall affordability and lack of significant complaints. It's hard to find major issues with this budget device, which delivers on several fronts without blowing your budget.
If you're willing to stretch beyond the $200 mark, there's an 8GB RAM version available for just a few extra dollars. Otherwise, the Galaxy A17 is a solid option in a crowded budget market that should give you everything you need without causing any financial strain.
The Galaxy A17 boasts a sturdy build quality that's hard to believe considering its plastic casing. The phone feels substantial in your hand and has a solid weight to it, suggesting that Samsung has managed to make cost savings without sacrificing durability.
One of the standout features of this budget device is its display, which is an impressive 6.7-inch OLED screen with good brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games a delight.
The phone's cameras are another area where Samsung has done well. Although it doesn't come with three rear cameras as some might expect, its 50MP main camera does produce better images than you'd anticipate at this price point, especially in good lighting conditions. While the low-light performance isn't quite on par with that of more expensive mid-range phones like the Pixel 9a, it's still a respectable effort.
Battery life is also decent for a budget phone, lasting around 23 hours and 8 minutes in our test, which is slightly less than the Pixel 9a but well within the realm of acceptable usage. The phone also supports fast charging at 25 watts, making it quick to top up when you're out and about.
Another notable feature is the presence of a microSD card slot, which allows users to expand storage beyond the initial 128GB limit. This is a rare feature in budget devices these days, so Samsung's inclusion of it as standard is a bonus.
While performance might not be the Galaxy A17's strong suit – it can get a bit laggy when multitasking or switching between heavy apps – this is more than made up for by its overall affordability and lack of significant complaints. It's hard to find major issues with this budget device, which delivers on several fronts without blowing your budget.
If you're willing to stretch beyond the $200 mark, there's an 8GB RAM version available for just a few extra dollars. Otherwise, the Galaxy A17 is a solid option in a crowded budget market that should give you everything you need without causing any financial strain.