The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G has quietly entered the market, aiming to be a top contender in the budget Android smartphone category. At Tech Advisor, we got our hands on one to test it out and provide you with an in-depth review.
Design & Build
The Galaxy A17 5G follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, maintaining Samsung’s signature style. It is slightly thinner and lighter than the A16 5G, with a plastic frame, glass fibre back, and a Gorilla Glass Victus front. The phone is available in Blue, Grey, and Black colors, and retains an IP54 rating for dust and splash protection.
The Key Island 2.0 feature, which is essentially a bump where the power and volume buttons are located, helps users easily locate the buttons, especially since the fingerprint scanner is embedded in the power button.
Screen & Speakers
The A17 5G boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. The screen offers vibrant colors, good contrast, and decent brightness. However, the phone defaults to 60Hz refresh rate for battery life reasons, so users should manually set it to High for a better experience. The phone features a teardrop selfie notch and lacks stereo speakers, relying on a mono speaker at the bottom edge.
Specs & Performance
The phone is powered by the Samsung Exynos 1330 chip, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While the performance is decent for everyday tasks, there are noticeable pauses and stutters during transitions. The A17 5G struggles with gaming, but it can handle less demanding titles. The device supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering basic connectivity options.
Cameras
The Galaxy A17 5G sports a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The main camera delivers decent photos in good lighting conditions, while the macro and ultrawide lenses are more for show than actual functionality. The 13MP front-facing camera captures solid selfies but lacks any standout features.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 5000mAh battery and 25W charging, the A17 5G offers reasonable battery life. The device can last for two days with light usage, but the charging speed is not as fast as some competitors. It is important to note that a charger is not included in the box, so users will need to purchase one separately.
Software & Apps
The phone runs on Android 15 with One UI 7, providing a clean and user-friendly interface. Samsung promises six years of OS and security updates for the A17 5G, ensuring long-term support. The device comes preloaded with some bloatware, but most of it can be uninstalled if desired. One UI 7 features some improvements over its predecessor, offering a more refined user experience.
Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is priced at £199 in the UK, offering good value for a budget smartphone. It is available in three color options and can be purchased from various retailers. The device is also expected to launch in the US soon, likely at a price of $199. Users who do not require 5G connectivity can opt for the Galaxy A17 4G, available for £139.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G?
While the Galaxy A17 5G is a solid budget smartphone, its lack of significant innovation compared to its predecessor, the A16 5G, raises questions about its value. With almost identical features and performance, users may find better value in purchasing the A16 5G at a lower price. However, if availability is a concern, the A17 5G remains a decent option for budget-conscious consumers.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G offers reliable performance, a decent camera system, and long-term software support, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G capabilities.
