The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and the CMF Phone 2 Pro emerging as top contenders. These two devices offer impressive features at an affordable price point, making them attractive options for consumers looking for a new phone without breaking the bank.
When it comes to pricing, the CMF Phone 2 Pro starts at £219, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is priced at £199/$199.99. While the price difference may seem minimal, saving 10% can make a difference for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung phone wins in terms of affordability, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a higher storage option for £249, providing more flexibility for users.
In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G boasts a familiar Samsung aesthetic, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out with its industrial-chic design featuring visible screws and unique camera module. The CMF Phone 2 Pro also offers additional physical components like an Accessory Point and Essential Key, making it more tactile and versatile.
When it comes to software support, Samsung’s One UI 8 and Nothing OS 3.2 both offer solid user experiences. However, Samsung’s promise of six years of software updates and security patches gives it an edge over Nothing’s three-year update commitment.
In terms of performance, the CMF Phone 2 Pro outshines the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G with its Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, delivering better CPU and GPU performance. While both phones may not excel in intensive tasks, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the more capable device overall.
For photography enthusiasts, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and better video capture capabilities compared to the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a reliable choice for those on a strict budget or looking for a familiar Samsung experience. However, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as the more interesting and superior device in terms of design, performance, and camera capabilities. While the Samsung phone is widely available, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may be the better choice for users seeking a more unique and feature-rich budget smartphone.

