With the Galaxy A17 5G, Samsung aims to offer a straightforward smartphone that delivers core essentials for users on a budget. As a mid-range device targeting affordability, it introduces a few tweaks over last year’s model, while keeping familiar features. Let’s dive into what the latest iteration brings and if it’s worth your consideration in 2025.
Box Opening and First Impressions
Inside the Galaxy A17 5G box, you get the basics: the phone itself, a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some paperwork. As with many current Samsung phones, you won’t find a charging adapter included. The first impression is that of a device that looks and feels slimmer, lighter, and more refined compared to previous budget models.
Despite being wallet-friendly, there’s a sense of attention to detail in the packaging and initial presentation. The phone’s matte finish stands out immediately, giving it a more premium touch and reducing fingerprints compared to older glossy designs.
Design and Build Quality
One of the noticeable upgrades this year is the move from glossy plastic to a matte glass fiber back, while the frame remains plastic. This means the phone feels a bit more solid in hand and has dropped a few grams, making it easier to handle and carry.
The device measures just 7.5mm in thickness, giving it a modern, slim profile. Color options include Black, Blue, and Grey each subtle and unlikely to pick up smudges easily. IP54-rated protection is a reassuring touch, offering some resistance to dust and splashes. The side-mounted fingerprint reader, integrated into the power button, is fast and reliable, delivering quick unlocks every time.
Display and Visual Experience
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display remains a highlight in this price segment. You get a Full HD+ resolution for crisp visuals and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that makes daily tasks from scrolling to pleasingly fluid. Samsung has also added Gorilla Glass Victus this time around, promising better durability against scratches and bumps.
Despite its strengths, the brightness falls slightly short compared to last year. Expect a maximum of around 350 nits manually and just under 750 nits in auto-brightness. This is serviceable indoors and acceptable in outdoor shade, but can be a struggle under direct sunlight. There’s no HDR support, though, which isn’t surprising for a phone aimed at budget-conscious buyers.
Camera System
The rear camera setup features a familiar trio: a 50MP main, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro lens. A notable update is the addition of optical image stabilization (OIS) to the main camera, which noticeably helps reduce blur and improve photo quality, especially in dim conditions.
In good lighting, main camera shots are vibrant, punchy, and show decent sharpness, though dynamic range sometimes needs a boost. Portrait shots are more than serviceable, and selfies from the 13MP front camera deliver solid detail, lively colors, and a broad dynamic range for the price.
Zooming in, however, drops in quality become apparent. Double zoom shots tend to lose sharpness, and contrast could be better. Night mode on the main camera redeems things, brightening scenes, taming noise, and adding clarity, but there’s nothing remarkable from the ultra-wide in low-light and no night mode is available for it.
Video recording maxes out at 1080p. The footage from the main camera is satisfactory for casual use, with punchy colors and enough detail, but those seeking 4K capture will need to look elsewhere or use a third-party camera app. Stabilization works, but there’s still room for improvement.
Performance
Powering the phone is Samsung’s own Exynos 1330 chipset, the same found in last year’s version. Paired with 4GB of RAM in the base model (expandable to 8GB in select markets), it handles everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and browsing competently. However, you may encounter the occasional stutter or lag, especially if you tend to multitask or open several apps at once.
The overall experience is adequate for the price but not outstanding, especially when compared to some budget phones from other brands with beefier specs. Heavy users or mobile gamers might find performance limiting, but casual users should manage just fine.
The Galaxy A17 5G scored around 416,500 on AnTuTu v10, with a breakdown of ~138,400 for CPU, ~69,200 GPU, ~99,500 memory, and ~109,300 UX solid for a budget 5G phone. In Geekbench 6, it achieved around 953 single-core and 2,003 multi-core points, delivering smooth day-to-day performance whether you’re browsing or using basic apps.
Battery and Charging
A 5,000mAh battery keeps the phone running through a full day. In typical real-world use, you can expect an active screen time close to 12 hours a respectable figure, but not a standout one. Charging is handled via 25W wired charging, though the actual adapter isn’t included. With the proper charger, you’ll get from empty to about half battery in 30 minutes and a full top-up in under 90 minutes.
Battery life is consistent, mainly due to the familiar chipset and energy-efficient display, but nothing extraordinary. Moderate users will likely end most days with power to spare.
Connectivity and Software
The Galaxy A17 5G supports next-generation mobile networks, delivering faster internet speeds where 5G is available. Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C round out the connectivity options.
As for software, the phone ships with One UI 7 built on Android 15, incorporating many modern conveniences seen in Samsung’s higher-tier devices. You get updates guaranteed for up to seven OS upgrades. Features like Circle to Search are onboard, but other AI-powered functions are more limited compared to the company’s premium models.
File sharing with Quick Share and easy migration with Smart Switch make it simple to move from your old device. The interface is intuitive, customizable, and works seamlessly for daily use.
Audio and Extras
Audio output comes from a single bottom-firing speaker. While loudness is decent, the overall quality can be flat, with noticeable distortion at high volumes. The lack of stereo speakers is a concession at this price, but calls and casual videos sound fine. For a better experience, headphones or Bluetooth speakers are the way to go.
Sensor support includes all the essentials, from accelerometer and gyro to geomagnetic and light sensors. Integration with Samsung’s ecosystem is another plus, offering smooth interaction with wearables and services.
Pricing and Storage Options
The Galaxy A17 5G starts at €239 for the base 128GB storage and 4GB RAM model, often with promotions slashing the price further. A 256GB version is available in some markets, and you can always add more via microSDup to a massive 2TB.
Given the market, this pricing keeps it competitive with other budget and lower mid-range Android phones. It offers good storage flexibility for users who store lots of media or apps.
Comparison with Previous Models
While the Galaxy A17 5G doesn’t revolutionize Samsung’s formula, it brings subtle but welcome improvements. The matte finish, slimmer and lighter body, and OIS for the main camera stand out as upgrades. That said, core hardware like the chipset and display remain essentially the same as the previous model, and certain aspects like performance and speaker quality have not seen a leap forward.
The extended promise of seven OS upgrades is a major positive, although how the hardware will hold up after several years is something to consider.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large 6.6″ FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz
- Solid battery life (5000mAh, 25W charging)
- Decent performance for daily use
- 50MP main camera performs well in daylight
Cons:
- Plastic build feels less premium
- No ultra-wide or telephoto lens
- Average low-light camera performance
- Only 25W charging, slower than rivals
Final Verdict
Samsung’s latest budget 5G phone keeps to tried-and-tested basics, making only modest refinements over its predecessor. The display is sharp and colorful, the build feels better in hand, and the camera can handle most casual shooting scenarios, especially with the addition of OIS.
Drawbacks include lackluster performance under heavy multitasking, a single speaker, and only average battery endurance. If a smooth daily experience and timely software updates matter most, this phone delivers especially for those loyal to Samsung’s design and software.
If you want the most value for money, you may also want to check out other phones in Samsung’s lineup or competing brands that offer stronger hardware in a similar price range. Still, for users after something familiar, durable, and supported for years, the Galaxy A17 5G is a decent entry in the affordable 5G market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Galaxy A17 5G?
It offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, triple camera system with OIS, 5G connectivity, 5000mAh battery, and promises up to seven OS upgrades.
How does the camera perform, especially in low light?
The main 50MP camera produces punchy, detailed shots in daylight and benefits from OIS in lower light, but performance drops without night mode or when using other lenses.
Is the battery life good for daily use?
Battery life is average except a full day with moderate use, and about 12 hours of active screen time. Charging is 25W, but no adapter comes in the box.
What about software support and updates?
Samsung guarantees seven major OS updates and ongoing security updates, ensuring the phone remains current for several years.
Are there options for expanding storage?
Yes, storage is expandable via microSD card up to 2TB, in addition to 128GB or 256GB onboard options.
Who should consider buying this phone?
It’s best for buyers who want a large, bright display, reliable camera for everyday snaps, and extended software support without spending a lot.
