Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy A17 5G, a budget smartphone priced at $200 that brings Google's Circle to Search and Gemini AI features to more users. The device, similar to its predecessor the Galaxy A16, will launch in the US on January 7. It offers solid specs for the price, including a large display and long software support.
Samsung announced the Galaxy A17 5G on Tuesday, positioning it as an affordable update to the Galaxy A16. Priced at $200, the phone targets budget-conscious consumers and is expected to be widely available, given the popularity of Samsung's entry-level models in the US market. The Galaxy A16 currently ranks fifth on Counterpoint Research's sales list, behind Apple's iPhone models.
The Galaxy A17 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for everyday use. It is powered by the Exynos 1330 processor, the same as in the A16, and includes 4GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD card up to 2TB. The camera setup remains unchanged: a 50-megapixel main sensor, 5-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro lens on the back, and a 13-megapixel front camera for selfies.
Battery life is supported by a 5,000mAh capacity with 25-watt wired fast charging. The phone also has an IP54 rating for splash and dust resistance. A standout aspect is Samsung's commitment to six years of software and security updates, far exceeding the typical two to three years for devices in this price range.
Notably, the Galaxy A17 includes access to Google's Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, features that are becoming standard on Android 16 devices but rare at this price point. This could broaden their reach, especially on a phone that tops sales charts. The device will be available in blue, black, and gray colors starting January 7 in the US.
