Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Review: Reliable 6-Year Update Support on an Entry-Level Phone

Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is priced between Rp3.4 to Rp3.6 million, approximately $230 to $245, positioning it attractively in the entry-level segment. Its specifications provide solid value, especially with one variant offering 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, which simplifies decision-making for budget-conscious consumers.

Display Quality and Durability

The phone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals suitable for daily use. Although not 120Hz, the difference is barely noticeable. It comes with Full HD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass Victus protection, making the display more resilient compared to competitors that usually rely on Gorilla Glass 5.

Brightness levels and color reproduction are vibrant, enhancing outdoor usage. Such a display setup is rare in phones under $250, boosting Samsung’s appeal in this price range.

Premium Design and Build

The Galaxy A17 5G’s design closely resembles Samsung’s flagship models, offering a premium look with grey and blue color options. Despite employing a plastic frame, the build feels sturdy and superior to many rivals in the entry-level category.

Weighing only 192 grams and balanced in thickness, it ensures comfortable one-handed use. The device also carries an IP54 rating, providing protection against light splashes which adds to its reliability for long-term everyday use.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro sensor, the phone exceeds expectations for its class. The 13MP front camera delivers detailed, natural selfies.

Daytime photos display good balance in detail and vibrant colors without excessive processing, maintaining a more realistic look. The ultrawide camera complements the main sensor without drastic quality drop-offs. Night photography benefits from noise reduction with colors remaining vivid, although fine detail suffers slightly.

Performance and Gaming

Powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset with a 5nm fabrication process, the Galaxy A17 5G offers performance comparable to Snapdragon 695 and Helio G99. Antutu benchmark scores hover around 600,000, which is stable for an entry-level device.

Tests show that Mobile Legends runs smoothly at 90fps on super HD settings, with device temperatures around 44-46°C. PUBG Mobile achieves 30-40fps on high settings at similar temperatures. Genshin Impact performs best on low settings at 60fps, offering a stable gaming experience.

The phone houses a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging. While adequate, it falls short compared to competitors offering 6,000 to 7,000mAh batteries, and charging speed remains moderate.

Long-Term Software Support

A standout feature is Samsung’s promise of 6 years of software updates, a rare commitment in the sub-$250 category. This includes One UI 8 based on Android 16, providing a user-friendly interface with improved stability and features.

This extended update policy significantly enhances the phone’s long-term value, making it an excellent investment for users who want a device that stays current and secure for years.

Who Should Consider the Galaxy A17 5G?

This smartphone is highly suitable for users looking for good design, dependable camera performance, and steady daily use within a modest budget. It appeals especially to older users or anyone preferring to buy a phone that can last up to 6 years without major software compromises.

While lacking some premium features like punch-hole cameras or stereo speakers, the Galaxy A17 5G balances price and function well. At around $230-$245, it stands out as one of the best-value entry-level smartphones equipped with future-proof update support and solid specifications.

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