Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Review - Should You Buy?

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy A75G offers subtle upgrades over its predecessor, the A65G, with a more refined design and improved features. Despite having the same chipset (Exynos 1330), it provides stable performance for everyday tasks and promises long-term software support. The phone boasts a vibrant 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, decent 50 MP camera, and 5G connectivity. However, its battery life and certain features, like the under-display fingerprint scanner, fall short compared to competitors. If you prioritize stability, software updates, and 5G, the A75G is a solid choice, but for those seeking higher performance or extra features, alternatives like the Infinix 60 Pro Plus may offer more value.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G looks almost identical to the Galaxy A16 5G, but includes a few subtle upgrades that slightly improve its overall experience.
• 💰 It comes in two main variants: 8GB RAM + 256GB storage for around ₦355,000 and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage for about ₦244,000 (~$160).
• 📦 The box includes only basic accessories — a USB-C to USB-C cable, SIM ejector, and user guide; no charger or case is provided.
• 🎨 The phone retains a plastic frame but now features a matte glass back, giving it a more premium feel, though it still attracts fingerprints and smudges.
• 💧 It has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, plus a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that’s fast but less convenient than under-display options.
• 🖥️ The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offers 1080p resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection — one of the best screens in its price range despite a notch and chin.
• ⚙️ Powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset, performance is stable for everyday use but not significantly improved from last year’s A16 5G model.
• 🧠 Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, the phone promises 6 years of software updates — an unmatched commitment at this price point.
• 🔋 The 5,000mAh battery supports 25W charging, delivering a full charge in about 1.5 hours and lasting a full day for light users.
• 📸 The triple rear camera setup features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, producing detailed and well-balanced shots, though the ultrawide and macro lenses are less impressive.
• 🎥 Both front and rear cameras support 1080p video at 30fps with decent stabilization, making it suitable for casual videography.
• ✅ The Galaxy A17 5G is ideal for users prioritizing long-term updates, a bright AMOLED display, and reliable 5G — but those seeking stronger performance or AI features may find better value in Infinix or Tecno alternatives.

Q & A

What are the main design differences between the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and the Galaxy A16 5G?

The Galaxy A17 5G has a camera setup housed in a single bump, a matte glass back instead of the previous glossy finish, and retains a plastic frame. It also adds an IP54 rating against dust and water splashes.

What items are included in the Galaxy A17 5G box?

Inside the box, you get a user guide, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. You need to buy the case and 25W charging brick separately.

What are the available storage and RAM configurations for the Galaxy A17 5G?

The Galaxy A17 5G comes in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, and 4GB RAM with 128GB storage.

Which display features make the Galaxy A17 5G stand out?

It has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The display delivers bright and vibrant colors, with a maximum brightness of about 800 nits.

What chipset powers the Galaxy A17 5G, and how does it perform?

The phone is powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset, the same as the Galaxy A16 5G. It delivers stable performance for everyday tasks but doesn’t show a major improvement over its predecessor.

How does the Galaxy A17 5G perform in terms of software and updates?

It runs on Android 15 with One UI 7 and is promised six years of software updates, which is exceptional for its price range. The interface includes features like split screen, pop-up windows, and circle to search.

What is the battery capacity of the Galaxy A17 5G, and how fast does it charge?

It has a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. With the official charger, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully charge from 0 to 100%.

How good are the cameras on the Galaxy A17 5G?

The phone features a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro sensor. The selfie camera is 13MP. The main lens captures good detail and decent HDR, though the ultra-wide and macro are underwhelming.

What are the main advantages of buying the Galaxy A17 5G over competitors like the Infinix 60 Pro Plus or Tecno Spark 40 Pro?

The Galaxy A17 5G offers 5G connectivity, long-term software support, a vibrant AMOLED display, and reliable build quality, whereas competitors may provide better performance or bundled accessories but lack 5G.

Who is the Galaxy A17 5G best suited for?

It’s ideal for users who prioritize stability, long-term updates, good display quality, and consistent day-to-day performance over raw power or extra AI features.

What are the notable drawbacks of the Galaxy A17 5G?

The phone lacks a headphone jack, has a single speaker, no adaptive refresh rate, limited AI features, and average battery endurance compared to rivals.

What is the reviewer’s overall verdict on the Galaxy A17 5G?

The reviewer concludes that the Galaxy A17 5G is a stable and reliable phone, great for long-term use and software support, but not a major leap forward in performance or innovation.