Samsung's latest affordable Galaxy phone offers 5G connectivity and extended support for $199.

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      Samsung's latest budget Galaxy phone has arrived, featuring long-term software support, an AMOLED display, a triple-camera configuration, and a clear indication that entry-level devices are no longer an afterthought.

      After introducing the Galaxy A17 5G in August, Samsung is now launching its $199.99 5G smartphone with Android 15 in the United States. If you’ve been looking for an affordable smartphone that offers long-term software support, a solid multi-camera system, and a vibrant AMOLED display, this device is worth your attention.

      The Galaxy A17 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother experience than the standard 60Hz. Key attributes of the screen include a pixel density of 385 ppi, a peak brightness of 800 HBM (suitable for indoor use, slightly less for outdoor), and Gorilla Glass Victus.

      Under the hood, the Galaxy A17 5G is equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 1330 (5nm) octa-core chipset, which may not be the top performer in its category but certainly gets the job done. Its standout feature is the commitment to provide six years of operating system and security updates. The phone comes pre-installed with One UI 7.0.

      In terms of photography, the device has a 50MP (f/1.8) main camera with optical image stabilization—a feature uncommon in the $200 smartphone range. Additionally, it includes a 5MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 13MP (f/2.0) front-facing camera. All of the cameras can capture videos at 1080p (30 fps).

      The smartphone is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging. Furthermore, Samsung aims to attract budget-conscious consumers in the U.S. with the Galaxy A17 5G’s contemporary design, 5G capability, and familiar One UI experience reminiscent of the company's flagship models.

      In a marketplace where budget phones often involve compromises, the Galaxy A17 5G presents itself as a strong option for those who prefer not to spend $400 to $500 on a smartphone. The device will be available starting January 7, 2026, through various carriers, Samsung Experience Stores, and other retailers.

      Whether you’re purchasing your first smartphone, upgrading from an LTE device, or seeking a reliable secondary phone (or a device for older family members), the Galaxy A17 5G, with a starting price of $199.99 for the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant (expandable up to 2TB via microSD card), could be an appealing choice.

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      Samsung’s Galaxy S28 series may be the first to showcase an in-house GPU.

      Reports suggest Samsung plans to introduce its custom GPU with the Exynos 2800. The company is heavily investing in its in-house Exynos SoCs, with indications that the upcoming Galaxy S26 series will feature the recently launched Exynos 2600 chipset. Built on a 2nm manufacturing process, this chip promises significant performance and efficiency improvements, featuring a newly designed 10-core CPU, a fresh Xclipse 960 GPU, and an updated built-in NPU. However, Samsung seems to have even grander enhancements planned for future Exynos SoCs.

      According to a recent report from Hankyung (via Android Authority), Samsung has created its own GPU architecture, which may debut with the Exynos 2800 in 2027. This suggests that the Galaxy S28 series could be the first to incorporate a custom Samsung GPU.

      Samsung’s next budget Galaxy phone may offer 5G and Android 16 at an affordable price.

      Early listings and leaked images have unveiled Samsung's Galaxy A07 5G, an unpretentious budget phone that emphasizes modern software, 5G capability, and practical design over extravagant upgrades.

      As the successor to one of Samsung's most successful ranges, the affordable Galaxy A series is emerging into the limelight. Called the Galaxy A07 5G, details have surfaced thanks to a Google Play Console listing (via TheTechOutlook), marking one of the early indications ahead of an Android phone launch.

      The listing reveals that the smartphone carries the model number SM-A076B, confirming its identity as the anticipated Galaxy A07 5G. Additionally, it discloses important specifications, including 8GB of RAM and a MediaTek Dimensity chipset with two performance cores operating at 2.40 GHz (believed to be the Dimensity 6300 SoC).

      I encountered an exceptionally good compact phone, and I hope Samsung and