Samsung Galaxy A17 4G (SM-A175) Review, Price And Specifications.

 

Samsung Galaxy A17 4G (SM-A175) Quick Specs:

Display: 6.7" Full-HD+ (2340×1080) U-notch Super-AMOLED Display.

Software: Android 15 OS, One UI 7.0 Skin.

CPU: MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm).

RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB (And up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).

Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 2TB).

Rear Camera: Triple-lens (50MP+5MP+2MP).

Front Camera: Single-lens (13MP).

Security: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock.

Port: USB Type-C.

Network: 4G.

Speaker: Single.

Battery: 5,000mAh.

Charging Speed: 25W.

Starting Price:

$179, €167, £92. ₦201,000, KSh 17,820, UGX 520,000, GHc 2,550,  R 3,189, EGP 7,199.

Although the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G shares its design, software, and core hardware configuration with the more affordable Samsung Galaxy A07, it features a superior display, a better camera system, and video stabilization. However, the phone lacks the 3.5mm audio jack that's found on the cheaper device. Furthermore, while the cheaper model features a 3-in-1 SIM slot, the A17 4G comes with a 2-in-1 SIM slot.

Meanwhile, despite the new model name, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is fundamentally the same hardware as the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G. The only significant changes are a redesigned camera bump, an improved build quality, and the addition of OIS for video recording.

Against similarly priced budget smartphones, the Galaxy A17 4G holds distinct advantages in its more impressive camera system, OIS-enabled video stabilization, noise-cancelling microphone, and guaranteed long-term software support. However, these competing models counter with features such as more appealing aesthetics, higher RAM, faster charging speed, a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, a versatile 3-in-1 SIM tray, stereo speakers, and an IR blaster.

By the way, the main competitors are the Tecno Spark 40 Pro, Infinix Hot 60 Pro, and Xiaomi Redmi 15 4G.

Price And Design Colours:

Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is available in colour options of Gray, Light Blue and Black. Currently, the price of the base version is about $179.

Familiar Box Contents And Familiar Design:

The unboxing experience for the Galaxy A17 4G is typical of Samsung's budget offerings. The contents are limited to the device itself, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and the accompanying paperwork.

Also aesthetically, the phone sports the familiar Samsung design. As noted, the Galaxy A17 4G is identical to the Galaxy A16 4G: you get the same 6.7-inch notched display and plastic build. The main physical upgrade is the display's protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Still, the phone keeps the same IP54 (dust and water splash resistance) certification as its predecessor.

Despite the two phones' identical looks, the A17 4G is easily distinguishable by its camera module. Instead of the three individual camera rings of the older model, the latest device features a single, elongated camera bump. However, the rear camera count and configuration are exactly the same, and the LED flash is positioned just outside the bump.

The layout of the ports and buttons also remains consistent with the predecessor. The power button (which integrates a fingerprint reader) and volume keys are on the right (on the Key Island). The left side holds the 2-in-1 (Hybrid) 4G SIM tray. At the bottom, you find the USB Type-C port, a mono speaker, and the primary microphone. Only the secondary, or noise-cancelling, microphone is located on the top edge.

Impressive Camera:

The camera configuration of the Galaxy A17 4G mirrors that of the previous model. A triple rear camera array that comprises a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. The phone is also equipped with a 13MP front-facing camera, for selfies.

Despite the identical hardware, the Galaxy A17 4G's main camera continues to deliver impressive photos. Shots are clear, vivid, and noticeably detailed. Colour rendition is also good. Colours are vibrant, clean, and life-like. Portrait shots are impressive and dynamic range is wide.

The ultra-wide sensor also delivers photos with good colour rendition, matching the main sensor. Predictably, however, these shots lack the same level of detail.

Similarly, images from the macro sensor also lack intricate detail. Nonetheless, they remain acceptably clear and preserve the accurate colour rendering of the main and ultra-wide cameras.

Moving to the front camera, the Galaxy A17 4G produces quite good selfies. The images are clear, detailed, and feature good colour rendition, with accurate skin tones. Both HDR and portrait selfies are also impressive.

In general, the photographs produced by the Galaxy A17 4G are quite impressive. Although almost all the competing devices are capable of capturing images with comparable clarity and detail, they fail to match the Samsung phone's vivid colour reproduction and more accurate skin tone rendering. All the competitors also lack the Ultra-wide camera found on the Samsung device.

However, the Galaxy A17 4G's video recording is capped at 1080p, lagging behind rivals such as the Spark 40 Pro and Hot 60 Pro, which can achieve 2K. But, the A17 4G offers a significant feature that none of its competitors—even its predecessor, the A16 4G—possess: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

Appealing Display:

The display of the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is identical to that of the Galaxy A16 4G. Not only is the screen 6.7-inch, it is also a Super AMOLED panel and features a 1080p resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels (385ppi). The aspect ratio is 19.5:9, the peak brightness is 800 nits, and the high refresh rate is still 90Hz.

Therefore, the Galaxy A17 4G's display performance and viewing experience remain consistent with its predecessor. Overall, the A17 4G's display is visually appealing. Thanks to its Super AMOLED panel, it offers a wider viewing angle, vivid colours, and deep blacks. Brightness is solid in most indoor and cloudy outdoor settings. However, as expected of a display with an 800-nit peak brightness, visibility suffers somewhat under harsh direct sunlight, though you can still see the content. Furthermore, the display lacks native Screen Recording and Always-On Display (AOD) functionality.

If you desire those two features (built-in Screen Recording and AOD) in your phone, the AMOLED panels of both the Spark 40 Pro and Hot 60 Pro readily offer them. These competitors further differentiate themselves with 120Hz refresh rates and superior peak brightness, offering slightly better readability than the A17 4G in direct sunlight. Nonetheless, the A17 4G's display is not far behind in overall brightness, and it arguably presents more accurate colour reproduction.

Meanwhile, just as it is on the competitors and its predecessor, HDR support is absent on the Galaxy A17 4G. Crucially, though, the display secures Widevine L1 DRM certification. This means that when you stream content on services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, you are guaranteed Full HD (1080p) resolution and the benefit of improved colour reproduction.

Software: A Commitment to Longevity

The Galaxy A17 4G ships with One UI 7.0 on top of Android 15. Samsung guarantees up to six years of OS updates and seven years of security patches—a software commitment unrivaled by its competitors. However, when it comes to AI functionalities, the A17 4G lags behind the rivals, as the phone currently only includes Google Circle To Search and the Gemini assistant. Nonetheless, considering the phone's robust CPU, there is a strong possibility that Samsung will introduce more AI functionalities in a future update.

Same CPU, Same RAM, Same Storage:

Concerning its hardware, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 CPU. As previously mentioned, this is the same processor found inside the Galaxy A16 4G. It is also identical to the Helio G100 that is inside both the Spark 40 Pro and Hot 60 Pro. The CPU's processing power is also similar to that of the Qualcomm SD685 that powered the Redmi 15 4G. As a result, the performance profile of the Galaxy A17 4G aligns closely with both its predecessor and the competing devices listed.

By the way, the Helio G99 is a 6nm entry-level processor with clock speeds of up to 2.2GHz. For graphics processing, the chip utilizes the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.

The Galaxy A17 4G offers the same flexible RAM and storage options as its predecessor. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. You can also step up to 6GB of RAM, but with the same 128GB of internal storage. There is also a version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. No matter which one you choose, you can expand the internal storage with a microSD card all the way up to two terabyte (2TB).

Performance on the Galaxy A17 4G is fluid and responsive for daily use, easily managing web browsing, social media, and multitasking. The device even handles moderately demanding tasks effectively. However, its performance ceiling is reached with graphics-intensive games. As such, users are expected to reduce graphical settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth gameplay experience.

By the way, if you plan to push the phone occasionally, you should definitely choose the 6GB RAM version. This choice is crucial to get the most out of the device and ensure a consistently smooth experience.

Same Battery & Same Fast Charging:

The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G retains the familiar 5,000mAh battery and 25W fast charging. This decision puts the A17 4G at a significant disadvantage, as all the competing devices feature larger batteries and substantially faster charging speeds.

Meanwhile, using the propriety (Samsung's) 25W charger bought separately, the Galaxy A17 4G went from zero to 100% in roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy A17 4G (SM-A175) Full Specs:

GENERAL

Maker: Samsung Mobile.

Name: Galaxy A17 4G(SM-A175).

Year Released: September, 2025.

Dimensions: 164.4x77.9x9.5mm.

Weight: 190g (6.7oz).

IP rating: IP54 (Dust & Water-splash resistance) Certified.   

Colour: Gray, Light Blue, & Black.

DISPLAY
Screen Type: Super-AMOLED Capacitive Touch-screen.

Size and Resolution: 6.7-inch, Full-HD+, 2340-by-1080 pixels, 90Hz High Refresh Rate.

Aspect ratio & Pixel Densities: 19.5:9, 385PPI.

Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+

PORTS:

3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes.

USB Type-C Port: Yes.

MicroUSB port: No.

Lightning Connector: No.

PERFORMANCE

Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99, 6nm Octa-Core Processor, 2.2GHz.

GPU: Mali-G57 MC2.

RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB (With up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).

Operating System: Android 15, One UI 7.0.

STORAGE

Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB.

Micro-SD card slot: Yes, up to 2TB (One Terabyte).

SIM AND NETWORK

SIM: Nano, Dual SIM slots.

Network:  GSM, HSPA+, & LTE.

CAMERA

Rear camera: Triple-lens; 50MP,f/18 (Wide)+5MP,f/2.2 (Ultrawide)+ 2MP (Macro), Dual-Flash.

Front camera: Single-lens, 13MP, f/2.0.

VIDEO RECORDING:

Rear Cameras: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

Front Camera: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps.

CONNECTIVITY:

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, HotSpots, USB-OTG, NFC.

BIOMETRIC, SENSORS & LOCATION: 

Security: Face Unlock, Side-mounted Fingerprint Reader.

Sensors: Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, G-sensor, Accelerometer And

Barometer sensor

Others: GPS, Location (Geo, Glonass).

BATTERY

Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh.

Reverse (Wired) Charging: N/a

Qi Wireless-Charging: N/a.

Fast Charging: 25W (Wired).