Nearly each time I’ve met new folks lately, we’ve had some model of this dialog (after the dialogue about my uncommon identify, after all):
THEM: “So, what do you do?”
ME: “I’m a tech journalist – primarily write about telephones, tablets, that kind of factor.”
THEM: “Oh actually? So which cellphone ought to I purchase then?”
ME: “It relies upon – are you okay with an Android cellphone?”
If they are saying no, I clarify that the iPhone 17 is the very best all-round iPhone for most individuals, or you will get cheaper older fashions which are nonetheless nice. Oh, and that you simply in all probability shouldn’t purchase the iPhone 17e.
But when they are saying sure, I ask one other essential query:
ME: “How a lot are you prepared to spend?”
THEM (normally): “Oh, not a lot, perhaps a pair hundred quid?” (That’s kilos, for our non-British readers.)
ME: “Properly, the one we suggest (in our information to the very best finances telephones) is the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional. However its design isn’t for everybody, and software program assist isn’t the very best. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a secure wager, go for the Samsung Galaxy A17 as an alternative. However there are two variations, so ensure you get the 5G one”
Rinse. Repeat.
Whereas it will get tiring to provide out practically similar recommendation so usually, I admire being trusted to supply neutral recommendation. With all of the glitzy advertising and AI slop that plagues fashionable social media, that’s extra necessary than ever.
The constraints of one-size-fits-all recommendation
It may appear bizarre that I’m recommending the cellphone that sits in second place in our greatest finances telephones round-up as an alternative of the one which’s on the high.
However, whereas I wholeheartedly agree with that rating, it’s necessary to keep in mind that most individuals aren’t smartphone fans. The truth is, in the event you’re studying this, it’s probably that you simply’re an informal person who simply wants one thing you possibly can depend on.
You don’t have a whole lot to spend on a elaborate handset with all of the bells and whistles – and also you don’t want one. To borrow an outdated slogan from Apple’s Steve Jobs: you need a cellphone that “simply works”.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Funds telephones are higher than ever in 2026, however that’s nonetheless removed from a assure, particularly in the event you plump for a much less acquainted model.
And, whereas removed from excellent, Samsung’s newest low cost handset comes with virtually no threat connected. Which can properly make it ultimate for you.
Software program is the massive promoting level
The Galaxy A17 5G isn’t a flashy cellphone. The truth is, in our assessment, my colleague Chris Martin rightly complained in regards to the unimaginable lack of upgrades from its predecessor, the Galaxy A16 5G. We shouldn’t let Samsung off the hook about this – it’s disappointing.
Nonetheless, the mix of a slimmer, lighter chassis and longer software program assist is sufficient for me to suggest the newer mannequin.
And it’s the software program expertise as a complete that basically units Samsung aside from its finances rivals. For my part, the Galaxy A17 5G’s One UI 8 pores and skin is up there with the Pixel as the very best flavour of Android 16.
It’s straightforward to make use of, seems nice and is extremely customisable, boasting helpful AI options equivalent to built-in Gemini and Circle to Search. Out of the field, it’s straightforward to get every little thing arrange the best way you prefer it – even in the event you’ve by no means used a Samsung cellphone earlier than.
Chris Martin / Foundry
With greater than 5 extra years of software program assist, the Galaxy A17 5G might be secure and safe till 2031. And, not like the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional, these 5 years apply to main OS upgrades in addition to safety patches.
In different phrases, when Samsung hypothetically rolls out One UI 13 in 2030, the Galaxy A17 5G ought to get it. Not way back, that kind of longevity was remarkable on finances telephones.
Stable {hardware} the place it issues most
The Galaxy A17 5G’s {hardware} gained’t blow you away; it’s an unremarkable cellphone in virtually each approach. However on the subject of the basics of a dependable cellphone, it ticks just about all of the bins.
That sleeker design features a very good 6.7-inch OLED show with a clean 90Hz refresh price. Regardless of no processor improve, efficiency is robust throughout all on a regular basis duties, and might even stretch to some gaming. And the quite common 5000mAh lithium-ion battery is sufficient for 2 days of lighter utilization, serving to to offset the fairly sluggish 25W charging.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Whereas the cellphone has a triple rear digicam system, the 50Mp major lens is the one one you’ll wish to use frequently. And with spectacular picture high quality and a strong devoted low-light mode, it’s versatile for a finances setup. The 13Mp selfie lens delivers equally strong pictures.
There’s actually nothing to jot down residence about right here. The truth is, I’m getting a bit bored all of the specs, to be sincere.
However whenever you’re spending simply £199/$199.99, a constant, dependable expertise is all that basically issues.
It’s a cellphone many individuals can afford to purchase, permitting them to economize by pairing it with an inexpensive SIM-only deal for calls, texts and cellular information.
Nonetheless, you’ll must just be sure you get a bodily SIM card…
Why I wouldn’t suggest the Galaxy A17 5G for journey
For my part, there’s just one potential dealbreaker on the subject of the Galaxy A17 5G: the shortage of eSIM assist.
Till a few years in the past, I wouldn’t have seen that as an issue: the method of including roaming information to my UK SIM or shopping for a neighborhood one on the airport was acquainted to me.
Nonetheless, my opinion completely shifted after a visit to Hawaii in late 2024, the place switching to eSIM made the method of getting linked seamless. I’ve since used it for 2 additional journeys to the US, and had zero points (I used Airalo all 3 times, in the event you’re questioning).
Foundry
After all, you possibly can return to one of many older strategies when travelling overseas. However in the event you’re an everyday traveller, particularly exterior of the areas coated by EU roaming, I’d extremely suggest a cellphone that helps eSIM.
Except for some iPhones, each smartphone offered within the UK and US that helps eSIM additionally features a bodily SIM card slot. In my opinion, that’s the right stability.
If, like me, eSIM is necessary to you, I’d suggest stepping as much as the Galaxy A37, which provides eSIM assist and launched only a few weeks in the past. Nonetheless, it’s considerably dearer, coming in at £399/$449.99. Keep in mind that Samsung is presently climbing the costs of a lot of its telephones and tablets, so examine before you purchase.
What we actually want is the Galaxy A27, which was a no-show on the launch final month however is prone to launch quickly. Come on, Samsung!
Nonetheless, for the overwhelming majority of individuals, there’s no want to attend. Simply get the Galaxy A17 5G, and also you’ll hopefully have the ability to neglect about shopping for a brand new cellphone for a number of years. That’s what I’ve beneficial on a number of events, and can proceed to do till one thing higher arrives.