Samsung launches $199 Galaxy A17 5G and $250 Tab A11+
Key Takeaways:
- Samsung will sell the Galaxy A17 5G in the US for $199 beginning Jan. 7; the Galaxy Tab A11+ arrives Jan. 8 for $250.
- Galaxy A17 5G uses the Exynos 1330, a 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display and a 5,000mAh battery with fast-charging.
- Storage starts at 4GB/128GB for A17 with microSD expansion up to 2TB; Tab A11+ offers 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB configurations.
- Both devices target budget buyers seeking solid basics rather than flagship-level features.
Overview
Samsung is expanding its budget Galaxy lineup with two entry-level devices headed to the US in January: the Galaxy A17 5G smartphone and the Galaxy Tab A11+ tablet. Both prioritize value — balancing familiar hardware, battery life and expandable storage at competitive price points.
Galaxy A17 5G: What to expect
The Galaxy A17 5G starts at $199 and goes on sale in the US on January 7. It keeps the Exynos 1330 chipset used in prior A-series models, a practical choice for day-to-day performance and power efficiency.
The phone features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro sensor and a 13MP front-facing camera. Those who prioritize photography will find competent hardware, though it mirrors Samsung’s prior-generation setup rather than offering major upgrades.
Battery life is a focal point: a 5,000mAh cell powers the device and supports fast-charging. Base memory is 4GB RAM with 128GB storage, and users can expand storage via microSD by up to 2TB — an appealing option for media-heavy users on a budget.
Pricing and positioning
At $199, the A17 5G is squarely aimed at budget-conscious buyers seeking a large AMOLED screen and long battery life without flagship pricing. Expect carriers and retailers to push promotional deals, but the headline price makes it competitive against other low-cost 5G phones.
Galaxy Tab A11+: tablet for basic media and productivity
The Galaxy Tab A11+ arrives January 8 with an 11-inch LCD display and battery life rated for up to 15 hours of video playback. It supports fast-charging and offers two RAM/storage tiers: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB, plus microSD expansion.
Camera hardware is modest — an 8MP rear shooter and a 5MP front camera — reinforcing the Tab A11+’s role as a straightforward, affordable tablet for streaming, web browsing and light productivity.
Who should consider these devices?
Both the Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11+ are best for buyers who need reliable everyday devices without the premium features or price of flagship phones and tablets. They offer sensible compromises: proven chips, expandable storage and long battery life at accessible prices.