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Highlights

• Samsung expands its M-series with the launch of the Galaxy M17 5G, priced from ₹12,499, making it one of the most affordable 5G phones in India.
• Powered by the Exynos 1330 processor, paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, the phone delivers efficient multitasking and smooth performance.
• Features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a punch-hole design and minimal bezels for an immersive viewing experience.
• Equipped with a 50MP primary rear camera and a 13MP front camera, supporting Night, Portrait, and HDR modes for clear, colorful shots.
• Backed by a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, ensuring all-day power for streaming, gaming, and social media on the go.

Samsung has expanded its M-series in India with the introduction of the Galaxy M17 5G, an affordable 5G smartphone featuring a powerful Exynos 1330 processor, a 50MP primary camera, and a massive 5000mAh battery, catering to young consumers who don’t want to sacrifice performance for price.

In the emerging market segment below ₹15,000, the M17 5G is on track to deliver the best pricing and performance.

Design and Display: Simple and Functional

The Samsung Galaxy M17 5G exemplifies the company’s minimalist design philosophy. It features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display that is likely Super AMOLED, offering vivid colors and a higher contrast ratio than competitors for media consumption. And for entertainment purposes.

The display uses a punch-hole front camera design with minimal bezels for a better viewing experience. It also includes a side-mounted, built-in power button for quick, secure unlocking.

The back panel features a triple-camera design and a minimalist Samsung finish that gives the feel of a luxury build for a budget price. It is expected that the phone will come in multiple color variants.

Performance: Driven by Exynos 1330

The engine powering the Galaxy M17 5G is the Exynos 1330 SoC, a 5nm octa-core chip designed by Samsung to deliver efficient mid-range performance. The SoC pairs seamlessly with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage; this trio offers a multitasking experience, supports casual gaming, and maximizes battery life.

The phone runs Android 15 with One UI 7 on top, Samsung’s latest smartphone interface that aims to provide a clean, optimized software experience with enhancements to customization and privacy settings.

The Exynos 1330 chipset also supports an integrated 5G modem, offering faster data speeds and reliable connectivity in regions with active 5G networks.

Camera: 50MP Primary Sensor Takes the Crown

Samsung continues to emphasize camera performance across its M-series smartphones, and the M17 5G is no exception. The M17 5G includes a 50MP primary rear camera with auxiliary sensors, which may consist of a 2MP macro lens, and I wonder if there is a second 2MP depth lens, given the design compared to a standard M-series smartphone with portrait photography.

The front of the M17 5G houses the camera and video call features, with a 13MP front-facing sensor in the punch-hole cutout. As expected, photography modes such as Night Mode, Pro Mode, Portrait Mode, and HDR mode are standard items.

OIS has yet to be confirmed from review sampling due to Samsung’s reliance on its image processing capabilities to deliver a clear experience and great colors.

Battery Life and Charging Power That Lasts

Battery life is one of the standout features of the Galaxy M17 5G. The smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery that delivers extra time for users to stream, game, or scroll through social media without worrying about needing to charge throughout the day. The M17 5G supports 25W fast charging, meaning that when the battery dies, users won’t have to wait long for the phone to charge so they can get back to work or play. The power-efficient Exynos 1330 chipset should be sufficient for users to get a full day of use while multitasking or gaming.

Connectivity and Features

As its name indicates, the Galaxy M17 5G supports numerous 5G bands for all-around coverage. It also includes dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. The device continues to include a 3.5mm headphone jack for those still using wired audio technology. It also has all the standard sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor, making it a fully functional smartphone.

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy M17 5G has officially launched in India, starting at ₹12,499, making it one of the lowest-priced 5G phones from Samsung. The Galaxy M17 5G will go on sale through Samsung’s official web store, Amazon India, and offline retailers later this month.

Price-wise, the device will compete directly with other affordable 5G devices such as the Redmi 13 5G, Realme Narzo 70x, and iQOO Z9 5G. Samsung is a trusted brand, and with long-term software updates, more prospective owners, like students or working professionals, will be drawn to the M17 5G when they want a solid 5G device for under ₹15,000.

Verdict: A Decent 5G Phone for Anyone to Use Daily

The Galaxy M17 5G is another decent addition to Samsung’s growing M series. With an Exynos 1330 chipset and a reliable 5000mAh battery, a decent display, and a decent 50MP camera, it strikes a good balance between performance and price.

The Galaxy M17 5G won’t be a competitive gaming option compared to a flagship. Still, the hardware is solid, 5G is included, and Samsung’s software experience is suitable for those looking for a reliable device to work with daily in 2025 in India.