Samsung is kicking off 2026 with a bang, launching two highly anticipated budget devices in the United States: the Galaxy A17 5G smartphone and the Galaxy Tab A11+ tablet. Both products, announced in late December and set to hit shelves in early January, are designed to bring advanced features and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to more affordable price points, targeting consumers who want solid performance without breaking the bank.
The Galaxy A17 5G, priced at just $199.99, represents Samsung’s latest effort to democratize 5G technology and modern smartphone features. As reported by multiple tech outlets, including PCMag and TechSpot, the device is notable for being widely available in the US—a market where ultra-affordable smartphones often arrive late, if at all. Starting January 7, the A17 5G will be offered through major carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as Samsung Experience stores and nationwide retailers.
So, what exactly do buyers get for $200? According to Samsung, the Galaxy A17 5G sports a spacious 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. While flagship phones might offer 120Hz, 90Hz at this price is nothing to scoff at—it ensures scrolling and animations feel fluid, a feature once reserved for much pricier models.
Under the hood, the A17 5G is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 1330 processor, built on a 5-nanometer manufacturing process. This octa-core chip includes two Arm Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, paired with a Mali-G68 MP2 GPU. While it won’t outpace the latest Snapdragon behemoths, it’s a solid mid-range performer, more than capable of handling everyday tasks, streaming, and the AI features Samsung is touting.
Battery life is another highlight. The A17 5G packs a 5,000 mAh battery, which, according to Samsung, supports 25W Super Fast Charging—enough to reach 50% in just 30 minutes. That’s a welcome feature for users who are always on the go and can’t afford to be tethered to a charger for hours.
The camera system is where Samsung has added some flair, especially for a device at this price. The front-facing camera features a 13-megapixel sensor, while the rear setup includes a triple-lens array: a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Samsung claims, “The versatile camera system delivers in a wide range of conditions, plus new optical image stabilization helps you capture more stable, blur-free videos and brighter photos, even in low light conditions. Galaxy A17 5G is crafted to capture the moments you’ll cherish in stunning quality that lives up to the memory.” TechSpot notes that this camera setup is unchanged from the previous Galaxy A16 5G, which was the best-selling Android smartphone in the last quarter—a testament to its popularity and reliability.
Storage options are generous for the segment. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, but users can expand that up to a whopping 2TB via a microSD card. That’s a rare find in this price range and ensures plenty of room for photos, videos, and apps.
One of the most intriguing updates is the inclusion of AI features. The Galaxy A17 5G supports Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini chatbot, marking a step forward in bringing smart, context-aware search and AI assistance to budget devices. Both features are integrated into the phone’s Android 16 operating system, which comes pre-installed. Samsung has also committed to six years of OS and security updates for the A17 5G, a move that should give buyers confidence in the phone’s longevity and security.
Color options for the A17 5G include black, blue, and gray, offering a touch of personalization even at the entry-level tier. With its combination of affordability, solid specs, and long-term software support, the A17 5G is clearly positioned to make waves in the US market.
Not to be outdone, the Galaxy Tab A11+ aims to bring premium tablet features to a broader audience. Priced at $249.99, the tablet debuts on January 8, just a day after the A17 5G, and will be available in gray and silver, with an optional 5G version for those who want connectivity on the move.
The Tab A11+ is built around an 11-inch LCD display boasting a 1920x1200 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 480 nits of brightness. This makes it an appealing choice for streaming, gaming, or productivity tasks. Under the hood, it runs on a MediaTek MT8775 octa-core processor, paired with either 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Like the A17 5G, storage can be expanded up to 2TB with a microSD card—plenty of space for media and files.
The tablet’s 7,040 mAh battery is designed to deliver all-day use, and Samsung says it supports 25W fast charging. For audio, the Tab A11+ features quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, promising an immersive sound experience for movies and games. Camera duties are handled by a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera with autofocus—adequate for video calls and casual photography.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories and networks. The Tab A11+ also comes with Android 16 out of the box and, impressively, will receive seven years of OS and security updates, according to PCMag.
AI features are a major selling point for the Tab A11+. It is the first Galaxy Tab A-series device to support Circle to Search and the Gemini assistant, bringing advanced search and AI-powered productivity tools to a more affordable tablet. Samsung is betting that these features—once exclusive to high-end devices—will help the Tab A11+ stand out in a crowded market.
Both the Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11+ are part of Samsung’s broader strategy to make advanced technology more accessible. By offering long-term software support, robust hardware, and AI features at lower price points, Samsung is responding to consumer demand for value without sacrificing capability. As TechSpot observes, these launches come on the heels of other product announcements, including new speakers and Google Photos support for Samsung TVs, signaling a strong start to the company’s 2026 lineup.
With these new releases, Samsung is setting a high bar for what consumers can expect from affordable devices, blending performance, longevity, and intelligence in packages that won’t empty your wallet. For budget-conscious shoppers and tech enthusiasts alike, the Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11+ are shaping up to be the devices to watch this January.