Samsung has expanded its Galaxy F-series lineup with the launch of the Galaxy F17 in India. Targeted at budget-conscious buyers, the new model is priced under Rs 15,000 and comes with highlights such as triple rear cameras, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, a 5,000mAh battery, and a promise of six years of software updates. It replaces the Galaxy F16, which debuted in March earlier this year.
The Galaxy F-series is Samsung’s Flipkart-exclusive range, positioned to offer reliable devices at affordable prices. With the F17, Samsung is doubling down on durability and long-term usability by offering Victus protection and extended software support, features not commonly seen in this price range.
The Galaxy F17 has been priced at Rs 14,499 for the base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. It comes in another variant with 6GB RAM, and this one costs Rs 15,999. Most phones in this price segment offer 6GB as the base RAM, so the choice of 4GB seems a little dated for a 2025 phone. This might also affect overall performance, as the phone comes with Gemini Live and Circle to Search AI features, which require more RAM for smoother processing.
The smartphone is equipped with the Exynos 1330 processor, which also powers the recently launched Galaxy F17. This chipset was launched in 2023 and is built on a 5nm process. While we cannot judge its performance yet, there are faster chipsets like the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 that you can find in phones priced under Rs 15,000, like the Lava Play Ultra and Tecno POVA 7.
The Galaxy F17 has a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. The battery capacity is decent, but you do get faster charging speeds up to 45W with the OPPO K13x and the Tecno POVA 7. Up front, you get a 6.7-inch FHD+ (1,080×2,340 pixels) super AMOLED display with an Infinity-U notch and a 90Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s known for its displays, so you can expect a vibrant screen. However, the notch might feel dated compared to punch-hole displays that are more common today. You are getting Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, though, which is a rare feature in this segment. The smartphone has an IP54 rating, which is slightly lower than the standard IP64 rating.
Samsung is extending its long-term software support even in the budget lineup with the Galaxy F17. The smartphone runs One UI 7 based on Android 15 out of the box, and it will receive six years of OS upgrades and security updates. This is the longest software support you will get in this price range. By offering six years of updates in the sub-Rs 15,000 category, Samsung appears to be leaning on software longevity as its unique selling point, attempting to stand apart from brands like Tecno, Lava, and OPPO that focus on performance or fast charging.
In the camera department, the Samsung Galaxy F17 5G sports a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro camera at the back. The setup is versatile and something you won’t find at this price range. The highlight here is also an ultra-wide sensor, which is very rare for this category. For selfies, it has a 13-megapixel sensor at the front.
For buyers, the Galaxy F17 brings a mix of pros and cons. On the plus side, you get a versatile triple-camera setup with OIS and an ultra-wide lens, a bright AMOLED display, and unmatched software support. On the flip side, the base 4GB RAM option feels dated for 2025, especially with AI features like Gemini Live and Circle to Search that demand more resources. Charging speeds are also modest compared to rivals.
If performance and fast charging are your priorities, alternatives like the Tecno POVA 7 or OPPO K13x may serve you better. However, if you value long-term software updates, Samsung’s display quality, and reliable durability, the Galaxy F17 is worth considering. It’s a phone designed for buyers who prefer stability over chasing cutting-edge features at this price.
The Galaxy F17 is available to purchase starting today via retail stores, Samsung.com, and Flipkart.
