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Free Galaxy A36 and more excitements await your attention. | Image by PhoneArena
The Galaxy A lineup holds a special place in Samsung's portfolio. Perfect for Galaxy fans on a tight budget, these Android phones deliver solid specs in a budget package.
Starting with the Galaxy A16 and A17, both of which cost less than $200 and going up to the Galaxy A57, which was launched recently at $549.99, the A-series covers the budget and mid-range segments. But how can a user know which one is right for them?
Let's explore some of the most popular Galaxy A phones.
Galaxy A16 and A17 — the entry-level option
The Galaxy A16 and the Galaxy A17 are very similar devices. Both share a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and offer mostly similar performance with the Exynos 1330 SoC.
The ideal choice for those on a budget. | Image by PhoneArena
The handsets are also equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging speeds. Although this spec sheet doesn't appear particularly exciting, it's actually pretty solid. At the end of the day, both models cost just under $200, making them one of the cheapest Android phones with an AMOLED screen.
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Galaxy A17 5G for free at Total Wireless
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The Galaxy A17 5G is now available for free at Total Wireless. You can pick any plan you like, with prices starting at just $40. You don't have to commit to a multi-month plan, either, so you can just prepay for one month and get the Galaxy A17 at no cost.
The same offer is now available on the Galaxy A16. This device may not be super impressive, spec-wise, but it does the basics without any hiccups. Select an eligible 5G plan (costing as low as $40), and you can now get this model for free through Verizon's Total Wireless.
So, who should go for these budget options? Simply put, the Galaxy A16 and A17 are for those on a shoestring budget. Offering decent visuals and a solid battery life, they provide the basics for those who don't need anything else.
Galaxy A26 packs AI goodies
In case you're not satisfied with only the basics, the Galaxy A26 could be the right alternative. This is one of the most affordable Samsung phones to pack a trimmed-down version of Galaxy AI, called Awesome Intelligence.
Beautiful design, great specs! | Image by PhoneArena
Features included in this suite aren't quite as rich as the flagship series, but they're more than enough given the phone's $299.99 asking price. You're getting Circle to Search, Object Eraser and some custom filters.
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You can now save 100% on the Galaxy A26 when you pair the phone with an eligible 2-month Unlimited plan. Prices for Total's 5G Unlimited plans vary from $110 to $120 for two months, making this a truly solid bargain for many.
The smartphone is also equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, giving you snappy visuals. Add the Exynos 1380 chip, and you've got a well-rounded package for everyday use.
Galaxy A36: the all-rounder for most
While the Galaxy A36 recently got a successor, it remains one of the best Samsung phones under $400. The device stands out with a great display, boasting excellent brightness levels of more than 1,700 nits and supporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Galaxy A36 is the most polished of all. | Image by PhoneArena
The Android phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, which handles daily tasks without stutter. That said, it's certainly no flagship killer on the performance front, so keep your expectations modest.
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Purchase and activate a Total 5G Unlimited or Total 5G+ Unlimited for three months, and you can get the Galaxy A36 for free through Total Wireless. The Total 5G Unlimited costs $165 for three months, paid upfront, while the higher-tier plan will set you back $195 for three months.
If you don't mind spending $399.99 for your next Android phone, this one gives you the best value overall.
Unlocked or through a carrier?
When it's time to upgrade, many users choose a fully unlocked device. Retailers like Amazon often discount such options, making them seem like the obvious choice. And yet, the price inevitably goes up when you add the cost of your monthly service.
On the other hand, carriers like Total Wireless sometimes launch incredibly tempting offers that turn some Galaxy A phones virtually free when paired with an eligible plan.
Total Wireless gives you these Galaxy A models for free
For a limited time, Verizon's Total Wireless allows users to grab the Galaxy A16, Galaxy A17, Galaxy A26 or Galaxy A36 for free with some plans. The entry-level models, for example, go down to $0 with any 30-day 5G plan, with prices starting at just $40 for the Total Base 5G Unlimited.
If you'd like to grab the Galaxy A26 or the A36 for free, you should purchase and activate a 5G Unlimited plan for two or three months. The two-month unlimited plan, for example, ranges from $110 to $120, while the three-month Total 5G Unlimited plans go up to $195.
Of course, these deals only make sense if you're already considering switching carriers or need a new plan. Otherwise, an unlocked device may still be the more flexible option.
The obvious conclusion
Who would want to pass up getting a free phone? | Image by PhoneArena
When it comes to carriers, things can get really complicated quickly. With MVNOs like Total Wireless, you don't have to commit for a prolonged period while experiencing the fast and mostly reliable Verizon 5G speeds.
Paying upfront may not be everyone's cup of tea, but looking at these Galaxy A discounts, I think it's more than worth it. Instead of spending $200 to $400 on a new phone, you’re effectively covering that cost through a short-term plan you may already need.
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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.
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