Purchasing a budget-friendly smartphone has become more difficult recently due to rising costs of key components, especially RAM. These increased costs have led manufacturers to move away from extremely low pricing, though discounts are still available. Two new models, the Samsung Galaxy A18 and Xiaomi Redmi 17, have emerged as affordable options. Samsung emphasizes durability, ease of use, and integration with its One UI software, while Xiaomi focuses on large screens and long battery life. The Xiaomi Redmi 17 is currently priced at 199 euros, down from 233 euros, and the Samsung Galaxy A18 is available for 229 euros, a reduction from 279 euros. In terms of design, both phones are not particularly original, but they are well-crafted. The Galaxy A18 maintains the minimalist look of the Galaxy series but is slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor. It also uses Gorilla Glass 3, a step down from the previous model’s Gorilla Glass Victus+. The Redmi 17 has an RGB lighting system on the back that activates during calls, charging, or gaming, and it is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Both phones perform well in daylight photography but struggle in low light. The Redmi 17 uses a dual camera setup (50 MP main + AI sensor) and includes fun features like Double Video mode, but it lacks an ultra-wide angle lens and optical image stabilization. The Galaxy A18 has a 50 MP main sensor along with a 5 MP ultra-wide angle and macro lens, offering more versatility in photography. In terms of display, the Galaxy A18 uses an AMOLED screen, which provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, and an infinite contrast ratio, along with a 90 Hz refresh rate. The Redmi 17 has a larger 6.9-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate. Software-wise, the Galaxy A18 comes with One UI, which includes six years of Android and security updates. The Redmi 17 runs on HyperOS 3, which features a Dynamic Island-like interface called HyperIsland, but it only offers three years of update support. Both devices use non-5G chips: the Redmi 17 has a MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra, while the Galaxy A18 uses an Exynos 1610. Neither is ideal for high-end 3D gaming, but both are sufficient for everyday use. The Redmi 17 stands out with a massive 7500 mAh battery and 45 W fast charging, which can last one to two days on a single charge. The Galaxy A18 has a 5000 mAh battery and 25 W charging. Overall, the Galaxy A18 excels in photo quality and software support, while the Redmi 17 is better suited for entertainment with its large, high-refresh-rate screen and long battery life, despite its shorter update period.