Mediocre camera quality on affordable Galaxy smartphones may soon become a thing of the past. Samsung appears to be preparing to introduce optical image stabilization (OIS) as a key upgrade for one of its most budget-friendly devices: the Galaxy A17. This feature could significantly enhance the photography experience for users of this economical phone. OIS technology is designed to combat blurry photos caused by shaky hands.

It works by physically adjusting the camera lens to counteract minor movements, which results in sharper and clearer images. The benefits of OIS become particularly noticeable in less-than-ideal lighting conditions or when trying to hold the phone steady. Currently, the Galaxy A26 represents the most affordable Samsung smartphone equipped with OIS. If the rumors hold true, the Galaxy A17 could become the first in Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy A1x series to feature this technology.

Historically, Samsung Galaxy devices have been renowned for their camera quality, a feature that has traditionally been reserved for flagship models. To change this, the South Korean tech giant began rolling out OIS in its more affordable models. The Galaxy A5x series first received OIS with the Galaxy A52 in 2021, while the A3x and A2x families followed suit with the A33 and A23 in 2022. The Galaxy A1x series has been waiting for its turn for several years.

Recent reports from Korea indicate that Samsung is exploring cost-effective OIS solutions specifically for the Galaxy A17, ensuring that this enhancement does not significantly raise the phone’s price. They may even consider integrating hybrid OIS as one possible alternative. If these developments materialize, the Galaxy A17 could offer a photography experience that exceeds expectations for a budget device, making high-quality photography accessible to millions of users.