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If your Android phone says storage is almost full, remove or move files you no longer need; if it is slow or lagging, troubleshoot performance instead. Storage keeps photos, downloads, and other data, while memory is where Android and apps run. The fixes are different, and routinely closing every app is usually unnecessary.
First, identify whether storage or memory is the problem
Open Settings > Storage to see how space is being used. Labels and options vary by manufacturer and Android version, but the storage breakdown can help you spot large downloads, media, apps, or other categories before you delete anything.
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If the warning is about storage, focus on persistent files and apps. If the device is slow but storage is not nearly full, use the performance steps below rather than deleting files at random. Google says a phone can start having issues when less than 10% of its storage is free; treat that as troubleshooting guidance, not a universal performance threshold. See Google’s steps to speed up a slow Android device.
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Remove downloads and offline media you no longer need
Check downloaded files, music, videos, maps, and other offline content. When possible, delete content through the app that downloaded it, so you can see what you are removing. Review photos and videos individually before deleting them; deleting a local copy may be difficult to undo if it is not backed up.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Uninstall apps you no longer use
In Settings, open the apps list, select an app you do not need, and choose Uninstall if that option is available. The exact path varies. Before removing an app, consider whether it holds information you still need and whether that information is backed up or available through an account.
Use Files by Google only after checking each selection
Files by Google can suggest files to remove and help browse or manage files. Its Clean flow may include a Junk files section, but anything you confirm for deletion there is permanently deleted. Review each item before tapping the confirmation button. Google documents Files by Google for Android 8.0 and up; availability of particular features can still vary by device.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Move or back up important files before deleting them
If you want to preserve files, copy them to a computer or move or copy them to a supported SD card rather than deleting them outright. An SD card is an option only if your exact phone or tablet supports one, and the available actions depend on its configuration. Files by Google’s instructions cover checking storage space and using Files by Google.
Backups can provide another way to protect data, but do not assume they include everything: Google says backup and restore behavior varies by device and Android version, and some apps cannot back up or restore all settings and data. Check that the files you care about are actually backed up before removing local copies. Google’s guide explains how to back up or restore data on an Android device.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Clear an app’s cache before considering its storage or data
For one app that is misbehaving, clearing its cache is the less destructive first step. Cache consists of temporary data; removing it may make the app slower the next time it launches while it rebuilds that data.
Clear storage or Clear data is different: it permanently deletes all of that app’s data from the device. You may lose local settings, files, or progress, and may need to sign in again. Check for an in-app option to remove specific content first. The exact Settings path varies, but it commonly involves opening the app’s entry in the installed-app list, then its storage section. Google describes the distinction in its Android storage guidance.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If the phone is slow, troubleshoot performance rather than closing every app
Google says, “You don’t usually need to close apps.” If the device is lagging, try a restart, install available Android and app updates, and troubleshoot apps that are slow or stop responding. Closing apps repeatedly is not a general-purpose way to free persistent storage.
If you do need to free storage, use the category breakdown in Settings and remove or move only files you have identified. Google notes that some storage instructions apply only to Android 14 and later; manufacturer menus and available features differ, so consult the device maker’s guidance when a path does not match your screen.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
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