The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Review app access in Android Settings, limit each permission to what an app needs, and use a secure screen lock for Google Wallet. These controls address different risks: permissions govern access to device features and data, while payment security also relies on device eligibility, account and bank protections, and what you do if your phone is lost.
How to review and change an app’s permissions
To change access for one app, open Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions. To see apps by the kind of access they have, look for Settings > Security & Privacy (or Privacy) > Permission manager, then choose a permission category. Exact labels and routes vary by Android version and phone maker; if you cannot find a setting, search within Settings for the permission name. Google’s Android permission instructions describe the available controls.
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Choose the narrowest access that still works
For camera, microphone, and location, Android may offer choices such as Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, or Don’t allow. The available choices depend on the permission and device. Grant access only when it fits the app’s function: a navigation app may need location while in use, for example, while a request for unrelated access deserves scrutiny. A permission prompt alone does not prove that an app is trustworthy or malicious.
If denying a permission breaks a feature you want, return to the same control and grant access when needed. On supported Android versions, device-wide camera and microphone access controls can also turn those sensors off for apps; search Settings for “camera access” or “microphone access” if the route differs. Android’s security and privacy settings guide covers these controls.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
How to check recent access and unused apps
Use Privacy Dashboard to investigate access
Privacy Dashboard shows which apps accessed permissions and when. Google documents a seven-day history on Android 13 and a 24-hour history on Android 12, so the available lookback depends on your Android version. Open the dashboard from Privacy settings, select a permission category, and tap an app to review or change its access. Google’s Privacy Dashboard guide explains the version-specific history.
Keep Play Protect enabled
Google Play Protect checks apps from Google Play and other sources, and can warn about, deactivate, or remove harmful apps. It may also remove or pause permissions for apps that have not been used; behavior and controls vary by Android version. Follow its warnings and leave it enabled. Google’s Play Protect help page describes its protections.
Rank #2
- 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.
What to check before installing an app
For apps distributed through Google Play, review the Data safety section, the permissions list, the privacy policy, and the developer information. These sources answer different questions:
- Data safety describes collection and sharing as declared by the developer.
- Permissions show technical access the app may request on your device.
- Privacy policy and developer details provide additional context about the app and its operator.
The declarations and requested permissions can differ for legitimate reasons, and neither is a complete independent audit of an app’s behavior. Data safety applies to apps distributed through Google Play. Google Play’s Data safety explanation describes what the section means.
Rank #3
- 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.
How to secure Google Wallet contactless payments
Set up verification on the phone
Google Wallet contactless payments require a supported Android screen lock and a supported way to verify that it is you, such as the device PIN, pattern, password, or a Class 3 biometric unlock. Wallet uses the Android screen-lock credential—not your bank card PIN—and may ask you to verify again after a timeout. Google Wallet’s purchase-verification guidance explains the flow.
Transit has a distinct setting that may allow transit payments without unlocking the phone. That exception applies only where the transit system supports it; other payments still require verification. Check Wallet’s transit settings if you use this option, and consider whether the convenience is worth leaving it enabled. Google’s verification guidance covers transit behavior.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Check device, card, and country eligibility
Tap to pay requires NFC, a supported country and payment method, Google Wallet as the default NFC wallet app, and a device that meets Google’s security requirements. Rooting, a custom ROM, an unlocked bootloader, or uncertified software can prevent Wallet from working for contactless payments. Not every Android phone or card is eligible; check Google’s tap-to-pay requirements for current device and country details.
When adding a card, verification options depend on the bank and region. The issuer may verify you by text or email, phone, its app or website, or a temporary authorization visible on a statement. Any verification code comes from the bank. Google Wallet’s card-verification instructions describe the possible methods.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Know what virtual card numbers do—and do not—cover
For eligible cards, Google Wallet uses a virtual card number for in-store payments and some online or in-app payments, helping avoid sharing the actual card number with a merchant. Availability and exact behavior vary by card and transaction, so do not assume every payment is covered. Google’s payment-safety guidance explains this protection.
Quick Recap
What to do if a phone with payment cards is lost
- Use Google’s device-finding controls to locate, lock, or erase the device. Erasing it removes payment cards from that device. Follow the current steps in Google Wallet’s payment-safety help.
- Secure your Google Account if you think someone may have accessed it, and review account security activity.
- Contact your card issuer promptly about suspected unauthorized transactions and follow its dispute process. Google Wallet Help advises reporting unauthorized activity within 120 days of the transaction date; that is Google’s service guidance, not a universal legal deadline.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
