Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsStart with the low-risk fixes: restart the phone, install available Android and app updates, and check how much storage is free. If the slowdown continues, test whether a downloaded app is responsible before considering a factory reset. These steps follow Google’s general Android guidance; exact menus and safe-mode steps vary by phone maker and Android version.
1. Restart the phone and check for updates
Restart first, then check for Android system updates and updates for your apps. Google recommends restarting after each troubleshooting step, which helps you tell whether that change made a difference. Update menus vary; on some phones, the system update option is under Settings > System > Software update.
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An update may not be available for an older model. Google notes that update timing varies by device, manufacturer, and carrier, and some older phones cannot run newer Android versions. An update is worth checking, but it is not a guaranteed speed improvement.
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2. Check whether storage is nearly full
Open Settings and look for Storage. Storage holds saved files and app data; memory is used to run Android and apps. Google says a phone can start having issues when less than 10% of its storage is free. That is Google’s troubleshooting guidance, not a performance benchmark that guarantees the same result on every phone. Google Android Help: Fix a slow Android device and Free up space on an Android device.
#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.
If storage is low, remove items you no longer need, such as downloads, large media files, or unused apps. Before deleting photos or other files you want to keep, confirm they are backed up and accessible somewhere else. You can also transfer files to a computer, verify the copies, then delete the phone copies. Google documents this option, but not every USB cable transfers data; check that the cable supports file transfer and fits both devices. Google Android Help: Transfer files between your computer and Android device.
3. Clear temporary data carefully
Clearing an app’s cache removes temporary files. That may help with an app-specific issue, but some apps can take longer to open the next time while they rebuild cached data. The steps vary by Android version and manufacturer; look in that app’s information or storage settings.
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.
Do not confuse Clear cache with Clear storage or Clear data. Clearing storage permanently deletes that app’s data, which may include settings, saved files, or sign-in state. Prefer cleanup controls inside the app where available, and make sure important data is backed up before clearing app storage. Google also says, “You don’t usually need to close apps.” Force-stop an app when it is unresponsive or when you are troubleshooting that particular app, rather than routinely closing everything. Google Android Help: Free up space on an Android device.
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4. Check whether a downloaded app is slowing the phone
Safe mode temporarily disables downloaded apps, making it a useful diagnostic test. The way to enter safe mode differs among manufacturers and models, so use your phone maker’s instructions rather than relying on a button combination that may not apply to your 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.
- Restart into safe mode using the instructions for your phone model.
- Use the phone long enough to see whether the slowdown is still present. If it improves in safe mode, Google says a downloaded app is likely involved.
- Restart normally, then remove recently downloaded apps one at a time. After each removal, restart and check whether the problem changes.
If the phone is still slow in safe mode, a downloaded app is less likely to be the cause. Continue with system-level troubleshooting or contact the manufacturer for device-specific help. Google Android Help: Fix a slow Android device.
5. Use Battery Saver for battery life, not speed
Battery Saver can restrict or turn off background activity. Google warns that visual effects, features, network connections, and some apps may be delayed while it is active. Use it when extending battery life matters; do not treat it as a general speed-up setting. Google Android Help: Use Battery Saver.
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.
6. Reserve a factory reset for advanced troubleshooting
A factory reset is a last resort, not the first cleanup step. It removes data stored on the phone and uninstalls apps and their associated data. Back up anything important first, and make sure you can access the backup before resetting. If a downloaded app was the cause, reinstalling it may bring the slowdown back. Google Android Help: Fix a slow Android device.
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Google’s general troubleshooting guidance focuses on restarting, updates, storage, identifying problematic apps, and—only as advanced troubleshooting—a reset. It says users do not usually need to close apps. The cited guidance does not establish that a generic “RAM cleaner” or “phone booster” will make old hardware faster, so avoid treating such apps as a proven fix.
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.
A USB cable can be useful if you need to move large files to a computer to free local storage. It does not upgrade the phone’s processor or directly increase its performance. Check that a cable matches the connectors on your phone and computer and supports data transfer before buying; you may already have a suitable cable. Google also provides 15 GB of storage at no charge for a Google Account, but cloud storage is a backup option, not proof that phone storage has been cleared. Verify your backup before deleting originals. Google Account Help: Back up your device and Google Android Help: Transfer files between your computer and Android device.
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