Why the MyPhone myA17 Is Underrated — And Why It Still Offers Value for Your Money
Introduction
In the world of smartphones, every year brings newer, more powerful devices. Still, there are phones like the MyPhone myA17 that get overlooked, especially outside their native market. But for certain users — those who need a basic smartphone with essential features, affordable pricing, and lightweight performance — the myA17 can be a strong pick. This article explains what makes it underrated, its strengths and limitations, estimates of what it might cost in Kenya today, and how you might get one.
What the MyPhone myA17 Offers
- Lightweight Software Experience
The myA17 runs Android 9 Pie (Go Edition), which is designed for entry-level phones. It uses less memory, lighter apps, and simpler interfaces. For users who mainly want WhatsApp, calls, light social media, or messaging, it provides smoother operation than a full Android OS would on similar low-spec hardware. (myphone.com.ph) - Reasonable Display and Design for the Price
It has a 5.2-inch HD IPS display with a 720×1280 resolution (~282 ppi). That is not cutting-edge, but offers decent clarity for reading, social media, light videos and casual browsing. The build uses glossy plastic, which keeps it lightweight and inexpensive. (Pinoy Techno Guide) - Modest but Usable Cameras
Rear dual-camera setup includes a 5 MP main sensor and a 0.3 MP depth sensor; front selfie camera is 2 MP. In good lighting, it can take acceptable photos for casual use. Not for advanced photography, but enough for daily snapshots. (Pinoy Techno Guide) - Storage & Expandability
It is equipped with 16 GB internal storage, and supports memory expansion via microSD (up to 32 GB). Again modest, but better than some phones in the same price class that have very little free space. Dual SIM is supported. (dispositivos.pt) - Other Useful Extras
The myA17 includes features like USB-OTG (allows use of USB accessories), a digital TV dongle compatibility (in its native market), 3.5mm jack, dual SIM slots, and FM radio. These are appreciated features for users who don’t need high performance but want flexibility. (myphone.com.ph)
Where It Falls Short
- Performance Is Quite Basic
With 1 GB RAM and a quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU, the phone handles simple tasks but struggles with multitasking, gaming, or heavy apps. Many modern apps demand more RAM. (Pinoy Techno Guide) - Network Connectivity Limited
No 4G LTE support. Only 3G and 2G. For areas where 3G is slow or already sunset, this is a limitation. (dispositivos.pt) - Battery & Charging
Battery capacity is 2,300 mAh. Given the small screen and lighter software, this gives decent lifetime, but charging is slow and battery may degrade. For heavy users or media watchers, running out of battery is more likely. (myphone.com.ph) - Aging Software and Support
It’s an older device (released in 2019), so software updates and security patches are likely discontinued. Apps over time may become incompatible or slow. (Wikipedia)
Why It’s Underrated
Many people dismiss phones like the myA17 because they don’t compare well on paper to modern budget phones which have 4-8 GB RAM, 4G/5G, high refresh screens, etc. But many users do not need that level of performance. For someone on a tight budget, or someone who only uses basic apps, communications, and media in light dose, this phone gives enough while keeping costs very low. The Go Edition of Android helps with smoothness. Also, the inclusion of features like dual-SIM, expandable memory, and USB-OTG adds value that sometimes is missing even in higher-priced phones.
Price Estimation in Kenya
- Official price in the Philippines is ₱2,199 for the myA17, with occasional promotions reducing it to ₱1,999. (myphone.com.ph)
- Exchange rate: ₱1 Philippine Peso ≈ KES 2.21–2.23. (Wise)
- Using ₱2,199 × ~2.22 gives approximately KES 4,880–5,000 (before shipping/import duty etc.).
- Once import costs, shipping, tax, and retailer markup are included, a more realistic price for a new or lightly used myA17 in Kenya might be in the range of KES 7,000 to KES 10,000, depending on condition, availability, and whether one is buying used or refurbished.
Where It Might Be Bought / Imported From
- Online marketplaces abroad (Shopee Philippines, Lazada Philippines, other Philippine-based shops) where MyPhone myA17 is sold. These could be used with freight forwarding or shipping services. (Pinoy Techno Guide)
- Importers/shops in Kenya that deal in small or less common brands. Often such shops in Nairobi or other major cities import budget phones.
- Second-hand or refurbished phone shops, or individual sellers via Facebook Marketplace, Jiji.co.ke, etc., who might bring in used units.
- Checking official MyPhone partners or sellers in the Philippines could help source authentic stock. (Pinoy Techno Guide)
Conclusion
The MyPhone myA17 is underrated because it fails to draw attention when compared to more spec-rich devices. However, for users who only need basic smartphone functionality — messaging, light social apps, calls, radio, dual SIM, simple camera — it delivers value that aligns with its low price. If you can get one for around KES 7,000-10,000 (including shipping/import), it could be a good fallback phone or first device without spending much. Expectations must be modest, but for the right user, it offers a lot more than many assume.
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