Seoul, South Korea – Samsung is reportedly preparing to bring high-end camera technology to its entry-level smartphone series for the first time. According to new rumors circulating from South Korea, the tech giant is in discussions with component suppliers to equip the upcoming Galaxy A17 5G with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a move that could significantly boost the phone’s appeal in the budget market.

OIS is a camera feature designed to reduce blur by compensating for small hand movements during photography, resulting in sharper and clearer images. Originally reserved for premium smartphones, the technology has gradually made its way into mid-range devices and could now be heading to Samsung’s most affordable lineup.

If the reports are accurate, the Galaxy A17—expected to launch later this year—will become the first in the Galaxy A1x series to include OIS. Currently, the most budget-friendly Samsung phone featuring OIS is the Galaxy A26, with the Galaxy A1x series yet to receive the feature.

The addition of OIS to the A17 could give Samsung a strong competitive advantage in the entry-level market, especially in the United States, where the A1x models have historically been strong performers. The Galaxy A16 5G, for example, launched in the U.S. earlier this year with a $199 price tag, striking a balance between affordability and performance.

Analysts say that if Samsung can keep the price of the A17 competitive while including OIS, the device could redefine consumer expectations for low-cost smartphones. However, it remains unclear whether the added feature will push up the retail price, as OIS requires more expensive camera components compared to standard modules.

Samsung has not officially confirmed the move, but industry watchers believe that incorporating flagship-grade features into budget devices is a strategic response to increasing pressure from Chinese rivals, who continue to dominate the lower end of the global smartphone market with aggressive pricing and feature-rich phones.

More details about the Galaxy A17 5G are expected to emerge in the coming months.