The VGO Tel New 17 is a budget smartphone built around strong performance for its price. Its MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset, paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, offers capable everyday performance and casual gaming without stretching your budget. The 90Hz display, 5,000mAh battery, and 18W charging cover the essentials, while the near-stock Android 15-based VGO OS keeps the interface clean and free of preinstalled bloatware. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner, expandable storage, headphone jack, and included protective accessories add practical value. Its distinctive back design and green breathing light for notifications also give it more character than a typical entry-level phone.
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious gamers who want a capable chipset for casual gaming without paying considerably more for a phone.
- Students and everyday users who need smooth basic performance, clean software, expandable storage, and dependable battery life.
- Buyers seeking useful extras such as a fingerprint scanner, headphone jack, notification light, and included case and screen protector.
Where it falls short
The camera is functional rather than impressive. Daylight photos are usable, but low-light shots can look dark, and night mode makes only a limited difference. Video recording is capped at 1080p, while the waterdrop notch and noticeable bottom bezel make the display look dated. The 90Hz refresh rate is useful, but the single speaker lacks the stereo experience available on some alternatives. The breathing light is limited to green, and the 64GB storage may feel restrictive for users who install many apps or save lots of media.
Worth comparing
The Samsung Galaxy A06 is worth considering if camera flexibility matters more: it has a 50MP main camera, a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, and 25W charging, although it lacks the VGO Tel New 17's 90Hz display. The Tecno Spark 40C offers a smoother 120Hz display, a larger 6,000mAh battery, and dual speakers, making it more attractive for extended entertainment. However, its Helio G81 chipset and 13MP main camera place it in a similar general performance and camera category. The VGO Tel New 17's key advantage is its Helio G81 Ultra performance at a budget-focused price, combined with clean software and practical extras.
