Samsung may bring optical image stabilization to the Galaxy A17

When optical image stabilization was first introduced on smartphones, it was largely limited to high-end devices. The technology has since trickled down and is now available on the majority of mid-range devices.

If a new rumor is true, Samsung might be looking to bring optical image stabilization (OIS) to its entry-level series. The Galaxy A17 5G due later this year could be its first phone in this segment with OIS.

Optical image stabilization is a camera technology that counters shakiness that results in blurry pictures. The module is able to correct for those movements, thus producing images with little to no blur at all.

The most affordable Samsung phone with OIS that you can buy now is the Galaxy A26. The Galaxy A1x series hasn't received this feature so far. A new rumor from South Korea claims that Samsung is in talks with its parts suppliers to bring OIS to the Galaxy A1x series, starting with the Galaxy A17.

Samsung's Galaxy A1x phones typically perform very well in the United States and have repeatedly proven to be a best-selling model. It launched the Galaxy A16 5G in the US back in January and at $199, it presents a solid value proposition.

Adding OIS to a device in this price segment would significantly enhance the device's competitiveness, giving it a clear edge over rivals. It remains to be seen, though, if adding OIS would lead to an increase in price for the device, since the unit cost of the components required for OIS will certainly be higher than the standard camera modules used so far in this series.