Samsung seems to be planning a new budget 5G phone, but the name might cause some head-scratching. A device called the “Galaxy M17e 5G” has popped up on a Google certification list, suggesting the company is rethinking how it names its entry-level handsets.
A familiar phone with a new name
The listing on the Google Play Console connects this new M17e to the model number SM-M076B. Interestingly, the internal code for the device is “A07x.” In plain English, this means the phone is almost certainly a rebranded version of the upcoming Galaxy A07 5G.
Big tech companies often do this to save money. Instead of designing a whole new phone for online sales (the M-series), they take a phone meant for offline stores (the A-series), slap a new name on it, and sell it online.
What’s under the hood?
Because it’s likely a twin of the Galaxy A07, we have a good idea of what specs to expect. The phone will probably run on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, which is a decent chip for basic daily tasks.
The biggest selling point will likely be the battery. Leaks suggest a massive 6,000mAh unit, which is typical for Samsung’s M-series. It is also listed with 8GB of RAM and could launch with the very latest Android 16 software right out of the box.
Why the name change matters
Usually, Samsung’s cheapest phones use the “0” number series, like M04 or M06. We expected this new phone to be called the Galaxy M07.
By calling it the “M17e” instead, Samsung seems to be trying to make the phone sound more premium. The number “17” sounds like a step up from “07,” even if the hardware inside is exactly the same. The “e” letter is usually used for budget versions, but combining it with a higher number is a new, slightly confusing strategy for the brand.
Market Impact & Context
This renaming trick is all about perception. In the fiercely competitive budget market—dominated by Xiaomi and Realme—a phone named “M07” sounds like the absolute bottom of the barrel. A phone named “M17e” sounds like a budget version of a mid-range phone. It’s a marketing move designed to make the device more appealing to buyers on a tight budget who don’t want to feel like they are buying the “cheapest” option available.
What comes next
Since the phone has cleared Google’s certification, an official launch is likely just around the corner. We are waiting to see if Samsung applies this same confusing naming logic to its F-series phones on Flipkart.
