Struggling with grainy video calls in a long-distance relationship? See how the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and Gemini AI helped us bridge the gap and stay connected
Have you ever had video calls with your partner, only to find that the image or video quality was poor because they hadn’t upgraded their phone in years?
That’s exactly what happened to me, and I was frustrated.
Distance is hard enough without a grainy, lagging screen standing between you and the person you love.
One day, I decided to take matters into my own hands and upgrade my girlfriend’s phone. I chose a Samsung Galaxy A17, and it was a total game changer.
A New Way to Connect
The attention to detail and the sharp image of her new camera made her come alive on the screen.
It was the first time in months that I felt like I was actually sitting across from her. The phone’s design is stylish and fits her personality perfectly it’s a nice bonus, but the real hero is the 128GB of storage.
Finally, she has enough room to download the movies and shows we used to struggle to stream together!
The jump from her old A04 is massive; the A17’s immersive screen makes our movie nights feel extra special. The difference is night and day.
For the first time in months, that sharp camera makes her feel present, as if she were right here instead of thousands of miles away.
More Than Just a Phone: A Gaming Hub
Beyond the calls, this phone opened up a whole new world for us.
We can finally explore the beautiful landscapes of Sky: Children of Light together without her screen freezing. We hold hands during adventures, enjoy the scenery, and go into battles as each other’s bodyguards and protectors.
When we want something more competitive, we jump into Pluto for a good laugh.
She constantly mentions how beautiful the graphics are compared to her old phone and how much smoother the lag-free experience is.
Freedom to Explore
I also made sure she had expandable storage with an SD card. Now she has all the space she needs to:
• Download and listen to all the BTS and James Arthur music she loves.
• Save movies and series from Netflix for offline viewing.
• Keep all the pictures and videos we create for each other.
• Share anything she wants with me without that annoying “storage is full” pop-up.
• Play games and use apps she never thought she could, without having to delete and reinstall them constantly.
• Store files and documents for her schoolwork safely on the SD card.
The Power of AI
And the best part? Her phone is AI ready, giving her full access to Gemini to handle schoolwork and home projects on the go.
She’s been thoroughly enjoying the Circle to Search feature, which lets her discover products she sees in TikTok videos and share them with me instantly.
She’s also been taking screenshots of her schoolwork and asking Gemini to summarize the text or create flashcards.
It’s helping her understand and remember her lessons so much better. Plus, she’s been impressed by the built in photo editing she can easily delete unnecessary background objects or "photo bombers" right from her gallery.
The Bottom Line
Overall, this upgrade has been a huge positive change for us. It hasn’t just enhanced my girlfriend’s tech experience; it has strengthened our connection. It has provided her with the tools she needs and made her feel loved and cared for, regardless of the distance between us.
If you’re currently dealing with grainy video calls or a partner whose phone is constantly out of storage, I can’t recommend the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (Samsung Galaxy A17 4G International) enough. It’s the exact phone I chose to bridge the distance between United States and Namibia.
Stunning Video Quality: The 6.7" Super AMOLED display and high-res cameras make those long-distance calls feel like you're in the same room.
AI-Powered Productivity: With Gemini built-in, it's an incredible tool for schoolwork, summarizing notes, and staying organized on the go.
Future-Proof: Unlike other budget phones, this one is backed by 6 years of security and OS updates, so it stays fast and secure for years to come.
Pro Tip: How to Save with the Prime Visa
When I bought this phone on Amazon, I used myPrime Visa to make the purchase even smarter. Here’s why you should consider it for your next tech upgrade:
5% Back Everywhere on Amazon: You’ll earn unlimited 5% back on your new phone and accessories if you're a Prime member.
Instant Sign-up Bonus: New cardholders often receive an instant Amazon Gift Card (sometimes up to $150!) upon approval, which can cover a huge chunk of the phone's cost immediately.
Flexible Financing: If you'd rather pay over time, you can choose 0% promo interest installments to fit the upgrade into your monthly budget without the extra cost of interest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment down or mention them to me with you preferred social media platform with this link here.
The Meta RayBans are an incredible product that not only captures photos and videos but also allows you to listen to music, make calls, stream videos, and even engage in video chats and calls with them on WhatsApp, elevating your communication experience to new heights!
They make excellent use of video creators’ content, whether you want to record for a video review of your unboxing, food videos, vlogs, or even gaming, like when you’re in an arcade or somewhere outside and want to capture that first person perspective from your point of view!
Not only do they take excellent photos for photography, but with their 12 megapixel cameras, they also make excellent use of the 32GB of onboard storage to capture and video record all those moments you have in front of you!
They can also be very useful as a language interpreter whenever you’re in a different country or someone who speaks a different language. However, there are only a handful languages currently available for this purpose:
Lastly, the most important feature is for individuals with low vision or low vision awareness. They can use the “be my eyes” feature, which acts as an extra pair of eyes for them. This feature utilizes their built in cameras to provide assistance and accessibility whenever needed.
These smart AI glasses are an amazing pair that you can get on Meta for $30 off! Alternatively, if Amazon is your preferred choice, here’s a link to that as well!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I hope you have an incredible day ahead! (^v^)/
Here are my social media handles, so you can follow me on your preferred platform!
After having the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for almost 2 years, I can finally lay it to rest and look forward to the new Z Flip 7 that's coming soon. It had its ups and downs, and here's what they were for me from my experience with this device.
Since this is the Flip 5, here are five things I fold (Like) and Crease (Dislike) about it.
The fold (what I like👍)
1. The cover screen was amazing, and I liked showing off the video wallpapers I had installed on my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (as shown right here).
I liked adding all kinds of GIF video game wallpapers to my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 instead of the ones that are pre-installed.
Also, adding apps and even some games to the cover screen and using them thanks to Good Lock on the Galaxy Store is a nice hidden/add-on feature.
Update: While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Cover Screen 3.4-inch "Flex Window" towards the new The Flip 7’s 4.1-inch Display is much more vibrant and gives way more room for those GIF wallpapers!
2. It's very portable, and I can't say this enough: I like the portability of this device and how it just folds and fits nicely into a shirt pocket, a holder in the car, and fits greatly in a pocket (wow, am I right? 😆).
3. Fold it into a camcorder: I like how I can fold it into a camcorder; it's a very convenient alternative when recording with flip phones, and I like it so much!
I often caught other people glancing at my phone, able to do that (I don't know if they were shocked or something else 🤔).
Either way, it's incredible to do something like that on a phone, especially in this day and age. Growing up, I never imagined phones like this, other than basic, non smart flip phones. I owned a few, and as impressive as they were, today's versions are much better, but that's just my opinion.
There are still people out there who like and use dedicated flip phones, and that's impressive to me! 😁
It's the future. I can see all kinds of devices like smartphones and gaming handhelds becoming foldables, or even one day, if technology is advanced enough, something that can turn a device or thing into a portable, button-pressed object that becomes full-sized again. (And I hope I get to see the day that device comes to life! 🤩)
Update: I've been using this camcorder mode to film 4K vlogs for a project with my partner. It’s way more stable than holding a flat phone!
4. The 120Hz screen is very responsive: Whenever I use the 120Hz screen, it's just so smooth. The games I play on it, even though it doesn't last a long time, play so well. I just love how it handles games and scrolls on social media, and even videos seem so amazing!
5. Customizable Cases: Every case is incredible for this device since it's a one-piece and can be discarded/disconnected very easily by going from bottom to top or top to bottom, depending on the case you use. The cases are very unique since not many one-piece detachable cases are made for phones unless they're today's flip phones/foldables.
The phone case I had were this very durable Poetic Case And it was incredible! Not only did my phone's backside survive a lot of falls, but it was also very shiny and received very good compliments from people too!
The crease 👎, what I didn't like and hope to see improved in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
1. Overheating Issues: Whenever I play games for 30 minutes, such as Hearthstone, Call of Duty Mobile, or even Genshin Impact, the device overheats. Even after restarting, it continues to overheat. I truly hope that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7's vapor chamber and other internal system improvements will offer much better management, capable of handling these tasks, especially something as simple as restarting.
Update: Cooling Overheated in Genshin/Cod on Samsung galaxy Z flip 5but now thanks to Samsung galaxy Z flip 7New Vapor Chamber (15% larger with better thermal management) It handles gaming and tasks better now!
The Flip 7 actually addressed this with that 15% larger vapor chamber. Playing Genshin now doesn't feel like I'm holding a hot coal!
2. The charging port: The charging port doesn't always charge at the fastest speed. Depending on the cable, it can make the phone much warmer than normal.
I've tried several different cables and charging adapters; the only ones that seem to work very well are this UGREEN Uno 65W charger and this UGREEN USB-C cable from Amazon. They seem to work perfectly with my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, and charging and overheating from the charging port weren't a problem afterward. A total phone saver for me!
What I hope to see improved in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7is being able to charge my device with any cable or adapter, especially if I'm in a place with a low battery. 😅
3. The flexible screen endures many flips and folds before it eventually fails, and the crease renders the phone unusable or unstable with ghost touches. I had never witnessed or heard of a ghost touch screen before this, so for those unfamiliar, it's when a device register touches or swipes without user input, either randomly or from its own system, as shown in this video.
Update: Durability on the Samsung GalaxyZ Flip 5 had Ghost touches & screen failure but thanks to Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Armor FlexHinge (more durable and the crease is nearly invisible) so it's even better now!
While the Flip 7 has the new Armor FlexHinge, I’m still sticking with my Poetic case. Even with the $99 Samsung Care+ safety net, I’ve learned the hard way that 'flipping' is a privilege that requires a good grip!
Ever since this happened, I've been very afraid to even fold my Flip due to the ghost touch screen and the $99 phone replacement bill (thank you, Samsung Care+!). Of course, this is just a temporary solution until the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 comes out; then I'll see how that goes.
4. The fingerprint reader on my phone is overly sensitive to random touches, causing me to enter my main password/PIN whenever it registers five invalid fingerprint readings.
Sometimes I like to think my phone enjoys playing pranks on me because there are times, I set my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 down, and it still requires me to re-enter the password/PIN due to five invalid touches. 😆😅
So, I'm looking forward to seeing how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 improves the side fingerprint sensor and hoping it's not as sensitive to touches as this one.
Update: Fingerprint Overly sensitive on the Samsung galaxy z flip 5, but Improved sensor logic in One UI 8 to prevent accidental touches on Samsung Z flip 7!
I should mention now thanks to One UI 8.5 update the Samsung galaxy Z flip 7 now has an Improved Accuracy feature it basically kills those accidental "prank" lockouts even more now!
5. There's no S Pen support: Do you know how useful that could be if Samsung made S Pen support on the Z Flip series? To me, it would be a huge deal! For starters, it would open up new possibilities for note-takers such as myself, drawing/art, and could set up new functions/features with the S Pen!
To me, it's such a huge missed opportunity, and I know the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7doesn't support it either, but it would be a huge deal for people like me, and I'm sad Samsung hasn't made it a feature or operable with this Z series yet, and I'm very hopeful they would be supported sometime in the future because I would definitely buy one if they did! 😁
Despite all of this, I really like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. I mean, I've used it as my daily phone for almost two years, and every phone used for this long is bound to have some problems maybe not as many as this, but it's still very cool and futuristic. That's what I'm into: something new and different, not your everyday phone. (I have an iPhone 16e for that.)
The trade-offs if you don't opt for the Z Flip phones are longer battery life, larger screen sizes, charging speed (still 25 watts? I mean, come on, Samsung), and different devices that may meet your needs more than a device that looks cool but is very expensive and costly if damaged (in case you haven't known that yet, if no protection plan or insurance was placed during the order it can be costly 😅)
Update: I would still hope that Samsung will at least bring some Spen support to the Samsung Z flip series maybe even a Spen Lite would be a game changer for this device or even a dedicated apartment or case with an attachment that makes the future z flip into a mini notebook or note pad would be so cool to me!
Final Word: Looking back, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was the "growing pains" era of foldables. It gave us that big cover screen but struggled with the heat of modern gaming. Transitioning to the Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 feels like the technology has finally caught up to the dream. If you’re still on aSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, the trade in deals for the 7 are usually peak right now, especially if you have Samsung Care+ to cover any of those "ghost touch battle scars.
Want the Flip life but don't want to pay flagship prices? then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE gives you the same 6.7-inch main display and IP48 water resistance as the flagship 7, but for hundreds of dollars less (retailing around $599 - $899 depending on the deal!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was a pioneer, but it’s time to move on. The Z Flip 7 FE takes everything we loved about the 5, like the portability and upgrades the internals.
Camera: Upgrade to a 50MP main sensor (the Flip 5 only had 12MP).
Software: It runs One UI 8.5 (Android 16) right out of the box, whereas the Flip 5 is nearing its end of life for major OS updates.
You don't need a $1,200 phone to start your YouTube/TikTok journey When there's a reasonable price flip phone on the market that can make great videos and start that content journey! Even the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE version handles 4K recording beautifully!
Not only that, but a couple could practically buy two Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE models to film and create content together!
If you grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE on Amazon with your Prime Visa, you’re getting $30-$45 back instantly. That basically pays for your first two years of a screen protector or a high-quality UGREEN charger
I actually grabbed this through Amazon using my Prime Visa. If you're a Prime member, you can get unlimited 5% back on your tech purchases at Amazon.com. Plus, new cardholders often get an instant $150 Amazon Gift Card upon approval. Which basically covers most of the phone’s cost right away
If you have any questions, please comment below. I'll try to answer them as best as I can.
Thank you so much for reading. You can find me on social media as Sparethread2457. I hope you have a great day. See you next time! (^v^)/
The Razer Anzu smart glasses are my go-to daily wearable and here's 5 reasons why you should try/buy these smart glasses!
1.They last all day.
I've charged these glasses before sleeping and then pick it up when I wake up and use it to start my day. I listen to music, play videos, and do some calls and these Razer Anzu glasses still has 20-30% after a day's work. It's amazing how they last all day, and they don't overheat or feel some kind of discomfort. (They advertised 5 hours and 30 minutes)
2. They help looking at screens.
Thanks to the blue light filter looking at my electronics such as my TV, Phone, and handhelds such as Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, these lenses make anything with a screen easy on the eyes. So no eye strain, teary-eyed, or dry eyes from screen time.
3. Has wireless smart controls.
The Razer Anzu glasses use wireless touch controls, and they are easily customizable with the Razer Audio App on the app store and Google play store! Also, they can use your smart assistant of choice to do what you need to do.
4. Sunglasses lenses.
The Razer Anzu also comes with a pair of Sunglasses lenses that help with brightness of the outdoors or if you just want to look cool inside of places with these glasses. They're 99% UV/UVB protection so your eyes are in good condition with these glasses.
5. They're affordable.
These smart glasses are currently 59.99 at Amazon right now for limited time. If you want to see how great these glasses are, now your chance to grab these glasses for 70% off the original price.
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day! Cya next time! (^v^)/
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