A low-cost phone can look convincing until the carrier compatibility screen appears, the storage fills up, or the camera struggles outside perfect daylight. The Best budget phone for one person may be a smooth 5G model, while another buyer needs a simple unlocked handset that works on a specific GSM network.
We compared these 10 phones by network flexibility, display quality, storage, camera hardware, battery features, and long-term practicality. There are two international Galaxy A16 variants, two Galaxy A17 listings, and a Tracfone-locked Motorola that needs especially careful reading before purchase.
Our top pick is the Google Pixel 10a, with the range spanning capable 5G phones, large-screen Samsung models, and basic handsets for lighter use.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Network | Display | Storage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Pixel 10a | Best overall | Unlocked, major carriers | Actua, 3, 000 nits peak | 128GB | Photography and everyday use |
| 2 | Moto G 2025 | Best Motorola phone | Unlocked, major carriers | 6.7-inch, up to 120Hz | 128GB, microSD support | Smooth scrolling and 5G |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Gray | Best software support | 5G | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED | 128GB, expandable | Long-term ownership |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Bundle | Best Samsung 4G option | T-Mobile and select MVNOs | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 128GB | Media and dual SIM use |
| 5 | Moto G 5G 2024 | Best 5G media phone | Unlocked, 5G carrier support | 6.6-inch, up to 120Hz | 128GB, microSD support | Streaming and speakers |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Black | Best black A17 option | 5G | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED | 128GB, expandable | Samsung essentials |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Light Green | Best international basic phone | T-Mobile and select MVNOs | Not specified | 128GB | Light everyday use |
| 8 | Moto G Play LTE | Best simple Motorola phone | Unlocked GSM and major US carriers | 6.5-inch HD+, up to 90Hz | 64GB, microSD support | Calls, video, and basic apps |
| 9 | BLU G35 | Best basic GSM phone | GSM networks | 6.5-inch HD+ | 32GB | Essential phone tasks |
| 10 | Tracfone Moto G 2025 | Best Tracfone option | Locked to Tracfone | 6.7-inch, 120Hz | 64GB | Tracfone customers |
1. Google Pixel 10a: Best Overall
Pros
- 30-plus-hour battery claim
- Bright 3, 000-nit Actua display
- IP68 water and dust protection
- Unlocked for major carriers
- Gemini and Camera Coach features
Cons
- Only 128GB of listed storage
- Charger details are not specified
- AI features will not appeal to everyone
Best for: someone who wants the most complete everyday Android phone in this group.
The Pixel 10a is the easiest phone here to recommend without a long list of qualifications. It is an unlocked Android handset that works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers, so it avoids the network restrictions attached to the international Galaxy A16 models and the Tracfone Moto G. Its mix of camera tools, battery claims, durability, and bright screen makes it the most rounded pick.
The display is the standout hardware detail. Google specifies an Actua panel with a peak brightness of 3, 000 nits, which should make maps, messages, and photos much easier to see outdoors than a dimmer budget screen. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i adds scratch resistance, while IP68 protection gives it a stronger defense against dust and water than the splash-resistant Motorola models in this list. Those details matter more in daily use than a large megapixel number.
Google also puts photography and software assistance at the center of this phone. Camera Coach is intended to help with composition, while Gemini handles tasks such as brainstorming and planning. The phone can screen spam calls, and the listing claims more than 30 hours from a full charge. These are useful touches for a person who wants a phone to be helpful without installing a collection of separate apps.
The weakness is storage flexibility. The listed version has 128GB, and the supplied information does not mention microSD expansion. The Moto G 2025 and Moto G 5G 2024 are better fits for someone who wants removable storage, while the Galaxy A17 models offer much larger expansion potential. The Pixel 10a remains the Best budget phone for most buyers who want a polished camera-first experience, but heavy offline video collectors should look elsewhere.
2. Moto G 2025: Best Motorola Phone
Pros
- 5G with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset
- 6.7-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate
- 128GB storage and microSD support
- 5, 000mAh battery
- Water-repellent design and Gorilla Glass 3
Cons
- Charger capable of maximum TurboPower speed is sold separately
- Actual refresh rate varies by content and settings
- Water resistance is limited to splashes and light rain
Best for: someone who wants a modern Motorola phone with 5G, a large screen, and flexible storage.
The Moto G 2025 feels like the practical middle ground in this lineup. It has the familiar straightforward Motorola interface, enough storage for a sizeable app library, and a screen that should feel noticeably more fluid than a standard 60Hz panel. It is unlocked for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other major carriers, which makes setup much simpler than with either international A16 listing.
Its 6.7-inch display can refresh at up to 120Hz. That ceiling is not constant, since the phone adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz depending on the app, content, and device settings, but scrolling through feeds and web pages should still feel smooth. The 5G connection comes from a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, and Motorola lists up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost. The extra virtual memory uses internal storage, so it helps multitasking without changing the phone's physical memory.
The 50MP Quad Pixel camera combines pixels for an effective 12.5MP photo output, and the front camera is specified at 16MP. That combination is more useful than the headline number alone suggests, particularly for ordinary daylight photos and video calls. The 5, 000mAh battery is another sensible choice, and the phone supports up to 30W TurboPower charging when paired with a suitable charger.
Compared with the Pixel 10a, the Moto G 2025 gives up the Pixel's brighter display, IP68 protection, and software-focused camera features. It counters with microSD support and a more conventional Motorola experience. The phone's water-repellent design is not waterproof, and the fastest charger is sold separately, so it is not the right pick for someone expecting complete protection or the quickest possible setup. For a large-screen Android phone with 5G, it is a compelling alternative.
3. Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Gray: Best Software Support
Pros
- 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display
- 5G connectivity
- Six OS updates and six years of security updates
- IP54 splash and dust resistance
- Expandable storage up to 2TB
Cons
- Camera specifications are not detailed
- Super Fast Charging adapter details are not specified
- Large body may be awkward for one-handed use
Best for: someone who plans to keep a Samsung phone for several years.
The Galaxy A17 5G Gray is the long-haul choice. Its most important advantage is not a flashy camera mode or an unusually fast refresh rate. Samsung promises six OS updates and six years of security updates, which gives this phone a much clearer future than the older or less specifically supported models in the list.
The 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen should be a strong fit for reading, streaming, and photo browsing. AMOLED gives menus and video more contrast than a basic LCD, while the FHD+ resolution keeps text and images sharper across the large panel. The phone also includes Samsung's triple-lens camera system, although the supplied listing does not provide the individual camera resolutions or aperture details.
Samsung adds practical durability features. The A17 has an IP54 rating for resistance to splashes and dust, a Gorilla Glass Victus front, and a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back. That is not the same level of protection as the Pixel 10a's IP68 rating, but it is more reassuring than a phone with no stated ingress rating. Expandable storage up to 2TB is useful for people who keep a large photo or video library.
The Galaxy A17 is also available here in black, with the same listed feature set. That means the Gray model is not a different performance tier, just the more distinct listing for this comparison. It loses to the Moto G 2025 on clearly specified refresh-rate and camera details, and the Pixel 10a remains stronger for computational photography. Choose this A17 when software longevity, Samsung Wallet, Circle to Search, and expandable storage matter most.
4. Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Bundle: Best Samsung 4G Option
Pros
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 1080 by 2340 resolution
- 128GB storage
- Dual SIM support and included case
Cons
- US compatibility is limited to T-Mobile and select MVNOs
- No eSIM support
- Power adapter is not included
- No 5G
Best for: a T-Mobile user who wants a large AMOLED screen and dual SIM support.
This Galaxy A16 4G bundle is attractive for the right network and a poor fit for the wrong one. It combines Samsung's familiar software with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 128GB of storage. The bundled case is a useful practical extra, but the carrier limitation is the detail that should decide whether this phone belongs on your shortlist.
The screen is unusually well specified for this group. Its 1080 by 2340 resolution works out to roughly 385 pixels per inch, so small text and high-resolution photos should look clean. The 90Hz refresh rate gives scrolling a smoother appearance than a basic 60Hz display, while the listed 800-nit high-brightness mode should help in ordinary outdoor use. This is a better media screen than the Moto G Play LTE's HD+ panel.
The rear camera setup includes a 50MP wide camera and a 2MP macro camera, with autofocus listed for the main camera. The phone has a 5, 000mAh non-removable battery, but no power adapter is included. Dual SIM support is helpful for separating work and personal lines, although the device does not support eSIM.
The major drawback is network compatibility. This international model is listed as working in the US only with T-Mobile and its Metro and StandUp MVNOs, and it is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, Cricket, Visible, Xfinity Mobile, or several other networks. The Pixel 10a and Moto G 2025 are much safer unlocked choices for changing carriers. If T-Mobile is your network, this is the Best budget phone here for a large Samsung AMOLED screen without stepping up to 5G.
5. Moto G 5G 2024: Best 5G Media Phone
Pros
- 6.6-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate
- 5G and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor
- Stereo sound with Dolby Atmos
- 5, 000mAh battery
- 128GB storage and microSD support
Cons
- Maximum charging speed is 18W
- Charger availability varies
- 5G support depends on carrier coverage and plan
- Water-repellent design is not waterproof
Best for: someone who watches video, plays casual games, and wants stereo audio from a phone.
The Moto G 5G 2024 is built around entertainment. Its 6.6-inch screen can reach a 120Hz refresh rate, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos make it more enjoyable for video and podcasts than the single-speaker experience common on basic phones. The vegan leather back also gives it a softer, less slippery feel than plain plastic.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor provides the 5G connection, though the listing correctly notes that compatible network coverage and a suitable plan are required. Motorola pairs it with 128GB of built-in storage and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. That is a strong arrangement for downloaded shows, photos, and music, provided the apps you use allow content to be moved to removable storage.
The 50MP Quad Pixel camera produces an effective 12.5MP image output, and a Macro Vision lens handles close-up subjects. The 5, 000mAh battery should suit long viewing sessions, while TurboPower charging can refill it faster than basic charging. The maximum device charging speed is 18W, and the included charger varies by market, so the exact charging experience depends on what accompanies the listing.
The newer Moto G 2025 is the stronger Motorola choice for a 120Hz screen, 30W charging support, and a newer Dimensity chipset. This 2024 model still makes sense when stereo entertainment and its Snapdragon platform are more important. For a wider look at portable entertainment choices, the speaker features that matter in small rooms can help you decide when phone audio is enough and when a separate speaker makes sense.
6. Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Black: Best Black A17 Option
Pros
- FHD+ Super AMOLED display
- 5G connectivity
- Six OS updates and six years of security updates
- IP54 protection
- Storage expansion up to 2TB
Cons
- Camera hardware details are limited
- Large screen adds to the phone's footprint
- Charging accessories are not specified
Best for: someone who wants the Galaxy A17 features in a black finish.
The black Galaxy A17 is effectively the twin of the gray listing above. It carries the same 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, triple-lens camera system, and long software support promise. The reason to choose this listing is straightforward: you prefer the black finish or find this particular listing easier to use with your preferred purchasing arrangements.
The screen should be one of the phone's best features. FHD+ resolution gives the large panel enough detail for comfortable reading and streaming, while Super AMOLED provides the deep contrast that makes dark scenes look more convincing. Samsung also includes Circle to Search with Google, Samsung Wallet, and AI tools for handling certain planning and messaging tasks.
Storage flexibility is excellent on paper. The phone has 128GB built in and supports expansion up to 2TB, so a microSD card can take pressure off the internal storage. The IP54 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus front, and reinforced polymer back provide useful everyday protection, though they do not make the phone safe for submersion.
There is no functional advantage over the Gray A17 in the supplied specifications. The Pixel 10a is the better choice for brighter outdoor viewing and explicit IP68 protection, while the Moto G 2025 gives more detail about its processor, refresh rate, and camera. Pick the Black A17 when Samsung's update policy is the priority and finish is part of the decision.
7. Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Light Green: Best International Basic Phone
Pros
- 128GB storage
- 50MP main camera
- 5, 000mAh battery
- Includes a case
- International GSM support outside the US
Cons
- US use is limited to T-Mobile and select MVNOs
- No eSIM support
- No power adapter included
- No 5G
Best for: a T-Mobile customer who wants a simple Samsung phone and an included case.
The Light Green Galaxy A16 is the less fully documented of the two A16 listings, but its core purpose is clear. It is an international 4G model with 128GB of storage, a 50MP main camera, a 5, 000mAh battery, and a case in the package. For calls, messaging, browsing, and ordinary app use on a compatible network, it covers the essentials without adding 5G complexity.
The camera listing identifies a 50MP wide camera with autofocus and a 2MP macro camera. As with the other A16, the headline resolution does not tell you how every photo will look, but autofocus on the main camera is useful for everyday snapshots. The 5, 000mAh battery is a sensible capacity for a large-screen phone, though the power adapter is not included.
Network compatibility needs to be checked before purchase. In the US, the listing specifies T-Mobile and its Metro and StandUp MVNOs, while excluding other CDMA carriers and several MVNOs. It also does not support eSIM. The international bands may make it useful outside the US, but that does not turn it into a universally compatible unlocked phone.
The Galaxy A16 4G Bundle has a more detailed display specification and a gray finish, while this version distinguishes itself with the Light Green color and included case. The Moto G Play LTE is a safer choice for more flexible US carrier use, and the Pixel 10a is far more capable for cameras and durability. This A16 belongs on the shortlist only after confirming the network.
8. Moto G Play LTE: Best Simple Motorola Phone
Pros
- Unlocked GSM phone
- 6.5-inch HD+ display with up to 90Hz
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- 5, 000mAh battery
- microSD support up to 1TB
Cons
- 4G LTE rather than 5G
- 64GB built-in storage
- Water protection is limited to splashes
- Camera output is effectively 12.5MP from the 50MP sensor
Best for: someone who needs an uncomplicated unlocked phone for calls, media, and basic apps.
The Moto G Play LTE is a modest phone with a useful set of everyday features. It uses a Snapdragon 680 processor, 4GB of RAM, stereo speakers, and a 6.5-inch HD+ screen that can refresh at up to 90Hz. It does not chase the 5G performance of the newer Moto G models, but it should handle calls, messages, streaming, and ordinary browsing without unnecessary complication.
Motorola's display is wider than the basic 60Hz panels found on many entry-level handsets, though HD+ resolution is less crisp than the FHD+ screen on the Galaxy A17 or the A16 Bundle. Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support can improve entertainment with compatible apps and wired headphones. The 5, 000mAh battery is another strong practical feature for a phone intended to keep working through a full day.
The camera uses a 50MP Quad Pixel sensor, but Motorola explains that four pixels combine into one for an effective 12.5MP photo resolution. That is a good reminder not to compare camera numbers in isolation. Storage starts at 64GB, with microSD expansion up to 1TB, and the phone has a durable matte finish with splash protection.
The Moto G 2025 is better for a buyer who wants 5G, 128GB, a 120Hz screen, and a newer chipset. The Play LTE is easier to justify for lighter use, especially when removable storage and stereo sound matter more than network speed. It is not the Best budget phone for demanding gaming or heavy photography, but it is a sensible basic Motorola handset.
9. BLU G35: Best Basic GSM Phone
Pros
- GSM unlocked
- 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity display
- Octa-core processor
- Face ID unlocking
- Rugged case and charger included
Cons
- 32GB storage
- 3GB RAM
- Not compatible with Verizon and several CDMA networks
- Camera hardware is basic
Best for: someone who needs a simple GSM phone for calls, messages, and light app use.
The BLU G35 is aimed at essential phone use rather than ambitious performance. Its 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity display provides a large viewing area, and the octa-core processor is intended for routine app launches and multitasking. The package includes a rugged case, charger, quick guide, sticker, and Type C cable, which makes the setup less involved than several phones here that do not specify a power adapter.
The camera arrangement is a dual 8MP rear system with LED flash and a 5MP selfie camera. That is enough for basic snapshots, video calls, and identification photos, but it is not designed to compete with the Pixel 10a or the 50MP Motorola and Samsung cameras. Face ID provides a convenient way to unlock the phone, though buyers should still use a secure backup method for sensitive information.
The main limitation is capacity. The G35 has 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, so app-heavy users will reach its limits sooner than users of the 128GB phones. It is GSM unlocked for T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile, and other GSM networks, but it does not work with Verizon, Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, or other listed CDMA networks.
The Moto G Play LTE is the better step-up option for stereo sound, a 50MP camera, and microSD expansion. The BLU G35 makes sense when the included accessories and basic task list matter most. Readers comparing several kinds of inexpensive personal electronics may also find the features that matter for a small everyday camera useful when deciding whether a phone camera is sufficient.
10. Tracfone Moto G 2025: Best Tracfone Option
Pros
- 6.7-inch 120Hz display
- 5G connectivity
- 50MP Quad Pixel camera
- 5, 000mAh battery
- Stereo speakers with Bass Boost
Cons
- Locked to Tracfone
- Tracfone plan required
- 64GB storage
- Carrier flexibility is limited
Best for: an existing Tracfone customer who wants a large, fast-refreshing Motorola phone.
The Tracfone Moto G 2025 has much of the hardware people like about the unlocked Moto G 2025. It includes a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, stereo speakers with Bass Boost, a 50MP Quad Pixel camera, 5G connectivity, and a 5, 000mAh battery. For watching video and using social apps, it should feel considerably more modern than the most basic phones here.
The camera uses Motorola's Quad Pixel approach to improve light gathering, while the listing describes it as suitable for sharp photos and video in different lighting conditions. The 5G connection and RAM Boost are intended to support smooth multitasking, and TurboPower charging can provide hours of use in minutes. The supplied data does not specify the maximum charging speed for this Tracfone listing.
Storage is the key compromise. This version has 64GB, which is half the capacity listed for the unlocked Moto G 2025. More important, the phone is locked to Tracfone and requires a Tracfone plan. That restriction is not a footnote. It determines whether this phone is usable for your situation, and it removes the carrier flexibility that makes the unlocked Moto G models easier to recommend.
The unlocked Moto G 2025 is the clear choice for anyone who may change networks or wants 128GB built in. The Tracfone model is appropriate for a buyer already committed to Tracfone who wants the 120Hz display and 5G hardware. It should be skipped by anyone expecting to insert a SIM from another carrier and start using the phone immediately.
How to choose best budget phone
The right Best budget phone depends less on a single camera number than on carrier compatibility, storage, screen quality, battery hardware, and how long you expect to keep it.
Carrier compatibility
Start with the network, not the color or camera. An unlocked phone made for US carriers is generally easier to move between Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and compatible MVNOs, but the listing still needs to identify supported networks. The international Galaxy A16 models are limited in the US to T-Mobile and select MVNOs, while the BLU G35 excludes Verizon and several other networks.
A locked phone can be perfectly suitable for the carrier it names. The Tracfone Moto G 2025 is a good example, but it requires a Tracfone plan and cannot be treated like the unlocked Moto G 2025.
Display quality
A larger screen is useful for reading and video, but resolution and refresh rate determine how it feels. FHD+ is sharper than HD+ at similar sizes, and AMOLED panels such as those in the Galaxy A16 Bundle and Galaxy A17 generally provide stronger contrast than a basic LCD. Refresh rates up to 90Hz or 120Hz make scrolling look smoother, although phones may lower the rate for certain apps or to conserve power.
Brightness matters if you use the phone outdoors. The Pixel 10a is the only model here with a stated peak brightness of 3, 000 nits, while the Galaxy A16 Bundle lists 800 nits in high-brightness mode.
Storage and expansion
128GB gives most users more breathing room than 32GB or 64GB, especially after the operating system and preinstalled apps take their share. MicroSD support can make the Moto G models and Galaxy A17 more practical for photos, music, and video. The Galaxy A17's stated support for expansion up to 2TB is unusually generous, though a card does not always help with apps or protected media.
A phone with a good camera is frustrating when its storage fills before the next holiday.
Camera hardware
Look beyond the headline megapixel figure. The Moto G Play LTE and Moto G 2025 use Quad Pixel systems that produce effective 12.5MP images from 50MP sensors. The Galaxy A16 listings specify a 50MP main camera with autofocus, while the BLU G35 uses an 8MP rear camera and 5MP selfie camera.
Software can matter as much as sensor resolution. The Pixel 10a adds Camera Coach and other Google tools, making it the more appealing choice for people who take frequent photos and want help getting better results.
Battery and charging
A 5, 000mAh battery appears across several Motorola and Samsung models, but battery life depends on network signal, brightness, apps, temperature, and usage. Fast charging is useful only when the correct charger is available. The Moto G 2025 supports up to 30W TurboPower with a suitable charger, the Moto G 5G 2024 lists up to 18W, and the A16 models do not include a power adapter.
Durability and updates
Water protection varies widely. IP68 on the Pixel 10a offers the strongest stated protection here, while the Galaxy A17's IP54 rating covers splashes and dust. Motorola describes its phones as water-repellent, not waterproof. Samsung's six OS updates and six years of security updates make the A17 a particularly strong choice for long-term ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Are the international Samsung Galaxy A16 phones compatible with Verizon?
No. The supplied listings state that the A16 international models are compatible in the US with T-Mobile and select MVNOs, but not Verizon and several other carriers. Confirm your exact carrier before ordering.
Which phone has the strongest stated water protection?
The Google Pixel 10a has IP68 water and dust protection. The Samsung Galaxy A17 has IP54 protection, while the Motorola phones are described as water-repellent and are not waterproof.
Do any of these phones support microSD cards?
Yes. The Moto G Play LTE supports a microSD card up to 1TB, and the Moto G 2025 and Moto G 5G 2024 also list microSD support up to 1TB. The Galaxy A17 models list expandable storage up to 2TB.
Is the Tracfone Moto G 2025 unlocked?
No. The Tracfone Moto G 2025 is locked to Tracfone and requires a Tracfone plan. Choose the unlocked Moto G 2025 if you need to use another carrier.
Which phone has the brightest display?
The Google Pixel 10a lists a 3, 000-nit peak brightness for its Actua display. The Samsung Galaxy A16 Bundle lists 800 nits in high-brightness mode, but the other listings do not provide comparable brightness figures.
Do these phones include a charger?
The product information is not consistent. The BLU G35 lists a charger and Type C cable in the box, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 listings specifically state that a power adapter is not included. Motorola and Google charger details vary by listing, so check the package contents before ordering.
Which model is best for long-term software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 models are the clearest choice because the listing promises six OS updates and six years of security updates. The Pixel 10a may be appealing for Google's software and AI features, but the supplied data does not state an equivalent update schedule.
The bottom line
The Best budget phone for most people is the Google Pixel 10a. Its unlocked carrier support, very bright display, IP68 protection, camera tools, Gemini features, and 30-plus-hour battery claim give it the broadest set of strengths.
Choose the Moto G 2025 instead if you want a 120Hz display, 5G, 128GB storage, microSD expansion, and a Motorola interface. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Gray is the better long-term Samsung pick because of its promised six OS updates and six years of security updates.
If you are undecided, buy the Pixel 10a unless your carrier, storage needs, or preference for Samsung and Motorola points clearly elsewhere.
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