Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 12MP, and the A17 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 2227mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the iPhone 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 12 Mini, up to 256GB against 128GB. Only pay up for the A17 if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 12 Mini makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
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Samsung Galaxy A17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts | - |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £159.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A17 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 57g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy A17 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.