Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the A17 has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3687mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, up to 512GB against 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 385. Only pay up for the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A17 makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the A17 is the cheaper buy at £159 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB |
| OS | iOS14 | 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, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts | - |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £224.99 | £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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £159.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is more compact. It's 36g lighter at 192 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.