Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A17

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the A17, 5000mAh to 2815mAh, 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 6.1", while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 12 Pro offers up to 512GB of storage versus 128GB on the A17. Only pay up for the iPhone 12 Pro 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.

Expert Rating
4.3
19 reviews
3.5
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 385
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery
2,815 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight
189 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
£179.99 £159.00

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 12 Pro Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy A17
Expert Rating 4.3
19 reviews
3.5
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 385
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery 2,815 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight 189 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 £179.99 £159.00
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Apple iPhone 12 Pro

128GB

Graphite

Refurbished

From £179.99

Samsung Galaxy A17
Samsung Galaxy A17

24 Months

128GB

Black

300GB

Data

£5 per month, £125 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 3g lighter at 189 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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.