Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12MP, and the A17 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4352mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage versus 128GB on the A17, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 385. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A17 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.

If you'd rather pay up front, the A17 is the cheaper buy at £159 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.5
10 reviews
3.5
11 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD 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 A15 Bionic Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery
4,352 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB
OS
Apple iOS 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
Info unavailable 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight
238 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
£284.99 £159.00

Prices updated 28 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy A17
Expert Rating 4.5
10 reviews
3.5
11 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD 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 A15 Bionic Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery 4,352 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB
OS Apple iOS 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions Info unavailable 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight 238 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 £284.99 £159.00
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

128GB

Alpine Green

Refurbished

From £284.99

Samsung Galaxy A17
Samsung Galaxy A17

24 Months

128GB

Black

300GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£5 per month, £125 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy A17 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 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 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is the more portable of the two: it's 46g lighter at 192 grams.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 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 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS 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.