Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's 48MP, and there's more battery in the A17, 5000mAh to 4422mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G offers up to 1TB of storage versus 128GB on the A17, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. Only pay up for the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A17 makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the A17 works out around £256 all-in, about £699 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G.
12 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy A17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 221 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts |
£76.50/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £509.99 | £159.00 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is cheaper on contract at £256.40 over the life of the deal from £5.00 per month with £125.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A17 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 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 15 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 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is more compact. It's 29g lighter at 192 grams, though the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 15 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.