Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G supports 5G while the A17 4G tops out at 4G. There's more battery in the A17 4G, 5000mAh to 4422mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 128GB. Only pay up for the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A17 4G makes more sense.
The A17 4G is the cheaper one to own: around £291 over a typical contract, £664 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G.
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 4G |
| 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 |
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £509.99 | £137.00 |
| 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 4G cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is cheaper on contract at £291.16 over the life of the deal from £9.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
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 4G has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G 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 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £137.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G 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 4G is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.