Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus offers up to 512GB of storage versus 128GB on the A17. The iPhone 16 Plus has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. The iPhone 16 Plus 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.
The A17 is the cheaper one to own: around £256 over a typical contract, £540 less than the iPhone 16 Plus.
12 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy A17
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 4,674 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £510.00 | £159.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A17 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is more compact. It's 7g lighter at 192 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is actually the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.