Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 16 Plus's 48MP, and the iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G while the A17 4G tops out at 4G. The iPhone 16 Plus goes up to 512GB of storage, where the A17 4G tops out at 128GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. Get the iPhone 16 Plus if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A17 4G covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the A17 4G works out around £291 all-in, about £505 less than the iPhone 16 Plus.
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 4G |
| 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 |
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £510.00 | £137.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
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 4G has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G 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 4G?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.