Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 458 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 128GB, and the A17 is the lighter phone at 192g against 227g. The iPhone 16 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.
The A17 is the cheaper one to own: around £256 over a typical contract, £635 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
11 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy A17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts |
£34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £649.99 | £159.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A17's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is more compact. It's 35g lighter at 192 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.