Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on the sharper display and a noticeably lighter body, the iPhone 16 is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 128GB-512GB storage options and 170g weight, while the Galaxy A17 4G counters with 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and 5000mAh battery. Current active deals start around £109 for the Galaxy A17 4G, versus about £489 for the iPhone 16. The ecosystem split matters too: the iPhone 16 is the iOS option and the Galaxy A17 4G is the Android option. Choose the iPhone 16 for the sharper display and a noticeably lighter body; pick the Galaxy A17 4G if you would rather prioritise lower current deal pricing and the larger screen.

Over a full contract, the A17 4G works out around £291 all-in, about £398 less than the iPhone 16.

Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
461 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery
3,561 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
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight
170 grams 192 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP54, dust and splash resistant
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £9.99/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£479.99 £137.00

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy A17  4G Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 461 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
Battery 3,561 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 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight 170 grams 192 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP54, dust and splash resistant
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £479.99 £137.00
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

£26.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Samsung Galaxy A17  4G

24 Months

128GB

Grey

25GB

Data

£9.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G use?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G run?

The Apple iPhone 16 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.