Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G while the A17 4G tops out at 4G. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 458 PPI, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 2TB of storage versus 128GB on the A17 4G. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A17 4G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the A17 4G works out around £291 all-in, about £930 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 18 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £1029.00 | £137.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is lighter but the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is more compact. It's 41g lighter at 192 grams, though the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.