Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 458 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, up to 2TB against 256GB, and the A26 is the lighter phone at 200g against 233g. Only pay up for the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A26 makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the A26 works out around £384 all-in, about £767 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
11 reviews 3.6
10 reviews
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
3.6 10 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 | 18 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 200 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£9.00/mo
£919.00 upfront |
£14.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £973.00 | £239.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £383.96 over the life of the deal from £14.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A26'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 A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 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 A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 200 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm, and is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.