Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A56
Over a full contract, the A56 works out around £420 all-in, about £801 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
11 reviews 3.8
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
3.8 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 | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 14 |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 198 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £996.00 | £229.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A56'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 A56 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g lighter at 198 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56 run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.