Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy A17
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 17's 48MP, and there's more battery in the A17, 5000mAh to 3692mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.3", while the iPhone 17 has the sharper one at 458 PPI, and the iPhone 17 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the A17 tops out at 128GB. Get the iPhone 17 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A17 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the A17 works out around £256 all-in, about £525 less than the iPhone 17.
12 reviews 3.5
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17
|
Samsung Galaxy A17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
3.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 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 | 3,692 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 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 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 | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 192 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts |
£29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £614.00 | £159.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A17 use?
The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses the Exynos 1330 (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17?
The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A17 is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A17 run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.