Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 17's 48MP, and the iPhone 17 supports 5G while the A17 4G tops out at 4G. The A17 4G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 3692mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and the A17 4G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.3", while the iPhone 17 has the sharper one at 458 PPI. Get the iPhone 17 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A17 4G covers the basics for less.
The A17 4G is the cheaper one to own: around £291 over a typical contract, £490 less than the iPhone 17.
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17
|
Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 | 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 |
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £598.00 | £137.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G 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 4G has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
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 4G is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A17 4G?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.