Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 17's 48MP, and the A26 has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3692mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The A26 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 A26 tops out at 256GB. Get the iPhone 17 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A26 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the A26 works out around £384 all-in, about £401 less than the iPhone 17.
12 reviews 3.6
10 reviews
Apple iPhone 17
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Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
3.6 10 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 | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Battery | 3,692 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 177 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 |
£29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£14.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £633.00 | £239.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 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 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 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 A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 23g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.