Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Our Verdict: The clearest hardware difference between Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE favours the iPhone for screen sharpness, thanks to a sharper 458 PPI display, a higher-resolution 18MP front camera, and a lighter 177g body. The Samsung counters with a larger 6.7-inch screen, pointing instead toward screen size. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. Choose the iPhone when screen sharpness matters most, or the Samsung when screen size carries more weight.

Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £648 all-in, about £140 less than the iPhone 17.

Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1206 x 2622 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 2500 (3 nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 17
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/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight
177 grams 193 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£259.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£697.00 £697.00
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1206 x 2622 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 2500 (3 nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 17
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/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight 177 grams 193 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront
SIM-free £697.00 £697.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Lavender

Refurbished

250GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

24 Months

256GB

Pistachio

150GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 a month, £259 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £259.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 S26 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £697.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 16g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.