Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy A26

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy A26 and Apple iPhone 17e, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The Samsung gives you a larger 6.7-inch screen, its Super AMOLED panel, and a larger 5,000 mAh battery, while the iPhone is more appealing for a sharper 457 PPI display, its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a lighter 169g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the Samsung is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. Choose the Samsung for display quality; choose the iPhone if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the A26 works out around £384 all-in, about £276 less than the iPhone 17e.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 (3 nm) 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery
4,005 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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight
169 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
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) £14.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£539.99 £239.00
Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 (3 nm) 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery 4,005 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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight 169 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 £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
£14.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £539.99 £239.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Black

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Samsung Galaxy A26
Samsung Galaxy A26

24 Months

128GB

Black

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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.