Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on the sharper display and a noticeably lighter body, the iPhone 17e is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 256GB-512GB storage options and 169g weight, while the Galaxy A56 counters with 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and 5000mAh battery. Current active deals start around £349 for the Galaxy A56, versus about £550 for the iPhone 17e. The ecosystem split matters too: the iPhone 17e is the iOS option and the Galaxy A56 is the Android option. Choose the iPhone 17e for the sharper display and a noticeably lighter body; pick the Galaxy A56 if you would rather prioritise lower current deal pricing and the larger screen.

Over a full contract, the A56 works out around £420 all-in, about £236 less than the iPhone 17e.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
3.8
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 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 14
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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
169 grams 198 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) £16.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£566.00 £229.99

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
3.8
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 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 14
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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 169 grams 198 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
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £566.00 £229.99
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

White

30GB

Data

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A56

24 Months

128GB

Awesome Lightgrey

10GB

Data

£16.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 17e features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 29g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 17e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?

The Apple iPhone 17e runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.