Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on the sharper display, the iPhone 17e is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the Galaxy S25 counters with 4,184 active deals. Current active deals start around £400 for the Galaxy S25, versus about £550 for the iPhone 17e. The ecosystem split matters too: the iPhone 17e is the iOS option and the Galaxy S25 is the Android option. Go for the iPhone 17e if you value the sharper display; the Galaxy S25 is the stronger pick when those trade-offs matter more.

Over a full contract, the S25 works out around £593 all-in, about £63 less than the iPhone 17e.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.2"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
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/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
169 grams 162 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
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) £22.00/mo (£20.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£566.00 £439.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.2"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
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/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 169 grams 162 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 £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
£22.00/mo
£20.00 upfront
SIM-free £566.00 £439.99
Prices updated 26 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 S25
Samsung Galaxy S25

24 Months

128GB

Navy

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£22 per month, £20 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper on contract at £593.00 over the life of the deal from £22.00 per month with £20.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has the bigger screen at 6.2" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 17e features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £439.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 7g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 17e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?

The Apple iPhone 17e runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.