Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy S25+
Our Verdict: The S25+ has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the S25+ has the bigger battery of the two, 4900mAh against 4005mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S25+ has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.1" and sharper at 513 PPI, and the Apple iPhone 17e is the lighter phone at 169g against 190g. The S25+ is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 17e is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The iPhone 17e is the cheaper one to own: around £656 over a typical contract, £219 less than the S25+.
11 reviews 4.0
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17e
|
Samsung Galaxy S25+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 11 reviews |
4.0 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 513 |
| 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 | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm |
| Weight | 169 grams | 190 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 |
£69.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £566.00 | £539.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25+ cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £656.16 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 457, 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 £539.99.
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 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 Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 21g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is slimmer at 7.35mm 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.