Samsung Galaxy A17 4G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A17 4G and Galaxy S23 Ultra are both from the same brand, but the A17 4G is a mid-range phone and the S23 Ultra 5G a flagship. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the A17 4G's 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G supports 5G while the A17 4G tops out at 4G. The S23 Ultra 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 128GB on the A17 4G, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 385. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A17 4G makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the A17 4G works out around £291 all-in, about £454 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A17 4G
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 192 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54, dust and splash resistant | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £137.00 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is cheaper on contract at £291.16 over the life of the deal from £9.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £137.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is powered by the Exynos 1330 (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is more compact. It's 41g lighter at 192 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is slimmer at 7.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.