Samsung Galaxy A17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A17 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ suit different buyers: the former brings 6.7" display Super AMOLED, 50MP rear camera and 13MP selfie camera, 128GB storage, while the latter offers up to 512GB storage. The Samsung Galaxy A17 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £159, roughly £637 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26+, with 14,029 active deals versus 1,655. That makes the Samsung Galaxy A17 the value-led pick, unless up to 512GB storage on the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is worth paying extra for.

Over a full contract, the A17 works out around £256 all-in, about £608 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
3.5
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 513
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 1330 (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android Android 16
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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
192 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP54, dust and splash resistant IP 68
Contracts
£5.00/mo (£125.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£167.00 £799.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 3.5
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 513
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 1330 (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android Android 16
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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 192 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP54, dust and splash resistant IP 68
Contracts £5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £167.00 £799.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A17
Samsung Galaxy A17

24 Months

128GB

Black

300GB

Data

£5 per month, £125 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is cheaper on contract at £256.40 over the life of the deal from £5.00 per month with £125.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A17 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £167.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A17 and Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A17 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is powered by the Exynos 1330 (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (192 grams vs 190 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A17 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A17 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.