Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy A56
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A56 works out £349.84 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 17. The Samsung Galaxy A56 has a bigger 6.7" screen, but the Apple iPhone 17 is sharper at 458 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A56 starts at £334.99 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 17
|
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) |
| 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 177 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 |
£25.00/mo
£159.00 upfront |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £697.00 | £334.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £334.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?
The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two — it's 21g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.