Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S26 works out £32.03 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 17e. The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a bigger 6.3" screen, but the Apple iPhone 17e is sharper at 457 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 17e starts at £597.00 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 17e
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 169 grams | 167 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
£9.00 upfront |
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £597.00 | £656.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £620.90 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £299.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17e features a 48 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 Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £597.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 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 Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (169 grams vs 167 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 run?
The Apple iPhone 17e runs Apple iOS 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.