Samsung Galaxy A17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A17 works out £377.56 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26. The Samsung Galaxy A17 has a bigger 6.7" screen, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 is sharper at 409 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A17 starts at £139.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26 gives you more flexibility with 2 storage options to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy A17
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 409 |
| 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) |
| 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 | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 192 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54, dust and splash resistant | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£5.00/mo
£125.00 upfront |
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £139.00 | £656.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £243.34 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?
The Samsung Galaxy A17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 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 £139.00.
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 — it's 25g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 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 IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
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.