Samsung Galaxy A17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A17 works out £678.10 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 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.

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)
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) £26.00/mo (£449.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£139.00 £854.10
Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy A17 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
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)
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
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront
SIM-free £139.00 £854.10
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+?

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 £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 — 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.