Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Galaxy A17
Starting at
£146.40£263.33 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A17 and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy A17 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A17 starts at £146.40, £748.39 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 1330 on the Galaxy A17, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A17 and Galaxy S26 Ultra differ clearly in who they suit. The Galaxy A17 is a lower priced choice for everyday use, offering a solid 6.7 inch screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate and enough RAM for common tasks. It supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card and dual physical SIMs, making it flexible for those who want more physical storage or multiple SIM cards. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a larger, more powerful device with a 6.9 inch screen at a higher 120 Hz refresh rate and sharper resolution, ideal if you want a larger, smoother display. It has significantly more RAM and higher storage options without expandable storage, along with a physical SIM plus eSIM setup. Both phones come unlocked with 5G support and USB-C charging. Choose the A17 for everyday practicality and the S26 Ultra for premium screen quality and performance.
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Colour
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers the basic build aspects and operating system. Both the Galaxy A17 and Galaxy S26 Ultra run Android, providing familiar software and traditional form factors.
Operating System
Both phones run Android, so you can expect a similar user experience and app compatibility from either device regardless of your choice.
Physical Design
Neither device is foldable. The Galaxy A17 is slightly taller and thinner at 164.4 mm by 7.5 mm compared to the S26 Ultra at 163.6 mm by 7.9 mm, while the S26 Ultra is a little wider and heavier.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with the device. The Galaxy A17 and S26 Ultra differ in size, resolution and refresh rate, which influence sharpness, smoothness and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a larger 6.9 inch screen, offering more room for videos, games and multitasking. The Galaxy A17's 6.7 inch screen is still ample for daily use but more compact for easier handling.
Resolution and Sharpness
With a resolution of 1440 x 3120, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers a sharper and more detailed display than the Galaxy A17's 1080 x 2340 resolution. Better resolution benefits users who watch high-definition content or use their phone for detailed tasks.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a smoother experience with a 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal for scrolling, gaming and animations. The Galaxy A17's 90 Hz screen still provides fluid visuals but is less fast-paced in comparison.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
This section highlights additional features that affect everyday usability, connectivity and flexibility. The phones have some key differences in SIM setups, storage options and weight.
Storage and Expandability
The Galaxy A17 supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage if needed. It is stocked with 128GB and 256GB options. The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with larger built-in storage choices of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB but does not support expandable storage.
SIM Support
The Galaxy A17 offers dual physical SIM slots, which suits users who prefer two physical SIM cards. The Galaxy S26 Ultra combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, providing flexibility for digital SIM use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A17 is lighter at 192 g and slightly thinner at 7.5 mm, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra weighs 214 g and is a bit thicker at 7.9 mm. These differences may affect comfort if you carry your phone all day.
Network and Connectivity
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked with USB-C connectors, which means they offer fast mobile data and compatibility with common chargers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A17 or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A17 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £146.40, £748.39 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (192 g vs 214 g)
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy A17 for its excellent condition and value. Many say it looks like new and runs reliably for everyday use. The phone's performance suits those who want a solid device without extra features. Several customers mention satisfaction with the phone's general quality and price, describing it as good for family members or personal use. Some note minor issues, but overall the A17 is seen as a dependable choice for its cost.
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, customers highlight its premium feel and excellent condition. Many report the phone works very well, praising the camera, speed and battery life. Users enjoy the larger, sharper screen and the advanced features it offers. The S26 Ultra appeals to those who want a high-end smartphone experience with more power and storage, with comments noting it feels like brand new and performs smoothly.
The Galaxy A17 suits buyers looking for a practical phone with basic features and expandable storage. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is better for those who want a larger, sharper display and more memory for demanding use.
Galaxy A17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A17 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1330 on the Galaxy A17, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A17 is cheaper refurbished, from £146.40 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A17 gets updates until Aug 2031. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £748.39 more (from £894.79 vs £146.40).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A17 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
