Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A26
Starting at
£179.49£299.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 starts at £179.49, £1029.51 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy A26, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy A26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max offer different strengths suited to distinct users. The Galaxy A26 focuses on everyday use with a large 5000 mAh battery, a bright Super AMOLED screen, and expandable storage via microSDXC, making it a practical choice for those who want solid performance and flexibility. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a more advanced Apple A19 Pro chipset, more RAM, a higher resolution Super Retina XDR display, and greater storage options, suiting users who want a premium experience and more power for demanding tasks. Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, but their operating systems, camera resolutions, and SIM configurations differ, so your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS and the features you prioritise.
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, operating system, and physical design. These factors affect how the phone handles daily use and stays current over time.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A26 has a 5000 mAh battery, offering a large charge capacity for longer usage between charges. The iPhone 17 Pro Max lists two battery sizes, 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh, indicating variations that could affect battery life. Users who prioritise longer battery endurance in a single charge may prefer the Galaxy A26, while the iPhone's battery size varies slightly depending on the model version.
Operating System and Updates
The Galaxy A26 runs Android, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max runs iOS. Your choice here will primarily depend on whether you prefer Android or iOS ecosystems.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy A26 has a depth of 7.7 mm compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 8.8 mm. These differences are minor but might affect pocket feel or case options.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores your data.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy A26 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, suited for everyday apps and smooth multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro and comes with 12 GB RAM, which supports more demanding apps and keeping more processes active in the background. If you need advanced performance for intensive tasks, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the stronger option.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A26 is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, ideal for typical media and app use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers larger options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, which suits users who require extensive space for large files, videos, or professional use.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience, from brightness and colour to sharpness and size.
Resolution and Size
The Galaxy A26 has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a clear and vibrant display for everyday media consumption. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a slightly larger 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels, delivering sharper images and more detail. If you watch a lot of high-definition video or want a larger display area, the iPhone screen offers a more immersive experience.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED display, which is known for bright colours and good contrast. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR screen, designed for high dynamic range and detailed colour accuracy. Both screens are excellent for different viewing preferences, with the iPhone suited to users who prioritise premium colour and contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other features include network compatibility, physical size, SIM options, and connectors, which affect flexibility and daily convenience.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, letting you choose any carrier. The Galaxy A26 has a dual physical SIM slot, making it easy to manage two separate numbers with physical cards. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM, which allows for a second line without a physical card, useful if you prefer digital SIM management.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A26 supports microSDXC cards, letting you add extra storage as needed. This is convenient for users who want to expand storage affordably over time. The iPhone 17 Pro Max does not support microSDXC cards, so storage is fixed to the built-in capacity you choose.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy A26 measures 164 mm in height, 77.5 mm wide, and weighs 197 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly shorter at 163.4 mm, a little wider at 78 mm, and heavier at 233 g. If you prefer a lighter phone for ease of carrying, the Galaxy A26 may be more comfortable.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, which is convenient for charging and accessories, offering compatibility with widely available cables.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A26 or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A26 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £179.49, £1029.51 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A26 generally find the phone looks like new and works well for everyday use. Many are pleased with the smooth setup and device condition. Battery life is good, though some users expected longer endurance compared to previous models. A few customers experienced issues with charging speed or moisture warnings, but most report the phone works perfectly and recommend it for typical use.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is praised for its excellent condition and performance. Customers appreciate the easy transfer of apps and data, and the screen and battery health meet expectations. Some experienced occasional call drops or network issues, but overall the device runs smoothly. Buyers note the phone looks like new and performs well with demanding apps, appreciating the premium feel. The storage options allow for plenty of space for apps and media.
The Galaxy A26 suits users seeking a well-rounded Android phone with expandable storage and a lighter body. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is better for those wanting high performance, a larger and sharper screen, and extensive storage options within the iOS ecosystem.
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy A26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy A26 is cheaper refurbished, from £179.49 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy A26 has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
The Galaxy A26 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A26 gets updates until Mar 2031. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
