Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 starts at £658.95, £550.05 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Battery: 4300 mAh on the Galaxy S26, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max both offer unlocked 5G connectivity and 12GB of RAM, making them capable performers for most tasks. The Galaxy S26 is more compact and lighter, with a smaller 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen at 1080 x 2340 resolution, suited for those who prefer a phone that is easier to hold and use with one hand. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with higher resolution at 2868 x 1320, ideal if you want more screen space for video and detailed viewing. Battery capacity differs slightly, with the iPhone offering larger battery options, which could suit heavier users.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. These factors affect daily reliability and how long the phone stays current.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh battery depending on the model. If you use your phone heavily throughout the day, the iPhone's larger battery options may provide longer usage between charges. For moderate users, the Galaxy's battery capacity is still suitable for a full day of typical use.
Software Updates
Galaxy S26 runs on Android, which offers flexibility and customisation, while iPhone 17 Pro Max runs on iOS, known for its smooth integration and consistent updates.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you experience media and apps, with differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology shaping visual clarity and smoothness.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering a sharp image in a more compact size. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger 6.9-inch screen at a higher resolution of 2868 x 1320, giving you more room for watching videos, gaming, or reading. If you prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand, the Galaxy suits you, while the iPhone is better if you want a more immersive display.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colours and energy efficiency, with a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR screen, also at 120 Hz, which delivers bright, detailed images with fluid motion. Both will feel responsive, but the differing screen technologies may appeal depending on your preference for colour and contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other physical and functional details affect portability, connectivity, and storage options, helping you decide based on how you use your phone daily.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 is smaller and lighter, measuring 149.6 mm tall, 71.7 mm wide, and 7.2 mm deep, weighing 167 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 163.4 mm tall, 78 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and 233 g. If you prefer a phone that is easier to carry and use one-handed, the Galaxy fits better. The iPhone offers more screen space but is bulkier to hold.
Storage Options
Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB versions, providing ample space for apps and media. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers more extensive storage options including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, which suits users needing large capacity for files, photos, or professional use.
Connectivity and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked. They each use USB-C connectors and support Physical SIM and eSIM. This means both are flexible for network choice and fast data connections.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £658.95, £550.05 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 a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 often mention the phone looks and feels like new, with a bright and clear screen and a battery that holds charge well for a full day on moderate use. Many say the device runs smoothly for work emails and video calls and appreciate the storage capacity. A few note minor marks or scratches but overall find it a premium-feeling phone that is quick and responsive.
Reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro Max highlight its excellent condition and battery health at 100%. Customers find setup straightforward, especially when moving apps between iPhones. The screen and quality meet expectations, though some mention occasional call drops that may relate to network issues. The choice of storage sizes is appreciated by some, while others note the phone was a bit dirty initially but cleaned easily.
Both phones suit users looking for high-capacity devices with strong screens and reliable battery life. The Galaxy S26 appeals to those wanting a lighter, more compact phone for daily use, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max fits users who prefer a larger screen and more storage options.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Battery: 4300 mAh on the Galaxy S26, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S26 is cheaper refurbished, from £658.95 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S26 has 4300 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
