Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. Samsung Galaxy A17: which one will you choose?
Are you ready to get a new smartphone, but hesitating between the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and the Galaxy A17 5G ? Both are popular phones from Samsung’s affordable A-series. They share many features, such as 5G connectivity, a large 5000 mAh battery, and a bright 6.7-inch display. Still, there are a few differences. Read our comparison blog to decide which one best fits your needs.
The main differences between the Samsung A26 and A17
- Speed: The A26 runs on the more powerful Exynos 1380 processor. You’ll especially notice the difference if you often use several apps at once or enjoy gaming on your phone. The A17 performs well, but will be a bit slower with heavier use.
- Display: Both have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution. The difference lies in the refresh rate: 120 Hz on the A26 and 90 Hz on the A17. Scrolling through your apps and photos will feel smoother on the A26.
- Cameras: Both phones have a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization. The A26 has a slightly better ultra-wide-angle lens (8 megapixels instead of 5 megapixels).
Design of the Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. Samsung Galaxy A17
The Samsung Galaxy A26 and A17 look very similar. The biggest difference in design is in the materials used. Both have a 6.7-inch screen, but the Galaxy A26 is slightly more compact than the A17.
Differences in used materials:
- Galaxy A26: Slightly more compact, with a strong fiberglass-polymer back. This makes the A26 more scratch-resistant.
- Galaxy A17: Lighter and thinner, with a plastic back.
In both cases, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display, so it's less likely your screen gets scratched. Both models have an IP54 rating and are protected against dust and splashes.
Color options
- Samsung Galaxy A26: black, white, mint green
- Samsung Galaxy A17: black, blue, gray
Display of the Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. Galaxy A17
Both phones have a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080 pixels). Text looks sharp, colors are vivid, and black is truly black. From streaming movies to daily scrolling, it will always look great.
There are a few subtle differences:
- Refresh rate: The A26 has a 120 Hz refresh rate. Compared to the A17’s 90 Hz, you’ll notice the difference. Scrolling, gaming, and animations are a bit smoother on the A26.
- Brightness: The A17 reaches up to 1100 nits peak brightness, so you can still see clearly even in bright sunlight. The peak brightness of the A26 is slightly lower (1000 nits), but still perfectly fine in most situations.
Cameras of the Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. A17
Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera. There are some subtle differences between the additional lenses, but both deliver good results in daylight. The night mode works well too, but photos will always look better in daylight. Optical image stabilization helps you take sharper pictures, even when moving or in low light.
Camera specifications
The Samsung Galaxy A26 has:
- 50-megapixel main camera
- 8-megapixel ultra wide lens for landscape photos
- 2-megapixel macro lens for close-up details
De Samsung Galaxy A17 has:
- 50-megapixel main camera
- 5-megapixel ultra wide lens for landscape photos
- 2-megapixel macro lens for close-up details
The main difference is the ultra-wide-angle lens: the A26 has 8 megapixels, while the A17 has 5 megapixels. This means sharper and more detailed photos when you capture wide landscapes or group shots.
Selfies on the Galaxy A26 vs. A17
Both phones have a 13-megapixel front camera, which can be used for selfies and video calling. The Galaxy A26 has autofocus, while the Galaxy A17 uses fixed focus. This means the A26 performs slightly better at different distances and in lower light conditions.
Recording videos
Both phones record in 4K at 30 fps and in Full HD up to 60 fps. They also both have digital image stabilization and features such as slow motion and time-lapse. For social media and everyday videos, the results are perfectly fine.
The Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. Samsung Galaxy A17 in terms of performance
There’s a clear difference in performance between the Samsung Galaxy A26 and A17. This is mainly due to the better processor in the A26 (Exynos 1380) and the higher RAM:
- Galaxy A26: Exynos 1380 processor and 6 or 8 GB RAM. Especially useful for multitasking and even some heavier games.
- Galaxy A17: Exynos 1330 processor and 4 or 6 GB RAM. This combination is more than enough for WhatsApp, social media, and streaming. You might notice the speed difference with graphics-heavy games or many apps running at once.
Battery of the Samsung Galaxy A26 vs. A17
Both phones have the same large 5000 mAh battery. It easily lasts a full day, or even two days if you use it sparingly. Thanks to its slightly more efficient chip, the A26 is just a bit more power-saving, so it can last a few hours longer under heavy use.
Both support 25W fast charging. The Samsung Galaxy A26 goes from 0 to 50% in about 35 minutes. The A17 is optimized a bit slower, so it takes a little longer. Neither phone supports wireless charging.
Which Samsung Galaxy should you choose?
The Galaxy A26 is the more powerful phone. It has a faster processor, better cameras, and 120 Hz display. If you enjoy photography, play games now and then, or just want a phone that lasts longer, the A26 is worth the investment.
Of course, The Galaxy A17 is a bit cheaper and great for basic use like social media, taking photos and streaming videos. And making calls, of course.
Choose the Galaxy A26 if:
- Your budget is a bit higher ( € 240 )
- Photography is important to you
- You want to play games sometimes
- You want a smartphone that’s more future-proof
Choose the Galaxy A17 if:
- Budget is a dealbreaker ( € 192 )
- Basic smartphone functions are enough for you
- You mostly call, message, and use social media
- You’re looking for the best deal
All specifications of the Galaxy A26 and A17
|
Specification |
Samsung Galaxy A26 |
Samsung Galaxy A17 |
|
Display |
6.7 inch Super AMOLED, 120 Hz |
6.7 inch Super AMOLED, 90 Hz |
|
Resolution |
2340 x 1080 pixels |
2340 x 1080 pixels |
|
Processor |
Exynos 1380 (2,4 GHz) |
Exynos 1330 |
|
RAM |
4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB |
4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB |
|
Storage |
128 GB or 256 GB, expandable with microSD |
128 GB or 256 GB, expandable with microSD |
|
Cameras |
Main: 50 megapixels, Ultra-wide: 8 megapixels, Macro: 2 megapixels |
Main: 50 megapixels, Ultra-wide: 5 megapixels, Macro: 2 megapixels |
|
Selfie camera |
5000 mAh |
5000 mAh |
|
Display |
6.7 inch Super AMOLED, 120 Hz |
6.7 inch Super AMOLED, 90 Hz |
|
Operating system |
Android 15, 6 years of security and Android updates |
Android 15, 6 years of security and Android updates |
|
Price with Simyo plan |
Shop your Samsung at Simyo
Have you made up your mind after reading this? Whatever you decide, you’re in good hands with Simyo. Both the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy A17 are available at Simyo with an affordable plan.
With a Simyo plan, you’re on the reliable KPN network and can adjust your bundles every month, lower too, if you want.
FAQ - We've got answers
What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A17 5G?
What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A17 5G?
The A17 is a newer phone and is in a lower-budget range than the Galaxy A26. Overall, the A26 offers better performance and has a smoother screen.
Which phone is cheaper: the Galaxy A26 or Galaxy A17?
Which phone is cheaper: the Galaxy A26 or Galaxy A17?
Which Samsung Galaxy has a better camera: A26 5G or A17 5G?
Which Samsung Galaxy has a better camera: A26 5G or A17 5G?
Both have a 50-megapixel main camera, an ultra-wide-angle lens (8 megapixels for the A26, 5 megapixels for the A17), and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
Which battery lasts longer, the Galaxy A26 or the A17?
Which battery lasts longer, the Galaxy A26 or the A17?
Both have a 5000 mAh battery and will last about the same amount of time.
Are the screen sizes of the Galaxy A26 and A17 different?
Are the screen sizes of the Galaxy A26 and A17 different?
No, both phones have a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED (FHD+) display.
Which phone is faster in daily use: A26 5G or A17 5G?
Which phone is faster in daily use: A26 5G or A17 5G?
The A26 has a slightly faster chip, the Exynos 1380, and will be a bit quicker than the A17 with the Exynos 1330.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G get more software updates than the Galaxy A17 5G?
Does the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G get more software updates than the Galaxy A17 5G?
Both get six Android version upgrades and six years of security updates. Because the Samsung Galaxy A17 is newer, it will receive updates for slightly longer.
For whom is the Galaxy A17 5G a better choice than the Galaxy A26 5G?
For whom is the Galaxy A17 5G a better choice than the Galaxy A26 5G?
The A17 is the better choice if you:
- Want a phone at a lower price
- Don’t need a high refresh rate
- Don’t use heavy apps