Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes out ahead 78/100 to 58/100 — a 20-point gap. The widest gap is in camera quality, where the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) undercuts the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 500% ($199.99 vs $1,199), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) in the smartphones category, especially in camera (camera score 97 vs 68), scoring 78 vs 58. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxW | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9"✓ | 6.7" |
| Display Type | OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | — | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2000nits | — |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro |
Buy Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) in the smartphones category, especially in camera (camera score 97 vs 68), scoring 78 vs 58. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores higher overall (78 vs 58).
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is cheaper at $199.99 vs $1199 for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 4,685mAh for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger display (6.9" vs 6.7").
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| Exynos 1380 |
| CPU | — | Octa-core 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | — | Mali-G68 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB✓ |
| Storage Options | — | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 50MP✓ |
| Aperture | — | f/1.8 |
| Video | — | 4K@30fps |
| Front Camera | 24MP | 32MP✓ |
| Battery | 4685mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 30W✓ | 25W |
| OS | iOS 19 | Android 14 |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| USB | — | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Dimensions | — | 158.5 x 74.8 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 228g | 210g✓ |
| Colors | — | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Price | 1199$ | 199.99$ |
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has a higher-resolution main camera (50MP vs 48MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is lighter at 210g vs 228g.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.