Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the A36 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 2227mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the iPhone 12 Mini is the lighter phone at 135g against 195g. Only pay up for the A36 if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 12 Mini makes more sense.
Buying outright, the iPhone 12 Mini starts at £127 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £127.00 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A36 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £127.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A36 uses the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 60g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy A36 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.