Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A36 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the A36 has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3687mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the A36, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 385. Get the A36 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 12 Pro Max covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £240 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS14 | 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, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £239.99 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is more compact. It's 33g lighter at 195 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), 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 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.