Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A36
The A36 is the cheaper one to own: around £360 over a typical contract, £150 less than the iPhone 12.
18 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 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 | 2,815 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Standard 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 | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 164 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 |
£19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £142.00 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A36 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper on contract at £359.96 over the life of the deal from £13.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 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 or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £142.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 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.