Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A36 has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max's 48MP, and the A36 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4323mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G goes up to 1TB of storage, where the A36 tops out at 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. The iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A36 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the A36 works out around £360 all-in, about £251 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G.
10 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 10 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,323 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 240 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 |
£22.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £359.99 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A36 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48 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 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £264.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 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 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is more compact. It's 45g lighter at 195 grams, though the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max runs Apple iOS 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.