Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A36 has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 16 Plus's 48MP, and the iPhone 16 Plus offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the A36. The iPhone 16 Plus has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. Get the iPhone 16 Plus if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A36 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the A36 works out around £360 all-in, about £436 less than the iPhone 16 Plus.
12 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,674 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 199 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 |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £490.00 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A36?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A36 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A36?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is more compact. It's 4g lighter at 195 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is actually the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.