Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 458 PPI. The iPhone 16 Pro Max goes up to 1TB of storage, where the A36 tops out at 256GB, and the A36 is the lighter phone at 195g against 227g. Only pay up for the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the A36 makes more sense.
The A36 is the cheaper one to own: around £360 over a typical contract, £531 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
11 reviews 3.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
3.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 227 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 |
£34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £649.99 | £264.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A36's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is more compact. It's 32g lighter at 195 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A36?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.