Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy A36

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Samsung Galaxy A36 and Apple iPhone 17 is portability against display quality. For the iPhone, that means a sharper 458 PPI display, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a higher-resolution 18MP front camera. The Samsung is easier to recommend for a larger 6.7-inch screen, its Super AMOLED panel, and a larger 5,000 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the Samsung is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. Go with the iPhone for portability; lean toward the Samsung if display quality is higher on your list.

The A36 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £365 less than the iPhone 17.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
3.4
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
458 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
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
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm
Weight
177 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
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £16.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£632.00 £264.99
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
3.4
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 458 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 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 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm
Weight 177 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 £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £632.00 £264.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

250GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy A36
Samsung Galaxy A36

24 Months

128GB

Awesome Black

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£16.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A36 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A36?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A36?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy A36?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy A36 use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy A36?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 18g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy A36?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy A36 run?

The Apple iPhone 17 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.