Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A36 and the Galaxy A52s 5G are 16 years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The A52s 5G has the better camera on paper, 64MP versus 50MP, plus a 32MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the A36, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.5", while the A52s 5G has the sharper one at 405 PPI. The A52s 5G is the better phone; upgrade from the A36 if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the A52s 5G starts at £90 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
8 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A36
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Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.4 10 reviews |
4.2 8 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.5" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 405 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 64 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 32 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 189 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £264.99 | £89.95 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G's 6.5", the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has the sharper display at 405 pixels per inch versus 385, and both use Super AMOLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has a 64 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £89.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G use?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 6g lighter at 189 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G run?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.