Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our verdict: You'll pay £250.16 less overall on contract with the Samsung Galaxy A36 than the Samsung Galaxy S23. That said, neither phone sweeps the display: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is bigger at 6.7" while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is sharper at 422 PPI. For a lighter carry, the Samsung Galaxy S23 wins at 167g. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is better sealed against water with its IP68 certification.
5 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Samsung Galaxy A36
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Samsung Galaxy S23
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.5 5 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13 |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£11.95/mo
£55.00 upfront |
£21.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £382.76 | £209.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper on contract at £311.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £55.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two — it's 28g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.