Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The A36 is the cheaper one to own: around £360 over a typical contract, £240 less than the S26.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.4 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 |
| 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 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 |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £264.99 | £645.05 |
| Prices updated 11 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26 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 Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £264.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 28g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.