Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: Hardware priorities split the decision here, with the Samsung Galaxy A36 strongest for 6.7" display Super AMOLED, 50MP rear camera and 12MP selfie camera, 128GB to 256GB storage and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ stronger for up to 512GB storage. The Samsung Galaxy A36 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £265, roughly £531 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26+, with 14,029 active deals versus 1,760. That makes the Samsung Galaxy A36 the value-led pick, unless up to 512GB storage on the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is worth paying extra for.

Over a full contract, the A36 works out around £360 all-in, about £504 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
3.4
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
195 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts
£13.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£264.99 £799.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 3.4
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 195 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts £13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £264.99 £799.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A36
Samsung Galaxy A36

24 Months

128GB

Awesome White

10GB

Data

£13.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Cobalt Violet

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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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+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 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 5g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 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 IP 68.

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.