Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Over a full contract, the A36 works out around £360 all-in, about £580 less than the S26 Ultra.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.4 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£13.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £264.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A36's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 195 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.