Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A36 works out £436.97 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A36 starts at £269.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.

Screen
6.7" 6.8"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 505
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 15 Android 15
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 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight
195 grams 219 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) £28.99/mo (£89.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£269.00 £709.00
Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Screen 6.7" 6.8"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 505
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 15 Android 15
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 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight 195 grams 219 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
£28.99/mo
£89.00 upfront
SIM-free £269.00 £709.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25 Ultra?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £269.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A36 is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is more compact. It's 24g lighter at 195 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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 S25 Ultra run?

Both phones run Android 15.