Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A36 works out £561.48 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A36 starts at £269.00 SIM-free.
Samsung Galaxy A36
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 |
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £269.00 | £854.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £269.00.
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.