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Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

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Galaxy A36

Starting at

£168.24£369.00 new
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Galaxy S25 Ultra

Starting at

£678.00£1,344.17 new
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(74 reviews)
(536 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Galaxy A36 vs S25 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 starts at £168.24, £509.76 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Refurbished from

£168.24£678

Chipset

Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)

RAM

6 GB12 GB

Screen size

6.7 inch6.9 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz

Main camera

50 megapixels200 megapixels
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra specs

The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S25 Ultra both offer solid Android experiences with the same battery size but suit different needs. The Galaxy A36 is well suited for everyday users who want smooth performance with 6 GB RAM and a good quality Super AMOLED screen at 6.7 inches. The Galaxy S25 Ultra targets those who want more power and a larger, more detailed display with 12 GB RAM and a sharper 6.9 inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with 120Hz refresh rate. Storage options also differ with the S25 Ultra offering larger capacities up to 1TB. Overall, the Galaxy A36 fits those looking for a capable phone without extras while the S25 Ultra is for users needing top-tier performance and display quality.

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra price

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, OS, and design features. Both phones share key elements here but there are small differences in physical size and SIM options.

Battery Capacity

Both the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S25 Ultra come with a 5000 mAh battery which should comfortably last through a full day of typical use. This means battery life is comparable for users of either device, suitable for browsing, calls, and media without frequent charging.

Operating System

Both phones run Android so you can expect familiar software features and app support from either device. This similarity means your choice does not affect the basic software experience.

Battery

5000 mAh5000 mAh

Fast charging

45 W45 W

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP67IP68

Software updates

Until Mar 2031Until Feb 2032

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20252025

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra performance

Performance differences come down to chipset, RAM, and storage options which impact speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files.

Chipset Power

The Galaxy A36 uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset built on 4 nm technology suitable for everyday apps, social media, and light gaming. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 3 nm technology offering more power for demanding applications, multitasking, or heavy use. Choose the S25 Ultra if you need a phone that handles intense tasks smoothly.

Memory and Multitasking

The Galaxy A36 comes with 6 GB RAM enough for smooth general use and switching between common apps. The Galaxy S25 Ultra doubles this to 12 GB RAM which benefits users who keep many apps open or use memory-intensive software providing a more fluid multitasking experience.

Storage Capacities

The Galaxy A36 is available in 128 GB and 256 GB storage options suitable for users with moderate photo, app, and media needs. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers larger storage choices up to 1 TB ideal for those who store large files, high-resolution photos, or many apps without relying on cloud storage.

Chipset

Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)

RAM

6 GB12 GB

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra screen

Screen quality influences how you view content with differences in size, resolution, and display technology affecting clarity and smoothness.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy A36 has a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels providing clear and vibrant visuals for everyday media and apps. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch display with a higher resolution of 1440x3120 pixels resulting in a sharper and more detailed picture which is great for watching videos or viewing detailed images.

Screen Technology and Refresh Rate

The Galaxy A36 features a Super AMOLED screen while the Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The S25 Ultra's screen technology supports smoother animations and scrolling making it well suited for gaming and fast-moving content. The A36 provides vibrant colours and good contrast but without the higher refresh rate.

Refresh rate

120 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1080x23401440x3120

Screen size

6.7 inch6.9 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra camera

Camera type

N/AQuadruple (4x)

Front camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

50 megapixels200 megapixels

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra size and design

Other factors like size, weight, SIM options, and connectors affect daily use and convenience.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy A36 measures 162.9 mm in height, 78.2 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 195 g. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and 80 mm in depth, weighing 218 g. These measurements suggest the A36 is lighter and slightly wider, which may suit those who prefer a more compact and lighter device. The S25 Ultra is taller and heavier, reflecting its bigger screen and more features.

SIM Card Support

The Galaxy A36 supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM offering flexibility for users who want to manage two physical numbers alongside a digital SIM. The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM which still allows dual numbers but with one physical slot. This may influence users who rely on multiple physical SIM cards.

Connectivity

Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks providing fast data speeds and modern charging and accessory compatibility. They are also unlocked, meaning you can use them with any UK carrier.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

7.4 mm8.2 mm

Height

162.9 mm162.8 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

N/A7 February 2025

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

195 g218 g

Width

78.2 mm77.6 mm

Galaxy A36 or Galaxy S25 Ultra: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A36 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £168.24, £509.76 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • you want a lighter build (195 g vs 218 g)

Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the Galaxy A36 appreciate its smooth performance and good battery life for everyday tasks. They find the phone looks almost new and is well suited for general use with enough storage for photos and apps. Some mention the camera is not quite as strong as previous models or other phones but overall the A36 is praised for reliable connectivity and ease of use. The device suits users who want a straightforward phone that feels like new without paying a premium price.

Galaxy S25 Ultra customers highlight the phone's excellent performance, vivid screen, and long battery life. Many say it looks and feels like a new device with no visible wear. The camera quality is a frequent positive point with good results in various lighting. The larger storage options and faster chipset make it popular with users who want a high-end experience. Some users note minor issues like colour differences or regional variants but most are happy with the S25 Ultra for its features and speed.

Overall, the Galaxy A36 suits everyday users who prioritise a capable, lighter phone with solid battery and display. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is aimed at those who want top performance, a larger and smoother screen, and higher storage capacity for more demanding use.

Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra FAQs

Galaxy A36 vs S25 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.

The Galaxy A36 is cheaper refurbished, from £168.24 compared with £678 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.

The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Galaxy S25 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2032.

Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.

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