Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 new
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26?
Galaxy A36 vs S26 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 starts at £168.24, £490.71 less than the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26.
- The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 specs
The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26 both run Android and offer 5G connectivity, but they suit different users based on size, power, and storage. The Galaxy A36 has a larger 6.7 inch screen and a bigger 5000 mAh battery, making it well suited to those who want longer battery life and a bigger display for videos or browsing. The Galaxy S26 is smaller with a 6.3 inch screen and a 4300 mAh battery, offering a more compact feel and a screen with Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X technology. With 12 GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB, the Galaxy S26 is designed for users who want more memory and space for apps and files. The Galaxy A36's 6 GB RAM and up to 256GB storage suit everyday use and users who prefer a larger phone and longer battery life.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 price
Colour
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system affect how long each device lasts in daily use and what software experience you get. The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26 both use Android, but their battery sizes differ.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A36 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer usage between charges, especially if you use your phone heavily throughout the day. The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, which still supports a full day of use but is smaller, making it better for those who prefer a lighter, more compact device.
Operating System
Both devices run Android, so you can expect a familiar software experience with access to the same apps and services. Your choice here won't affect the operating system but will depend on other hardware differences.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 screen
Screen size and display technology influence how much you see at once and how vibrant the picture looks. Both phones share the same resolution but differ in screen size and technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A36 has a 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, or multitasking. This makes it suitable if you prefer a bigger display for media or reading. The Galaxy S26's 6.3 inch screen offers a more compact experience, which may suit those who want a phone easier to hold and use one-handed.
Display Technology
The Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED screen, delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S26 features a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, which can offer smoother visuals and potentially better energy efficiency, making it appealing if you value a high-quality screen with advanced display features.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 size and design
Size, weight, SIM options, and storage influence how the phone fits your lifestyle and how much content you can keep on it. Both are unlocked and support 5G but differ in physical dimensions, SIM card arrangements, and storage choices.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy A36 is larger and heavier, measuring 162.9 mm tall, 78.2 mm wide, and weighing 195 g. This suits users who prefer a more substantial phone with a bigger screen. The Galaxy S26 is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm tall, 71.7 mm wide, and 167 g, making it easier to carry and handle for those who want a compact device.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy A36 supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is ideal if you need to manage two physical numbers alongside a virtual SIM. The Galaxy S26 supports a physical SIM and eSIM, fitting users who want a combination of physical and virtual SIM support but only one physical SIM slot.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A36 is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, which suits everyday users who keep moderate amounts of photos and apps. The Galaxy S26 offers 256GB or 512GB, appealing to users who store large files or want more space for apps and media.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A36 or Galaxy S26: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.24, £490.71 less than the Galaxy S26
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2033 vs until Mar 2031)
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 195 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A36 appreciate its smooth performance and long battery life. Many say the phone looks like new and works well for daily use, with enough storage for photos and apps. The larger screen and reliable connectivity are often noted. Some mention that the camera is good, though not exceptional compared to previous models. Overall, users find it a great buy that feels like a new phone without the new phone price.
For the Galaxy S26, customers often highlight the crisp, bright screen and smooth performance, which suits work tasks like emails and video calls. The storage capacity and battery life meet daily needs well. Some users received phones in excellent condition that looked like new, though a few noticed minor marks. The device feels premium and responsive, appealing to those who want a compact phone with plenty of memory.
The Galaxy A36 fits well for users who want a larger display and longer battery for everyday activities, while the Galaxy S26 suits those who prefer a smaller, premium-feeling phone with more RAM and storage for heavier multitasking or media use.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 FAQs
Galaxy A36 vs S26 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A36 is cheaper refurbished, from £168.24 compared with £658.95 for the Galaxy S26.
The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB), longer software support (until Mar 2033 vs until Mar 2031) and a lighter build (167 g vs 195 g). Refurbished, it costs £490.71 more (from £658.95 vs £168.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S26 in 256GB and 512GB.
