Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy A36 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 starts at £168.24, £726.55 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Main camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26 Ultra are both unlocked Android phones with 5G, but they cater to different needs. The Galaxy A36, released in 2025, suits everyday users who want a large 6.7 inch screen, smooth performance with 6 GB RAM, and solid storage options up to 256GB. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, from 2026, offers more power with 12 GB RAM, a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution, and storage up to 1TB. It is heavier and slightly thicker, reflecting its more premium build. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise more memory, screen detail, and storage or prefer a lighter phone with enough performance for daily tasks.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Colour
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and physical design. Both phones run Android and are not foldable, so durability here is about build dimensions and handling.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S26 Ultra run Android, ensuring access to the same app ecosystem and user experience. This suits users familiar with Android or those who want wide app compatibility.
Design Dimensions
The Galaxy A36 is slightly lighter at 195 g and slimmer at 7.4 mm depth, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra weighs 214 g and measures 7.9 mm thick. The S26 Ultra is also a bit taller at 163.6 mm compared to 162.9 mm for the A36. These differences influence how the phones feel in the hand and pocket, with the A36 being easier to carry for longer periods.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. Both devices have large, high-resolution displays, but the differences affect sharpness and screen space.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A36 has a 6.7 inch screen, which offers plenty of room for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's 6.9 inch screen gives you even more space, which is ideal if you prefer a larger display for multitasking or immersive viewing.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy A36 has a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, which is clear and sharp for everyday use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a higher resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels, providing greater detail and sharper images. This is especially noticeable when viewing high-definition content or reading small text.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical slots, and storage options that can affect daily convenience and flexibility.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A36 supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, making it suitable for users who want to manage two physical SIM cards simultaneously alongside an eSIM. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a physical SIM plus eSIM configuration, fitting those who use one physical SIM with the option of an eSIM.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB storage variants, suitable for typical app use, photos, and media. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers larger storage choices, from 256GB to 1TB, catering to users who need more space for large files, games, or extensive media libraries.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy A36 is slightly wider at 78.2 mm compared to 78.1 mm for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a difference that is hardly noticeable. The S26 Ultra's extra weight and thickness may influence comfort for some users during extended use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A36 or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.24, £726.55 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (195 g vs 214 g)
Buy the Galaxy S26 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 of the Galaxy A36 report that the phone looks almost new and performs smoothly with no lag, making it well suited for everyday use. Many praise the solid battery life and satisfactory camera performance for typical photography. The 128GB and 256GB storage options meet the needs of users who store photos and apps without issues. Several users mention smooth data transfer and appreciate the subtle screen tint, along with the phone's reliable connectivity.
Galaxy S26 Ultra customers consistently describe the phone as feeling like brand new or better than expected, often in excellent condition. They highlight the excellent camera quality and performance speed, noting the battery lasts well even with heavy use. Some users enjoy features like AI tutorials and appreciate the larger, sharper screen. A few mention minor cosmetic marks but say these do not affect function, especially when using a case.
The Galaxy A36 is ideal if you want a lighter phone with good performance and storage for everyday tasks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits those who want more memory, higher screen resolution, and larger storage options, with a preference for a slightly larger and heavier phone.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A36 vs S26 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 Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A36 is cheaper refurbished, from £168.24 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £726.55 more (from £894.79 vs £168.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
