Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 new
Galaxy Xcover 5
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy Xcover 5?
Galaxy A36 vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Xcover 5 starts at £60, £108.24 less than the Galaxy A36. The Galaxy A36 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5.
- The Galaxy A36 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 specs
The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy Xcover 5 differ in size, power, and features to suit different needs. The Galaxy A36 has a larger and sharper Super AMOLED screen, more RAM, and stronger battery capacity, making it suitable for users who want a spacious display, smoother multitasking, and longer battery life. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is more compact with a smaller screen and offers expandable storage via microSDXC, ideal for those who prefer a rugged, easy-to-handle phone with physical SIM and removable storage. The A36 supports 5G connectivity and dual SIM options including eSIM, while the Xcover 5 works on 4G with a single SIM slot. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size and performance or portability and storage flexibility.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 price
Colour
Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, operating system, and release year. These factors affect how long the phone can last on a charge and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A36 has a 5000 mAh battery which suits users needing longer use between charges, such as heavy app users or those on the move. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 3000 mAh battery, which fits well for everyday use and users who prefer more compact devices.
Operating System
The Galaxy A36's Android version is unspecified, so it may offer newer software features depending on updates.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 performance
Performance shows how well each phone handles tasks and apps, influenced by chipset, RAM, and storage options.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy A36 uses a Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and has 6 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and more demanding apps. The Galaxy Xcover 5 pairs an Exynos 850 chipset with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and basic apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A36 offers 128 GB and 256 GB storage models, providing ample space for apps, files, and media. The Galaxy Xcover 5 comes with 64 GB storage, which works well for users with lighter storage needs or who use cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos, and apps. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type shape these experiences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A36 has a large 6.7 inch screen with a high 1080x2340 resolution, offering more room for video and sharper images. This suits users who watch a lot of media or prefer a spacious display. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a smaller 5.3 inch screen at 720x1480 resolution, which is easier to handle for one-handed use and suits users who want a compact device.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A36 features a Super AMOLED screen that typically delivers brighter colours and deeper blacks, enhancing the visual experience. The Galaxy Xcover 5 uses a PLS LCD screen, which provides good visibility and is practical for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 size and design
Miscellaneous features cover network compatibility, SIM options, physical dimensions, and storage expansion, all influencing how you use the phone daily.
Network and SIM Options
The Galaxy A36 supports 5G networks and offers dual physical SIM slots plus eSIM, ideal for users needing fast connectivity and multiple lines. The Galaxy Xcover 5 works on 4G and has one physical SIM slot, which suits those with simpler network needs.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy Xcover 5 supports microSDXC cards, allowing users to increase storage for photos, music, and files. The Galaxy A36 does not have an SD card slot, so storage depends on built-in capacity.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A36 measures 162.9 mm by 78.2 mm by 7.4 mm and weighs 195 g, making it a larger, slimmer, and slightly heavier device. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is smaller at 147.1 mm by 71.6 mm by 9.2 mm and lighter at 172 g, fitting better in smaller hands or pockets.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors, ensuring compatibility with many modern cables and chargers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A36 or Galaxy Xcover 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.3 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Xcover 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £108.24 less than the Galaxy A36
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 195 g)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A36 looks like new with no scratches and appreciate its smooth performance and good battery life. They mention the 128 GB and 256 GB storage options as plenty for photos and apps. Some note that the camera is good though not as strong as some other models. The phone is reported as easy to set up and works well for everyday use, with connectivity praised for its quality.
Galaxy Xcover 5 customers highlight the phone's tough design and compact size as key positives. They find the device easy to use and appreciate the removable back cover and expandable storage with a microSDXC card. Some mention minor scratches consistent with fair condition but say it works perfectly and is suitable for everyday use. The battery life and network performance on 4G meet their needs, and setup is generally straightforward with some assistance.
Overall, the Galaxy A36 suits users who want a larger screen, more storage, and faster network options. The Galaxy Xcover 5 appeals to those who prefer a smaller, rugged phone with expandable storage and simpler network needs.
Galaxy A36 vs Galaxy Xcover 5 FAQs
Galaxy A36 vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5. The Galaxy A36 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £168.24 for the Galaxy A36.
The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy A36 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 16 megapixels.
The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031. We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Xcover 5.
The Galaxy A36 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £108.24 more (from £168.24 vs £60).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Xcover 5 in 64GB.
