Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 starts at £168.24, £671.89 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 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, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4685 mAh.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy A36 and iPhone 16 Pro Max both offer strong choices but suit different needs. The Galaxy A36 has a larger battery and runs Android with 6 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday use and longer battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a slightly larger screen with higher resolution and 8 GB of RAM, providing a more spacious and detailed display with smoother multitasking on iOS 18. Storage options are broader on the iPhone, with up to 1TB available. The Galaxy A36 is lighter and offers dual physical SIM slots alongside eSIM, while the iPhone uses eSIM only. Your choice depends on whether you want more storage and screen detail or longer battery and dual SIM flexibility.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and physical aspects that affect everyday use. The Galaxy A36 and iPhone 16 Pro Max differ in these areas, which can influence your experience with power and software.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A36 has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 4685 mAh. This means the Galaxy A36 is suited to users who prioritise longer battery life and less frequent charging during the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy A36 runs on Android, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses iOS 18. This affects app availability, system updates, and user interface preferences, so choosing depends on which operating system you prefer or are more familiar with.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which determine how smoothly the phone handles apps and multitasking. Both devices offer capable setups but with different focuses.
Chipset
The Galaxy A36 uses the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the Apple A18 Pro chipset. Each chipset supports its device's operating system efficiently, with the iPhone's chipset paired with iOS 18 and the Galaxy's with Android.
Memory
The Galaxy A36 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday apps and multitasking. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 8 GB of RAM, which can keep more apps active and smooth multitasking on iOS 18.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A36 is stocked with 128GB and 256GB storage options, suitable for typical app and media needs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers more choices with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, making it a better fit for users needing extensive storage for files, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content daily. Differences in size, resolution, and panel type between the two devices offer distinct visual experiences.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen, which is slightly larger than the Galaxy A36's 6.7 inch display. This extra size gives more room for watching videos or multitasking on the iPhone.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1320 x 2868, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides a sharper image than the Galaxy A36's 1080 x 2340 screen. This higher resolution suits users who want more detail and clarity for reading or viewing photos and videos.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A36 features a Super AMOLED screen, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which combines OLED richness with variable refresh rate technology, appealing to users who value advanced display features.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Other features such as SIM card options, device size, weight, and connector type affect usability and comfort. These differences may matter depending on your priorities.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy A36 supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, ideal for those who want to use two physical SIM cards alongside eSIM. The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
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 iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly taller at 163 mm, narrower at 77.6 mm, thicker at 8.3 mm, and heavier at 227 g. The Galaxy A36's lighter and slimmer profile fits those who prefer a lighter phone.
Connector Type
This detail benefits users who transfer large files and want faster data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A36 or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.24, £671.89 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4685 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A36 report it looks almost new and performs smoothly with no lag. They appreciate the battery life lasting through a full day and find 128 GB or 256 GB storage plenty for photos and apps. Some users note the camera is not as strong as other models but are happy with the overall phone performance and connectivity. The phone's subtle purple tint and unlocked status suit many users well.
Those who chose the iPhone 16 Pro Max praise its near-new condition, with many noting battery health close to 100 percent even after some use. The screen is described as responsive and smooth, contributing to an enjoyable daily experience. Buyers highlight the phone's premium feel and excellent battery, with storage options up to 1TB fitting users who need more space. Some mention initial SIM issues that resolved quickly. The device's condition and performance often exceed expectations.
The Galaxy A36 is a good choice if you want a lighter phone with longer battery and dual physical SIM support. The iPhone 16 Pro Max suits those who prefer a larger, higher-resolution screen, more RAM, and extensive storage options on iOS.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A36 is cheaper refurbished, from £168.24 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The Galaxy A36 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4685 mAh.
The Galaxy A36 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
