Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A36 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 starts at £168.24, £1040.76 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy A36, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy A36 and iPhone 17 Pro Max are both 2025 smartphones that suit different needs. The Galaxy A36 offers a simpler setup with Android, a larger battery capacity, and dual physical SIM support, making it suitable for everyday use and those who value longer battery life and flexibility with SIM cards. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features more RAM, a higher resolution screen, a larger display, and higher front camera megapixels, appealing to users who want more power, sharper visuals, and detailed selfies. Storage options on the iPhone range much higher, ideal for those needing extensive space. Both phones support 5G and USB-C, with unlocked compatibility for all carriers.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability factors include battery size, operating system, and SIM card options. These impact daily usability and how you manage connectivity and power.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A36 has a 5000 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh battery options. This means the Galaxy A36 may offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who prioritise extended battery life during busy days. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery sizes offer good endurance but with less capacity, appealing to those who balance battery with other performance features.
Operating System
The Galaxy A36 runs on Android, providing a familiar environment for users who prefer Android apps and customisation. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses iOS, which is known for its streamlined interface and integration with Apple services. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer for everyday tasks and app ecosystems.
SIM Card Configuration
The Galaxy A36 supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, making it ideal for users who manage two physical phone lines simultaneously. The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who need dual connectivity with one physical and one digital SIM. This affects how you use multiple numbers or carriers.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance differences lie mainly in processing power, RAM, and storage options. These affect multitasking, app responsiveness, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy A36 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset with 6 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday apps and smooth performance. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features the Apple A19 Pro chipset and 12 GB of RAM, offering more memory to keep numerous apps open and handle demanding tasks. This makes the iPhone suitable for users who often multitask or use heavy applications.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB or 256GB versions, which covers typical storage needs such as photos, apps, and media. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers larger storage options starting from 256GB up to 2TB. This wide range is ideal for users who require significant storage for large files, videos, or extensive app libraries.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from video watching to reading. Screen size, resolution, and type all play a role in your visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A36 has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, which provides a clear and sizeable display for everyday viewing. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a slightly larger 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels, delivering a sharper and more detailed image. This makes the iPhone suited for users who want a more immersive and crisp display for video or detailed content.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A36 uses a Super AMOLED screen, which typically offers vibrant colours and good contrast for a bright viewing experience. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR screen, known for high dynamic range and accurate colours. This suits users who value colour accuracy and high-quality visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, weight, connectivity, and port types. These details influence comfort, convenience, and device compatibility.
Size 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 17 Pro Max is slightly taller at 163.4 mm, narrower at 78 mm, and thicker at 8.8 mm, weighing 233 g. The Galaxy A36's lighter and slimmer design may suit users who prefer a less bulky phone, while the iPhone's size accommodates its larger screen and battery.
Connector and Network
Both devices use USB-C connectors, offering wide compatibility with charging and accessories. Both support 5G for fast mobile data speeds. This makes them versatile for users who want modern connectivity and network performance.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy A36 supports dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, enabling use of multiple physical lines alongside a digital one. The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports a single physical SIM and eSIM. This difference suits users who need one or two physical SIM cards for work and personal use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A36 or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.24, £1040.76 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A36 looks almost new with no scratches and commend its smooth performance and good battery life that lasts through a full day. The storage options at 128GB and 256GB meet the needs for photos and apps. Users appreciate the connectivity and find the phone works brilliantly for everyday use, although some note the camera is not as strong as previous models or iPhones. Overall, the Galaxy A36 is praised for delivering solid performance at a good value.
Reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro Max note it looks like new and functions as expected, with good battery health and smooth operation. Customers find moving apps from older iPhones straightforward and enjoy the quality of the device. Some mention occasional call drops, while others are happy with the phone's condition and performance. Storage options up to 2TB are appreciated for those needing extra space.
The Galaxy A36 suits users seeking a reliable Android phone with good battery, dual SIM support, and solid everyday performance. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is well matched to those wanting higher RAM, advanced screen quality, and larger storage capacities for demanding use.
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy A36 vs iPhone 17 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 A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A36 is cheaper refurbished, from £168.24 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy A36 has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 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 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A36 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
