Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A36
The Verdict
Google's flagship Pixel 8 Pro dominates with its superior Tensor G3 processor, exceptional 2400-nit LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh, and versatile camera system featuring a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom and advanced computational photography. Samsung's Galaxy A36 delivers impressive value at $299, sporting a vibrant 1800-nit AMOLED screen, solid 50MP main camera, and faster 25W charging, but its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and 4K video limited to 30fps reveal its budget positioning. Performance gap is substantial,Pixel 8 Pro handles demanding tasks effortlessly while A36 suits everyday use. Camera quality heavily favors Pixel's intelligent processing and zoom capabilities. Battery life edges to Pixel with its larger 5050mAh capacity. For users prioritizing performance, display quality, and camera prowess, Pixel 8 Pro justifies its $700 premium. Budget-conscious buyers accepting moderate performance gains remarkable value with Galaxy A36.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if…
- →Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- →Seven years of OS and security updates
- →Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 if…
- →Six generations of OS updates for under $300
- →IP67 water resistance is outstanding at this price point
- →120Hz Super AMOLED display looks premium
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros
- Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- Seven years of OS and security updates
- Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
- Built-in temperature sensor
- On-device AI features
Cons
- Tensor G3 prone to thermal throttling
- Slow 30W wired charging
- Heavy at 213 g
- Expensive at launch
Samsung Galaxy A36
Pros
- Six generations of OS updates for under $300
- IP67 water resistance is outstanding at this price point
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display looks premium
- 5G connectivity and NFC at budget pricing
- Reliable 50MP main camera with OIS for steady shots
Cons
- Slow 25W charging feels dated in 2025
- Only 6 GB RAM on the base model
- Ultrawide camera is mediocre at 8MP
- Plastic build doesn't feel as solid as glass-backed rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 213 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP, f/1.95, 125.5-degree | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 23W (Pixel Stand) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2992 x 1344 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 1-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2400 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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