OnePlus Nord CE 3 vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Both phones deliver solid mid-range performance at $299, but excel in different areas. OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 950 nits brightness and the more capable Snapdragon 782G processor, ensuring smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. Its 67W SuperVOOC charging is notably faster than Samsung's 25W option. Samsung Galaxy A36 counters with superior durability (IP67 vs IP54), a brighter 1800-nit Super AMOLED panel, fresher Android 15 software, and better connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3). Camera capabilities are nearly identical, though Samsung adds a macro lens. The Galaxy A36's extra RAM and processing power justify its choice for longevity, while the Nord CE 3 appeals to those prioritizing display size and charging speed. For most users seeking reliability and future software support, the Galaxy A36 edges ahead despite slightly weaker performance specs.
Full Specifications
| Spec | OnePlus Nord CE 3 | Samsung Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (OxygenOS 13.1) | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193 g | 195 g |
| Material | Plastic back, aluminum frame | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.0 x 8.1 mm | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 67W SuperVOOC wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2412 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 950 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
OnePlus Nord CE 3
Pros
- 67W fast charging at an affordable price
- 120Hz AMOLED display looks great
- Large 5000 mAh battery for all-day use
- OIS on the main camera is unusual at this price
- Lightweight and slim for a 6.7-inch phone
Cons
- Snapdragon 782G is a mid-tier chip
- Weak 8 MP ultrawide camera
- No wireless charging
- Only Wi-Fi 5 support
- IP54 is minimal water resistance
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
Related Comparisons
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