Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Comparing a budget 2024 phone against a flagship from 2019 creates an interesting generational contrast. Samsung Galaxy A36 features a modern 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, decent Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 performance, and a practical 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization. Its 5000mAh battery with 25W charging and Android 15 provide current-generation benefits. Galaxy Note 10+ counters with a superior 6.8-inch QHD Dynamic AMOLED screen, more powerful Snapdragon 855 processor, stronger 12GB RAM configuration, and wireless charging capability. However, the Note 10+ suffers from a weaker 4300mAh battery, older Android 9 software, and lacks 5G connectivity. For most users today, the A36 offers substantially better value with newer features at a quarter of the price, though the Note 10+ remains capable for power users seeking premium build quality and a higher resolution display. Choose A36 for modern features and affordability, Note 10+ only if you need its specific S Pen functionality.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 196 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Telephoto | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1800 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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