Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy A36 delivers exceptional value at $299, featuring a larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with brighter 1800-nit output and a more robust 5000mAh battery than its pricier sibling. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor handles everyday tasks adequately, supported by 6GB RAM and modern connectivity including 5G. However, the Galaxy S23 FE justifies its $599 premium with a more powerful Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, superior camera system featuring a genuine 3x telephoto with optical zoom versus the A36's macro lens, and wireless charging capability. Video recording at 4K60fps versus 4K30fps represents another meaningful advantage. While the S23 FE's smaller battery and older Android version are drawbacks, its performance, camera versatility, and wireless charging make it better for demanding users. The A36 remains the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable daily performance.
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 S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
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 S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 209 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1800 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 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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