Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S24
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Samsung's flagship S24 outperforms the budget-friendly A36 across nearly every dimension. Display brightness reaches 2600 nits on the S24 versus 1800 nits, while the Exynos 2400 processor delivers substantially faster performance than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. Camera capabilities diverge significantly—the S24 captures 8K video and includes a proper 3x optical telephoto lens, whereas the A36 maxes out at 4K@30fps with a macro-focused 5MP telephoto. Battery capacity favors the A36 (5000mAh vs 4000mAh), though both charge at 25W; only the S24 adds wireless charging. Build quality tips toward the S24 with its aluminum frame and lighter 167g weight versus plastic construction at 195g. For value-conscious buyers prioritizing battery life and solid daily performance, the A36 delivers competent mid-range capability at $299. However, the S24's superior imaging, brighter display, faster processor, and premium materials justify its $800 asking price for those seeking flagship features.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 167 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm | 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro | 10 MP 3x optical |
| 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, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1800 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Deca-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Xclipse 940 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 2400 |
| 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 |
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 S24
Pros
- Compact form factor with flagship features
- Galaxy AI suite including live translate
- Bright 2600-nit AMOLED display
- Seven years of software updates
- IP68 dust and water resistance
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow 25W charging
- Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
- Smaller battery than rivals
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