specpair

Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S24

Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.

Samsung Galaxy A36
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A36
$299
Score 7.4/10
VS
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24
$800
Score 8.8/10
Winner

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

SpecificationSamsung Galaxy A36Samsung Galaxy S24
SoftwareAndroid 15 (One UI 7)Android 14, One UI 6.1
Body
Weight195 g167 g
MaterialPlastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
IP ratingIP67IP68
Dimensions162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Camera
Main camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front camera13 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
Video4K@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@60fps
Telephoto5 MP, f/2.4, macro10 MP 3x optical
Ultrawide8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree12 MP, f/2.2
Memory
RAM6 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh4000 mAh
Charging25W wired25W wired
Wireless charging15W
Display
Size6.6 inches6.2 inches
TypeSuper AMOLEDDynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO
Resolution2340 x 10802340 x 1080
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)18002600
Processor
CPUOcta-coreDeca-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz)
GPUAdreno 710Xclipse 940
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3Exynos 2400
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.35.3

Category Scores

Value
Samsung Galaxy A368.9
Samsung Galaxy S247.8
Camera
Samsung Galaxy A367.6
Samsung Galaxy S249.3
Battery
Samsung Galaxy A368.2
Samsung Galaxy S247.1
Display
Samsung Galaxy A367.5
Samsung Galaxy S249.2
Performance
Samsung Galaxy A366.8
Samsung Galaxy S249.1

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

Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy A36 or the Samsung Galaxy S24.