Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy S24+
The Verdict
Samsung's A36 delivers exceptional value with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display at 120Hz, 5000mAh battery, and capable 50MP main camera with OIS, all for $299. Galaxy S24+ commands a $700 premium through flagship-tier specs: superior 3120x1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2600 nits), Exynos 2400 processor, 8K video recording, 3x optical telephoto, and 45W charging. Performance gap heavily favors S24+ with its deca-core processor and Xclipse GPU versus Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. A36 excels at battery longevity with 5000mAh versus 4900mAh, though slower 25W charging limits practical advantage. Camera systems both feature 50MP mains, but S24+ offers superior video (8K capability), optical zoom, and computational photography. For budget-conscious users prioritizing battery life and display quality at mid-range price, A36 impresses. Serious photographers, content creators, and performance enthusiasts should invest in S24+ for tangible flagship advantages. A36 represents outstanding value; S24+ justifies premium positioning.
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 S24+ if…
- →Upgraded QHD+ display with 2600-nit peak brightness
- →Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search
- →12 GB RAM standard
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
- Upgraded QHD+ display with 2600-nit peak brightness
- Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search
- 12 GB RAM standard
- Strong battery life from 4900 mAh cell
- Seven years of software updates
Cons
- Exynos 2400 runs hotter than Snapdragon variants
- No telephoto improvement over S23+
- Heavier than the Pixel 8 Pro alternatives
- 45W charging unchanged
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 196 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 | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 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 | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4900 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3120 x 1440 |
| 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 7 |
| 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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