Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display is the A36's strongest feature. Samsung's AMOLED expertise trickles down effectively here, delivering punchy colors and smooth scrolling that outclass most budget competitors.

• Super AMOLED display delivers rich, vibrant colors that punch well above the $299 price point
• 120Hz refresh rate makes the UI feel smoother than the processor sometimes allows
• FHD+ resolution is sharp enough for the screen size — text and images look crisp

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display maintains Samsung's display excellence. It's the same panel technology found in the S25+, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth 120Hz scrolling.

• Display quality is flagship-excellent — Samsung hasn't compromised on screen quality for the thin design
• 2,600 nits peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility
• The thin bezels and edge-to-edge design make the display feel even more immersive

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

This is where the A36 5G struggles most. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 handles basic tasks adequately but shows its limitations quickly. App switching can be laggy, and gaming is essentially off the table for demanding titles.

• Basic tasks like messaging, social media, and web browsing work fine, if not lightning fast
• Performance gets the job done, but only just — don't expect snappy multitasking
• Gaming on this phone is frustrating — even moderate titles experience stuttering and frame drops
• One UI 7 runs but feels heavy on this hardware — a lighter skin would help significantly

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

The Snapdragon 8 Elite provides excellent performance for everyday tasks, but the thin chassis creates thermal challenges. Extended gaming or camera sessions can trigger throttling that impacts the experience.

• Day-to-day performance is excellent — apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth
• Thermal throttling kicks in faster than other S25 models during sustained workloads
• Galaxy AI features work identically to the rest of the S25 family — no compromises here
• Gaming performance suffers under sustained play — the thin design can't dissipate heat effectively

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

The camera system is adequate for social media and casual snaps but won't win any photography awards. The 50MP main sensor produces decent results in good lighting but struggles in low light.

• In good lighting, the main camera produces passable photos for social media sharing
• Night photography is a weakness — photos come out noisy and lacking detail
• Ultrawide lens is included but quality is noticeably below the main sensor
• Video recording is limited to 4K30 and stabilization is mediocre at best

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

The dual camera system is the Edge's most controversial compromise. The 200MP main sensor produces excellent photos, but the absence of a telephoto lens at $1,099 is a significant omission that most reviewers flag as a dealbreaker.

• The 200MP main sensor captures impressive detail and performs well in various lighting conditions
• No telephoto lens at this price is simply unacceptable — digital zoom can't compete
• Ultrawide camera is solid and handles its duties well for landscapes and group shots
• Samsung's AI photo processing helps compensate for the missing telephoto, but only to a point

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Battery life is one of the A36's genuine strengths. The 5,000mAh battery combined with the efficient (if slow) processor means the phone easily lasts a full day and often stretches into day two.

• Excellent battery life — the combination of efficient chip and large battery means consistent two-day endurance for light users
• Even heavy users will get through a full day without anxiety
• 25W charging is painfully slow by 2025 standards — a full charge takes well over an hour

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Battery life is the Edge's Achilles' heel. The 3,900mAh cell is notably smaller than competitors, and while the efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite helps, power users will struggle to get through a full day.

• 3,900mAh battery is a real concern — heavy users will need to charge by mid-afternoon
• Light to moderate users can get through a day, but there's no room for complacency
• The thin design forced Samsung to sacrifice the one thing consumers actually want more of: battery
• 45W charging helps recover quickly, but you'll be using it more often than with other flagships

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

At $299, the A36 5G is competing in one of the most crowded smartphone segments. Its design and display stand out, but the sluggish performance and mediocre cameras make it a tough sell against alternatives.

• The most balanced Samsung mid-ranger — no single feature is terrible, even if none is outstanding
• A good-looking phone that falls flat where it matters most — performance and cameras
• Samsung's update commitment gives it a longevity advantage over budget Chinese alternatives
• The Pixel 7a at similar or lower sale prices offers a significantly better camera experience

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

At $1,099, the S25 Edge is priced between the S25+ and S25 Ultra, yet it offers less functionality than either. It's a design showcase that appeals to a specific audience who values form factor above all else.

• For $1,099 you get fewer cameras and less battery than the $999 S25+ — hard to justify on specs alone
• The premium for thinness is significant — this is a lifestyle product, not a specs-per-dollar play
• Consumer reception is warmer than reviews suggest — many buyers genuinely love the thin form factor
• Competes against iPhone 16 Air in the thin phone segment, with Samsung offering more features