Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S25+

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+

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is universally praised as one of the best in the industry, with QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and exceptional brightness for outdoor visibility.

• The QHD+ AMOLED display is stunning with vibrant colors and deep blacks — one of the best screens available
• Peak brightness of 2,600 nits makes it easily readable even in direct sunlight
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is smooth and responsive for scrolling and gaming

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+

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB RAM, the S25+ handles everything from multitasking to gaming with ease. One UI 7 based on Android 15 brings Galaxy AI features that reviewers find genuinely useful.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite is a powerhouse — benchmarks show significant gains over the S24+
• Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and generative editing are genuinely useful daily tools
• Seven years of OS and security updates is an industry-leading commitment
• One UI 7 still has Samsung bloatware, though it's been reduced compared to previous versions

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+

The triple camera system with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto delivers consistent, high-quality results. While it doesn't match the Ultra's 200MP sensor or 5x zoom, it's more than capable for most photography needs.

• Main 50MP sensor produces excellent photos with natural colors and great dynamic range
• 3x optical zoom is practical for everyday use, even if it can't match the Ultra's 5x reach
• Night mode performance has improved significantly with AI processing
• Video recording at 8K is available but most users will stick with excellent 4K60 output

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+

The 4,900mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day for most users, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite's efficiency helping extend endurance. Charging speeds remain adequate but not class-leading.

• Battery easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use — a noticeable improvement over the S24+
• 45W wired charging gets you to 65% in 30 minutes, which is competitive but not the fastest
• 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging round out the charging options

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+

At $999, the S25+ sits in a competitive space. Many reviewers argue it's actually the best value in the S25 lineup, offering nearly everything the Ultra does at $300 less, though others feel squeezed between the S25 and Ultra.

• At $999, it's arguably the sweet spot of the S25 lineup — you get 90% of the Ultra experience
• So good you don't need the Ultra — the S25+ makes the case against spending $300 more
• Competes well against iPhone 16 Plus and Pixel 9 Pro, offering more AI features
• Some feel the S25+ is in 'no man's land' — too close to the S25 below and Ultra above