Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

The A36 5G punches above its weight in design, with a clean aesthetic that mirrors Samsung's flagship lineup. Build quality is solid for the price with a polycarbonate back that still manages to look sleek.

• Clean, modern design that takes cues from the flagship S25 series — doesn't look like a budget phone
• IP67 water resistance at $299 is impressive and increasingly expected at this price tier
• Polycarbonate back keeps costs down but doesn't feel cheap in the hand
• Color options are attractive and help differentiate it from the sea of black budget phones

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Premium all-around build with a massive camera module that houses the 1-inch sensor, IP68 rating, and refined aesthetics.

• Premium construction with ceramic back and metal frame exudes flagship quality that matches Samsung and Apple build standards
• The large circular camera module housing the 1-inch sensor is bold and distinctive — a statement piece