Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy A-series continues to evolve, with the 2025 lineup introducing the Galaxy A36, a successor to final 12 months’s Galaxy A35.
Whereas they could appear related on the floor, some key variations could properly make one a more sensible choice over the opposite for you.
Let’s check out what units them aside and which one provides the very best worth for cash.
Battery & Charging
One of the important upgrades of the Galaxy A36 is its improved charging velocity. Whereas each telephones include a 5,000mAh battery, the A36 helps 45W tremendous quick charging, in comparison with the 25W quick charging on the A35.
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Because of this whereas the A35 will take round 90 minutes to achieve a full cost, the A36 can refill two-thirds of its battery in simply half-hour, making it way more handy for customers who want a fast top-up earlier than heading out.
Luke Baker
If quick charging is a vital issue for you, the A36 is the clear winner right here.
Software program
Samsung is pushing AI options closely in 2025, and the A36 will get extra of those enhancements than the A35.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The A36 consists of Samsung new ‘Superior Intelligence’ options like AI Choose, Object Eraser (Computerized Suggestion), Filters (Modify movie kinds), and Learn Aloud, whereas the A35 provides solely Object Eraser, Sensible Choose, and fundamental Edit Strategies.
The extra AI instruments within the A36, like AI Choose and Learn Aloud, improve person expertise by making content material creation and accessibility options extra intuitive.
Luke Baker
For those who get pleasure from AI-powered instruments to enhance your day by day cellphone utilization, the A36 is the higher alternative.
Show
Samsung has made noticeable enhancements to the show of the A36.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
It comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display screen that boasts 1,200 nits of brightness, making it brighter and barely bigger than the 6.6-inch, 1,000-nit panel on the A35.
This implies higher visibility outdoor, improved HDR content material viewing, and a extra immersive expertise total.
Luke Baker
Whereas each shows help a 120Hz refresh price, the A36’s superior brightness makes it the higher choose for individuals who incessantly use their telephones in shiny situations or get pleasure from consuming a variety of media.
Different variations
Other than these main variations, there are a number of different minor upgrades. The A36 is thinner at 7.4mm towards the A35’s 8.2mm, and lighter at 195g towards 209g, making it simpler to carry.
It additionally makes use of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, whereas the A35 runs on the older Exynos 1380. Whereas the advance is small at about six %, Qualcomm’s chipsets are usually extra power-efficient.
Luke Baker
The A35 has a 13Mp entrance digicam, whereas the A36 has a 12Mp sensor with Tremendous HDR. Whereas the A35’s selfie digicam technically has extra megapixels, the A36’s AI enhancements would possibly make for higher photographs in dynamic lighting situations.
Lastly, whereas Galaxy A36 retains the Key Island on its body, it adjustments the design of the rear cameras, surrounding the three protruding lenses with an aluminium body. Aside from that, nearly all different options of the 2 telephones are almost equivalent.
Worth & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G begins at £339/$399 for the 128GB model. There’s additionally a 256GB mannequin that price £389, however is out there solely within the UK.
The cellphone is out there to buy immediately from Samsung UK and Samsung US, or a third-party retailer like Amazon UK and Amazon US.
The Galaxy A36 5G is priced at £399 within the UK, which is £60 greater than the Galaxy A35. Nevertheless, this worth improve appears considerably justified by the sooner charging, improved AI options, brighter show, and extra storage. You should buy it from Samsung or a third-party vendor corresponding to Amazon.
Within the US, it’s priced at $399.99 and once more, it’s accessible from Samsung, or third-party retailers together with Finest Purchase and Walmart.
Verdict
For those who’re searching for the very best value-for-money mid-range cellphone and don’t thoughts barely slower charging, then the Galaxy A35 stays an ideal finances possibility.
Nevertheless, if you would like the most recent AI options, sooner charging, and a noticeably brighter show, then the Galaxy A36 is price the additional price.
The A36 feels extra future-proof, because of its Qualcomm chip, AI instruments, and higher long-term usability, making it a greater funding total.