Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy A36

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in late 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy A36, launched in early 2025, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's A-series. While sharing the same operating system, the A36 introduces notable advancements in display technology, processing capabilities, and software longevity, positioning it as a more contemporary option compared to its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Release and Updates: The Galaxy A05S, launched in October 2023, started with Android 13 and is expected to receive two major Android OS updates and four years of security updates, extending its software support until approximately late 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy A36, released in March 2025 with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's extended update policy, promising six major Android OS upgrades and six to seven years of security updates, ensuring support well into the next decade.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy A36 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering enhanced protection against daily wear and tear. The Galaxy A05S has a glass front and a plastic back and frame, without an official IP rating, making the A36 a more robust choice for users seeking greater resilience.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and physical durability will find the Galaxy A36 designed for a longer practical lifespan, benefiting from more frequent updates and better protection. The A05S, while still receiving updates, will reach its end-of-life for major OS upgrades sooner.

Year of Release

2023

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A36 is equipped with a more current-generation processor, which translates to smoother operation, faster app loading times, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy A05S, powered by a previous-generation processor, provides adequate performance for everyday use and social media, but users may experience occasional lag or slower responsiveness with heavier workloads.
  • Memory and Storage: The A36 offers higher RAM configurations, typically 8GB or 12GB, which contributes to more fluid multitasking and app management. It also comes with larger internal storage options (128GB or 256GB). The A05S is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. However, some reports indicate the A36 may not offer expandable storage, relying instead on its larger internal capacities.
  • Battery Experience: Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy A36 supports faster 45W wired charging, allowing for quicker power replenishment compared to the A05S's 25W charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A36 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The A05S uses a 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel, which provides good clarity but does not match the color richness and contrast of an AMOLED screen. Both offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals for text and images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A36 boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, making it more comfortable to view in bright outdoor conditions. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. The A05S has a maximum brightness of around 520 cd/m² and a 90Hz refresh rate, which is an improvement over standard 60Hz displays but less fluid than the A36's screen.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy A36 benefits from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced screen durability. The A05S has glass protection, but it is not specified as Gorilla Glass Victus+.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a critical component of a modern smartphone.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50MP main camera. The Galaxy A36 enhances its photography capabilities with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 5MP macro lens, offering more versatility for different types of shots. The A05S includes a 50MP main sensor, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors, which are less capable for detailed macro or wide-angle photography.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, both devices can capture decent images. However, user reviews suggest the A36 generally offers better overall picture quality, with improved processing. The A05S's camera performs reasonably for its price point in daylight but struggles with detail and noise in low-light conditions. The A36's low-light performance is also noted as a potential area for improvement, with some users finding colors unnatural.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy A36 supports 4K video recording at 30fps with both its rear and front cameras, providing higher detail for video content. The A05S is limited to 1080p video recording at 30fps or 60fps for the rear camera and 30fps for the front camera. The A36 also offers better video stabilization.

Front camera

13 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A36 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds, alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The A05S is limited to 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.1. Both devices include a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The A05S lacks NFC, which means it cannot be used for contactless payments.
  • Biometric Security: The A36 features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, offering a modern and convenient unlocking method. The A05S utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A36 has a more refined build with a glass front and back, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, contributing to a more premium feel and increased durability. It measures 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm and weighs 195g. The A05S has a plastic back and frame, measuring 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and weighing 194g, making it slightly larger and thicker.

Weight

194 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6,74

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A05S often highlights its large screen and decent battery life as positive aspects, especially considering its positioning. However, common criticisms point to its weaker performance, which can lead to lag, and a camera that struggles in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The lack of NFC is also a frequent concern for users expecting modern conveniences.

For the Galaxy A36, users frequently praise its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, robust build with IP67 water resistance, and impressive battery life, often lasting up to two days. The extended software update policy is also a significant advantage. Some users note that while the camera is good for its segment, low-light performance could be better, and occasional stutters in performance have been reported, though generally, it handles daily tasks well.

Users prioritizing a more future-proof device with a superior display, better overall performance, enhanced durability, and longer software support will find the Samsung Galaxy A36 well-suited to their needs. Its 5G capability and faster charging also cater to those who value modern connectivity and efficiency. Conversely, users seeking a more budget-conscious option for basic tasks, social media, and good battery life, and who do not require 5G or the highest performance, may find the Galaxy A05S to be a practical choice. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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