Galaxy A15 Vs Galaxy A36

Galaxy A15
Galaxy A15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£88.00

Versus £169.00 new

See options
Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15, released in early 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy A36, launched in early 2025, are both mid-range smartphones from Samsung's popular A-series. While they share the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the A36 introduces several enhancements in display technology, processing capabilities, and overall durability. This comparison aims to highlight the practical differences between these two devices to help users determine which model best suits their needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors such as release timeline, software support, and physical durability are key. The Galaxy A36, being a more recent release, offers an extended period of software support compared to the Galaxy A15.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A15, launched with Android 14, is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy A36, released with Android 15, is promised six major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, providing a longer period of up-to-date software and security.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A36 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. It also boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A15 has a glass front, often with Gorilla Glass protection, and a plastic back and frame, but typically lacks an official IP rating, making the A36 more resilient to environmental factors.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with components that allow for repair, though the availability and ease of repair can vary by region and service provider. Users seeking the longest possible software support and greater protection against everyday accidents may find the Galaxy A36 more aligned with their needs.

Year of Release

2023

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone directly impacts how smoothly applications run and how efficiently daily tasks are handled. Both the Galaxy A15 and A36 are designed for general use, but they differ in their underlying processing power and memory configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A15 is equipped with a processor that capably handles everyday applications, web browsing, and light gaming. The Galaxy A36, however, features a more advanced processor, which translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive experience, particularly with demanding applications or graphically intensive games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A15 is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A36 offers more generous RAM options, starting from 6GB and going up to 12GB, alongside 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The increased RAM in the A36 allows for more applications to run simultaneously without slowdowns, benefiting users who frequently switch between apps. Both models support expandable storage via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy A15 supports 25W wired charging, while the Galaxy A36 steps up to 45W wired charging, allowing for significantly faster replenishment of the battery.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy A15 and A36 offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable distinctions in size, refresh rate, and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A15 has a 6.5-inch display, providing a comfortable viewing area for most users. The Galaxy A36 offers a larger 6.7-inch display, which can enhance the immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
  • Smoothness and Brightness: The Galaxy A15 features a 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. It reaches a high brightness mode (HBM) of 800 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy A36 elevates this with a 120Hz refresh rate for even more fluid visuals and a significantly brighter display, reaching 1200 nits HBM and up to 1900 nits peak brightness, making it exceptionally clear even in direct sunlight.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp text and detailed images. The larger screen of the A36, combined with its higher refresh rate and brightness, provides a more premium visual experience, particularly for users who prioritize media viewing or gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone. Both the Galaxy A15 and A36 are equipped with versatile camera setups, but the A36 introduces enhancements for improved image and video capture.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A15 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 5 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens. The 50 MP main camera captures detailed photos in good lighting. The Galaxy A36 also has a triple rear camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro lens. The OIS in the A36's main camera helps reduce blur from handshakes, leading to clearer photos and more stable videos, especially in challenging conditions.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones perform well in bright conditions. The A36's OIS provides a notable advantage in low-light scenarios, allowing for longer exposures and sharper images. The ultrawide and macro lenses on both devices offer flexibility for different types of shots, from expansive landscapes to close-up details.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy A15 records video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. Its front camera is a 13 MP sensor. The Galaxy A36 significantly upgrades video capabilities, supporting 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, along with gyro-EIS for enhanced video stability. The A36 features a 12 MP front camera that includes Video HDR, which can improve the dynamic range of selfies and video calls.

Front camera

13 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of a smartphone. The Galaxy A15 and A36 offer a range of connectivity and design elements.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds, along with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections. They both include a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably, retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is convenient for wired audio accessories. The Galaxy A36 also introduces eSIM support, offering more flexibility for network management.
  • Security and Biometrics: The Galaxy A15 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A36 also includes a fingerprint sensor, likely under the display, and integrates Samsung Knox Vault for enhanced data security, providing a robust layer of protection for sensitive information.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A15 measures 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and weighs 200g. The Galaxy A36 is slightly larger with dimensions of 162.6 x 77.9 x 7.4 mm but is lighter at 195g. The A36's thinner profile and slightly lighter build, combined with its more premium glass construction, contribute to a different in-hand feel.

Weight

200 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6,74

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy A15 often praises its vibrant Super AMOLED display and reliable battery life for its segment. Common criticisms sometimes point to its performance with very demanding applications or its camera capabilities in challenging lighting conditions. Users generally appreciate its value for everyday tasks.

For the Galaxy A36, early user impressions highlight the significantly improved display brightness and smoothness, the enhanced camera with OIS, and the faster charging as key advantages. The extended software support and improved durability with an IP67 rating are also frequently noted as strong points. Some discussions might focus on the incremental nature of upgrades compared to its direct predecessor, but overall, it is seen as a well-rounded device for its category.

Users prioritizing a more immersive viewing experience, superior camera performance, and greater long-term software support will find the Galaxy A36 well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced durability also makes it a more robust choice for those concerned about accidental damage. Conversely, users seeking a capable device for general daily use, with a good display and solid battery life, may find the Galaxy A15 to be a practical option. Both models offer a reliable Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either device.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons