Galaxy A23 5G Vs Galaxy A36

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£100.00

Versus £300.00 new

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Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in September 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, launched in March 2025, are both mid-range smartphones from Samsung's popular A-series. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and a focus on everyday usability, the newer Galaxy A36 5G brings advancements in display technology, processing power, and an extended software support policy, setting it apart from its predecessor. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A23 5G was released in September 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy A36 5G, which launched in March 2025. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining support cycles. [1, 11]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A23 5G is eligible for two major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates from its release, meaning it likely received updates up to Android 14 and security patches until late 2026. [5] In contrast, the Galaxy A36 5G offers a significantly longer support period, promising up to six Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches, extending its software relevance until 2031. [1, 18, 19]
  • Build and Durability: The Galaxy A23 5G features a plastic back and frame with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. [15] The Galaxy A36 5G steps up its physical durability with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with a plastic frame, and includes an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature not present on the A23 5G. [1]

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to more demanding applications. Both devices are designed for smooth operation, but they differ in their underlying hardware.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A23 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently. [2, 10] The Galaxy A36 5G, featuring a newer generation processor, offers enhanced capabilities for more intensive tasks, providing a more responsive experience for demanding apps and potentially smoother gameplay. [1, 6]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A23 5G comes with various RAM configurations, typically ranging from 4GB to 8GB, and offers expandable storage via a MicroSD card. [2, 15] The Galaxy A36 5G provides higher RAM options, up to 12GB, which can contribute to more fluid multitasking. However, it does not support expandable storage, meaning users rely solely on the internal 128GB or 256GB options. [1, 7, 8]
  • Battery Behavior: Both smartphones house a 5000 mAh battery, designed to provide ample power for a full day of typical use. [2, 7] The Galaxy A36 5G, however, supports faster 45W charging, allowing for quicker replenishment of its battery compared to the 25W charging supported by the Galaxy A23 5G. [1, 7, 15]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer a large viewing area with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy A23 5G features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD panel. [2, 15] The Galaxy A36 5G upgrades to a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, which can enhance the viewing experience for media consumption. [1, 6]
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2408 pixels for A23 5G, 1080 x 2340 pixels for A36 5G), providing clear and sharp visuals for text and images. [2, 7]
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [2, 7] The Galaxy A36 5G's Super AMOLED display also boasts higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits, which improves outdoor visibility compared to the A23 5G. [6, 8]

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a key consideration, and both the Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy A36 5G offer versatile setups for capturing moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A23 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor that includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a 5 MP ultrawide, and two 2 MP sensors for macro and depth. [2, 15] The Galaxy A36 5G has a triple-camera system, also with a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 5 MP macro lens. [1, 6]
  • Photography Performance: Both devices are capable of capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions with their main sensors. The OIS on both helps in reducing blur from handshakes. The Galaxy A36 5G's larger ultrawide sensor may offer slightly better performance for wider shots. [1, 2]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy A23 5G records video at Full HD (1080p) at 30 frames per second and has an 8 MP front camera. [2] The Galaxy A36 5G offers enhanced video capabilities, supporting 4K recording at 30 frames per second, and features a higher resolution 12 MP front camera for clearer selfies and video calls. [1, 6]

Front camera

8 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The Galaxy A23 5G uses Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C 2.0 port. [2, 15] The Galaxy A36 5G upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 for potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, but it omits the 3.5mm headphone jack. [18]
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A23 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [10] The Galaxy A36 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor, offering a more integrated and modern biometric solution. [6, 12]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A23 5G measures 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm and weighs 197g. [15] The Galaxy A36 5G is slightly thinner and lighter at 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm and 195g, potentially offering a more comfortable in-hand feel despite its slightly larger screen. [9]

Weight

197 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6,74

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy A36 5G cater to users seeking reliable Android smartphones, each with its own set of strengths. User feedback for the Galaxy A23 5G often praises its dependable battery life and the inclusion of a headphone jack, making it a practical choice for those who value traditional audio connectivity and extended usage without frequent charging. Some users, however, note its LCD display as a point of difference compared to devices with AMOLED screens.

The Galaxy A36 5G, being a newer model, generally receives positive remarks for its vibrant Super AMOLED display, improved processing power, and the promise of extended software support, which is a significant advantage for long-term use. Its enhanced durability with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and IP67 rating are also frequently highlighted. Criticisms sometimes revolve around the removal of the headphone jack and the lack of expandable storage, which might be a consideration for users with extensive media libraries or specific accessory preferences.

Users prioritizing a longer software support lifespan, a more vivid display, faster charging, and enhanced physical durability will find the Galaxy A36 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a traditional headphone jack, expandable storage, and a slightly more budget-conscious option might lean towards the Galaxy A23 5G. Both devices offer a solid Android experience, and choosing between them depends on which of these practical differences align best with individual user priorities. For those looking for an eco-friendly and quality-assured alternative, considering a refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice.

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