Galaxy A36 Vs Galaxy A55

Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options
Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:£192.21

Versus £479.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A36 (released March 2025) and the Samsung Galaxy A55 (released March 2024) are both mid-range smartphones from Samsung's popular A-series. While the Galaxy A55 arrived a year earlier, the Galaxy A36 introduces several updates, including a newer operating system, a different processor, and enhanced charging capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a consistent software experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two models present a notable difference in this regard.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A55 was released in March 2024, while the Galaxy A36 followed in March 2025, making the A36 the newer device by a year.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy A36 is set to receive up to six major Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, offering extended software longevity. In contrast, the Galaxy A55 is guaranteed four OS updates and five years of security updates.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature Gorilla Glass Victus+ for display protection, contributing to their resistance against scratches and drops. The Galaxy A55 also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a common feature in this series that the A36 is expected to maintain.

Year of Release

2025

2024

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use, from app handling to multitasking, is a key differentiator between these two Galaxy models, primarily due to their internal components.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A36 features a current-generation processor, which is reported to offer a modest performance improvement over its predecessor's chipset. The Galaxy A55, on the other hand, is equipped with a different internal processor that provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and is noted for being an upgrade over its own predecessor.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices are designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The A55's processor is capable of managing various apps simultaneously, ensuring a responsive user experience. The A36, with its newer processor, aims to deliver similar or slightly improved responsiveness for general usage.
  • Storage and RAM: Both models offer various configurations, typically starting with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with options for expansion via a microSD card. The available RAM configurations ensure adequate memory for multitasking across both devices.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and both the Galaxy A36 and A55 offer vibrant screens with some key distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A36 comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen, while the Galaxy A55 has a 6.6-inch display. Both offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring clear visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices boast a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A36's display is noted for being brighter, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits, an improvement over its predecessor and potentially offering better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A55 also provides a bright viewing experience with a peak brightness of 1000 nits.
  • Protection: Both displays are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering enhanced durability against everyday wear and tear.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

Photography capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy A36 and A55 offer versatile camera systems for capturing moments.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, capable of capturing detailed images. The Galaxy A55 includes a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, while the Galaxy A36 features an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. Both also have a 5-megapixel macro lens for close-up shots.
  • Front Camera Performance: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy A55 is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera. The Galaxy A36 features a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both main and front cameras on the Galaxy A55 can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The A55's main camera also includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steadier shots. The A36's camera setup is designed for everyday photography, with its main sensor also offering OIS.

Front camera

12

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A36 and A55 support 5G network connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. They also include modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for wireless connections. Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A36 introduces eSIM support, offering more flexibility for network management.
  • Battery and Charging: Both phones are powered by a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. A notable difference lies in charging speed: the Galaxy A36 supports 45W wired charging, allowing for quicker power-ups, while the Galaxy A55 supports 25W wired charging.
  • Security and Design: Both models incorporate an in-display optical fingerprint scanner for secure and convenient unlocking. The Galaxy A55 features a metal body, contributing to a premium feel and robust build. The Galaxy A36 also aims for a refined design, with a slightly reduced thickness compared to its predecessor.

Weight

195 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6,74

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Choosing between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A55 depends on individual priorities, as both devices offer a compelling set of features within Samsung's mid-range lineup. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A55 for its robust build quality, including a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, alongside its capable camera system and vibrant display. Its performance is generally considered smooth for daily tasks and moderate gaming.

The newer Galaxy A36 builds on its predecessor with an extended software support policy, promising six years of updates, which is a significant advantage for users prioritizing long-term device usability. Its faster 45W charging capability is another practical improvement for those who need to power up quickly. The A36 also integrates some of Samsung's advanced AI features, which could appeal to users looking for smart functionalities.

Users prioritizing maximum software longevity and faster charging might lean towards the Galaxy A36. Those who value a slightly more established model with a proven track record in terms of build and camera performance, and are content with a still-generous software support period, may find the Galaxy A55 well-suited to their needs. Both devices represent solid choices for everyday use, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed decision.

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