Galaxy A36 Vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A36, a mid-range smartphone released in 2026, offers a blend of modern features and extended software support. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, a flagship device from 2021, delivers premium performance and advanced camera capabilities. While the A36 represents newer mid-range technology, the S21 Ultra 5G showcases the high-end specifications of an earlier generation, both running on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A36, being a newer model from 2026, is expected to benefit from Samsung's extended software update policy, likely receiving six years of major Android OS updates and security patches. This provides a longer period of official support and access to new features. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in 2021, received four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its official software support period is nearing its end.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminium frame, offering IP68 water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A36 is expected to incorporate Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its display and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, with a likely glass back and plastic frame, providing good protection against everyday elements.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritising the longest possible software support and access to the latest Android versions will find the A36 more aligned with their needs. However, the S21 Ultra 5G's premium build materials may offer a perception of greater physical resilience over time, though its software support window is closing.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different market segments and release years.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, as a former flagship, is equipped with a high-end processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on region) that delivers exceptional speed and efficiency for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming. The Galaxy A36 features a current-generation mid-range processor, which provides smooth performance for daily tasks, web browsing, social media, and moderate gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB or 16GB of RAM, the S21 Ultra 5G handles numerous applications running simultaneously without slowdowns, offering a highly responsive user experience. The A36 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for efficient multitasking for most users, though it may not match the S21 Ultra 5G's capacity for extreme workloads.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, with the S21 Ultra 5G available up to 512GB and the A36 up to 256GB. The A36 also includes expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the S21 Ultra 5G.

The visual experience on both devices is a strong point, though they differ in their display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), providing incredibly sharp details and vibrant colours. The Galaxy A36 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), offering clear visuals and good colour reproduction for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S21 Ultra 5G's adaptive refresh rate can dynamically adjust to content, optimising battery use. The S21 Ultra 5G also achieves higher peak brightness levels, enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The A36's display is also capable of high brightness, reaching up to 1000-1200 nits in high brightness mode, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Viewing Experience: Users prioritising the highest resolution and most advanced display technology for media consumption and detailed work will find the S21 Ultra 5G's screen more immersive. The A36 provides a very capable and enjoyable viewing experience for general use, with its vibrant Super AMOLED panel and smooth refresh rate.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but with distinct differences in their configurations and advanced features.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses providing 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. This allows for exceptional detail, wide-angle shots, and significant optical magnification. The Galaxy A36 is expected to come with a triple-camera system, typically featuring a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens, suitable for capturing clear everyday photos.
• Photography and Video Features: The S21 Ultra 5G excels with features like 8K video recording, 4K video at 60 frames per second across all its cameras, and advanced zoom capabilities up to 100x Space Zoom. It also includes a 40MP front camera for high-resolution selfies. The A36 is likely to support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and features a 13MP or 12MP front camera, providing solid performance for social media and video calls.
• Low-Light Performance: The S21 Ultra 5G's larger sensors and advanced processing contribute to strong low-light photography. The A36's 50MP main sensor with OIS also offers improved low-light performance compared to previous A-series models.