Galaxy A36 Vs Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy A36 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are two distinct smartphone offerings from Samsung, catering to different user expectations. The Galaxy A36, released in March 2025, is positioned as a feature-rich device within the mid-range segment, while the Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, aims to deliver a near-flagship experience with some compromises. Key differentiators include their processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build, reflecting their respective market segments.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy A36 was released in March 2025, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release date inherently provides the A36 with a longer potential lifespan for software updates.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A36 is expected to receive six generations of Android operating system upgrades and six years of security updates, offering extended software support. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE is promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A36 has a repairability score of 8.4 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for common components. The Galaxy S23 FE also demonstrates good repairability, with scores around 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10, partly due to features like pull tabs for battery removal.

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

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A36 is powered by a processor designed for efficient everyday use, handling common applications and moderate gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S23 FE, depending on the region, features a more powerful processor, which was a top-tier chip in 2022. This allows for very responsive performance in demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S23 FE generally report a very fluid experience with quick app loading times and smooth navigation, even with many applications open simultaneously. The Galaxy A36 provides a capable and responsive experience for most users, though it may not match the raw speed of the S23 FE in highly intensive scenarios.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage options, typically starting from 128GB. The Galaxy A36 is available with 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S23 FE consistently comes with 8GB of RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking. The Galaxy A36 does not support expandable storage via microSD card, a change from its predecessors, limiting its onboard storage. The Galaxy S23 FE also does not support expandable storage.

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

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A36 features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and browsing. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is slightly smaller but offers enhanced color accuracy and deeper blacks.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals. They also both feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy A36 boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, offering good visibility outdoors. The Galaxy S23 FE surpasses this with a peak brightness of 1450 nits, providing even better clarity in bright conditions. Both displays are protected by Gorilla Glass, with the A36 featuring Victus+ and the S23 FE using Gorilla Glass 5.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A36 includes a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy S23 FE also features a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens on the S23 FE provides greater versatility for zoomed-in shots.
• Photography Performance: The main camera on both devices performs well in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. However, user reviews suggest the ultrawide and macro lenses on the A36 may offer less detail and can be inconsistent. The S23 FE's camera system, particularly its main sensor, is noted for strong performance, even in low-light situations, though some users observe oversaturation in colors.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy A36 has a 12MP front camera, while the Galaxy S23 FE features a 10MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at UHD 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.