Galaxy A36 Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£299.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A36, a mid-range smartphone expected around 2025 or 2026, offers a balanced experience for everyday users. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in early 2023, stands as a premium flagship device designed for power users and photography enthusiasts. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user needs with distinct performance and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, the release timelines of these devices play a significant role in their practical lifespan.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A36, being a newer release, is expected to receive a longer period of Android operating system updates and security patches from its purchase date compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which launched in 2023 and has fewer major OS updates remaining.
  • Build Quality: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy A36 typically uses more budget-friendly materials, offering good everyday durability but not the same premium protection.
  • Practical Lifespan: While the S23 Ultra's premium components are built to last, the A36's extended software support from its newer release date means it will remain current with the latest Android features and security for a longer duration, which can be a key factor for users.

Year of Release

2025

2023

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two devices are tailored to different user demands, reflecting their respective market segments.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A36 provides smooth performance for daily tasks, web browsing, social media, and light gaming, handling common applications without noticeable slowdowns.
  • Demanding Applications: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, equipped with a high-end processor, excels at running the most demanding applications, complex mobile games at high settings, and extensive multitasking with ease. Its architecture ensures a consistently fluid and responsive user experience even under heavy load.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 Ultra typically offers higher internal storage configurations, catering to users who store large media files, numerous applications, or extensive game libraries. The Galaxy A36 usually comes with more modest storage options, often with expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience varies significantly between the mid-range Galaxy A36 and the premium Galaxy S23 Ultra.

  • Display Technology: Both devices feature AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which provides superior color accuracy and brightness levels, especially in direct sunlight.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a higher resolution display, resulting in sharper text and more detailed images, which is particularly noticeable when viewing high-definition content or using the S Pen for fine detail work. The Galaxy A36 offers a clear and crisp viewing experience suitable for general use.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations while conserving battery life. The Galaxy A36 typically offers a fixed high refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz), which still provides a smooth experience but is less dynamic.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a major differentiating factor, with the S23 Ultra designed for advanced photography and the A36 for capable everyday shots.

  • Main Camera Performance: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a high-resolution main sensor (e.g., 200MP) that captures exceptional detail and performs very well in various lighting conditions, including challenging low-light scenarios. The Galaxy A36 offers a capable main camera that produces good quality photos for social media and casual photography in well-lit environments.
  • Versatility and Zoom: The S23 Ultra includes a comprehensive quad-camera setup with multiple telephoto lenses, enabling impressive optical zoom capabilities and a wide range of photographic options, from ultra-wide landscapes to distant subjects. The A36 typically includes a versatile triple-camera system with an ultrawide and macro lens, providing good flexibility for different shot types.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports advanced video recording features, including higher resolutions and frame rates, enhanced stabilization, and professional-grade controls, making it suitable for content creators. The Galaxy A36 provides solid video recording for everyday moments.

Front camera

12

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features distinguish these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 Ultra typically includes newer Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E) and Bluetooth versions (e.g., Bluetooth 5.3), offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections than the Galaxy A36, which usually features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Unique Features: A standout feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen, which allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities, enhancing productivity and creativity. The Galaxy A36 does not include S Pen support.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, known for its speed and security. The Galaxy A36 typically features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which is also reliable for unlocking the device.

Weight

195 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6,74

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy S23 Ultra cater to distinct user needs, with each device excelling in different areas. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S23 Ultra for its exceptional camera system, powerful performance, and the versatility offered by the integrated S Pen, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts, power users, and professionals who leverage its productivity features. Some users note its larger size and weight as a consideration for one-handed use.

The Galaxy A36, on the other hand, is often lauded for providing a well-rounded smartphone experience at a more accessible point, offering good battery life, a vibrant display, and capable cameras for everyday use. Its newer release date also means a longer period of software updates from the point of purchase, which is a significant advantage for users prioritizing long-term software support.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, advanced camera capabilities, and the unique S Pen functionality will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those seeking a modern, reliable smartphone for daily tasks, with a focus on extended software longevity and a balanced feature set, may lean towards the Galaxy A36. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed and sustainable choice.

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