Galaxy A55 vs A36: Specs That Matter

The Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A36 are both solid mid-range Samsung phones, but the A55 is the more premium device with a metal frame, better display brightness, and a more capable chipset, while the A36 focuses on a lighter build and a slightly larger battery. If you want the best camera, build quality, and performance for the price, the A55 wins; if you prioritize a lighter phone and longer battery life, the A36 is the better pick.

Background: Where the A55 and A36 Fit

The Galaxy A5x series has long been Samsung’s best-selling mid-range line, sitting above the budget A1x and A2x models but below the flagship S series. The A55 (released March 2024) and A36 (released March 2025) are one generation apart. The A55 was the first A5x to use a metal frame (instead of plastic), which was a big deal for the mid-range. The A36 continues that metal design but changes the chipset and camera layout. Both phones run Samsung’s One UI 6.1 (A55) or One UI 7 (A36) on top of Android, and both get four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.

Key Specs Side by Side

Here’s the quick comparison of the specs that most people actually care about:

• Display: Both have a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340, 120Hz. The A55 has a peak brightness of 1000 nits; the A36 also claims 1000 nits, but in practice the A55’s panel is slightly brighter in direct sunlight.
• Chipset: A55 uses the Exynos 1480 (4nm), A36 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm). The Exynos 1480 has a faster GPU (Xclipse 530) and better sustained performance; the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is more power-efficient.
• RAM/Storage: A55: 8GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB. A36: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB. Both have microSD slot.
• Camera: A55: 50MP main (OIS), 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 32MP front. A36: 50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 12MP front. The A55’s ultrawide and front camera are notably better.
• Battery: A55: 5000mAh, 25W charging. A36: 5000mAh, 25W charging (same).
• Build: Both have Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and an aluminum frame. The A55 is slightly thicker (8.2mm vs 7.4mm) and heavier (213g vs 195g).
• Extras: Both have stereo speakers, IP67 water resistance, NFC, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The A55 has a slightly larger vapor chamber for cooling.

What Matters Most in Daily Use

When you actually hold and use these phones, the differences show up in a few places:

• Performance: For everyday apps, both feel similar. But for gaming (like Genshin Impact or PUBG), the A55’s Exynos 1480 maintains higher frame rates for longer because of the better GPU and cooling. The A36 might throttle sooner.
• Camera quality: The A55’s 12MP ultrawide captures more detail and better color than the A36’s 8MP. The A55’s 32MP front camera is also sharper for selfies. In low light, both struggle, but the A55’s main sensor processes noise slightly better.
• Battery life: The A36’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is more efficient, so in real-world mixed use (streaming, social media, some gaming), the A36 can last about 10-15% longer on a single charge. Both charge to 50% in about 30 minutes with a 25W adapter (not included).
• Build feel: The A55 feels more solid and premium in the hand due to its thicker frame and slightly heavier weight. The A36 is noticeably lighter, which some prefer for one-handed use.

How to Choose Between Them

Your decision should come down to three factors: price, camera, and battery. Here’s a simple guide:

1. If you find the A55 at a similar price to the A36 (within $30), get the A55. You get a better camera, faster GPU, and better build for the same money.
2. If the A36 is significantly cheaper (more than $50), get the A36. The camera downgrade is noticeable but not deal-breaking for casual users, and the battery life is better.
3. If you take a lot of selfies or wide-angle shots, choose the A55. The 32MP front camera and 12MP ultrawide are worth the extra cost.
4. If you want the lightest possible phone, choose the A36. It’s 18g lighter, which is a small but real difference.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

People often assume the A36 is better because it’s newer. That’s not true here. The A55 is the higher-tier device, and Samsung intentionally kept the A36 slightly below the A55 to avoid cannibalizing sales. Another common issue: the A55’s Exynos chip runs warmer under heavy load, but that’s not a defect—it’s just how the chip is designed. Both phones have a known quirk where the fingerprint sensor can be slow after a screen protector is applied; re-registering your fingerprint with the protector on fixes it. Also, neither phone comes with a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one (25W or higher) if you don’t have one.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If you’re open to other brands, the Google Pixel 8a (if available) offers a better camera and cleaner software, but with a smaller 6.1-inch screen and no microSD slot. The Nothing Phone (2a) has a similar price and a more unique design, but its camera is worse than the A55’s. The OnePlus Nord 4 has a faster chipset and faster charging (100W), but its software support is shorter. If you want the absolute best camera in this price range, the A55 is the winner; if you want the best battery life, the A36 edges out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy A55 better than the A36?

Yes, in most ways. The A55 has a better camera (especially ultrawide and front), a faster GPU, and a more premium build. The A36 only wins on battery efficiency and weight.

Which phone has a better screen, A55 or A36?

They have the same resolution and refresh rate, but the A55’s panel is slightly brighter in direct sunlight. Both are excellent for the price.

Does the A36 have a worse camera than the A55?

Yes. The A36’s ultrawide is 8MP vs 12MP, and the front camera is 12MP vs 32MP. The main camera is identical (50MP with OIS). For most people, the main camera is the one they use, but the ultrawide and selfie differences are noticeable.

Which phone will get updates longer?

Both get four years of OS updates and five years of security patches from their respective launch dates. The A36 will get updates until 2029, the A55 until 2028. So the A36 will be supported one year longer.

Is the A55 worth buying in 2025?

If you can find it at a good price, yes. It’s still a capable mid-ranger with a great camera and build. The only downside is that it’s one year older, so it will get one less year of updates than the A36.

Does the A55 have a headphone jack?

No, neither the A55 nor the A36 has a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need USB-C earphones or wireless buds.

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