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The Galaxy S25 is the smaller, higher-tier phone, with a dedicated 3× optical-zoom camera and more powerful listed chipset; the Galaxy A36 5G gives you a larger display and higher typical battery capacity. Samsung’s dated U.S. MSRP comparison put their 128GB models $400 apart, but that is not a current price guarantee. Your choice comes down to whether the S25’s camera and performance tier matter more than the A36’s screen size and battery capacity.
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy A36: key specifications
The figures below come from Samsung’s Germany comparison page, last updated July 8, 2026. Samsung cautions that specifications can vary by country, so check the exact model and configuration sold in your market.
| Specification | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy A36 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 2340 × 1080; up to 120Hz | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED; 1080 × 2340; up to 120Hz |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide with OIS; 12MP ultrawide; 10MP telephoto with autofocus, OIS and 3× optical zoom | 50MP wide with OIS; 8MP ultrawide; 5MP macro |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| RAM and listed storage | 12GB RAM; 128GB, 256GB or 512GB listed | 6GB RAM with 128GB; 8GB RAM with 256GB |
| Typical battery capacity | 4,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung’s video-playback claim | Up to 29 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Dust and water resistance rating | IP68 | IP67 |
Source for the table: Samsung Germany’s Galaxy S25-series and Galaxy A-series comparison. The video figure is a manufacturer claim, not an independent battery test. Battery capacity and resolution alone do not establish real-world endurance or image quality.
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Screen size and handling
The A36’s 6.7-inch display gives you more screen area for reading, video and other content. The S25’s 6.2-inch display makes it the more compact option of the two. Both are listed with refresh rates up to 120Hz; Samsung’s comparison does not establish that one has better display quality overall.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25+ handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25+ Series. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25+, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
Camera versatility
The S25 has a separate telephoto camera with 3× optical zoom, which gives it a dedicated lens for distant subjects. The A36’s third rear camera is a macro lens instead. Both phones have a listed 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, but megapixel counts and lens roles do not prove which phone takes better photos overall.
Chipset and memory
Samsung lists the S25 with the higher-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and 12GB of RAM. The A36 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and is listed with 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on storage configuration. These specifications indicate different hardware tiers, not a measured speed difference: no benchmark results are established here.
Rank #2
- BIG. BRIGHT. SMOOTH : Enjoy every scroll, swipe and stream on a stunning 6.7” wide display that’s as smooth for scrolling as it is immersive.¹
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN, EVERYDAY EASE: With a lightweight build and slim profile, Galaxy S25 FE is made for life on the go. It is powerful and portable and won't weigh you down no matter where your day takes you.
- SELFIES THAT STUN: Every selfie’s a standout with Galaxy S25 FE. Snap sharp shots and vivid videos thanks to the 12MP selfie camera with ProVisual Engine.
- MOVE IT. REMOVE IT. IMPROVE IT: Generative Edit² on Galaxy S25 FE lets you move, resize and erase distracting elements in your shot. Galaxy AI intuitively recreates every detail so each shot looks exactly the way you envisioned.³
- MORE POWER. LESS PLUGGING IN⁵: Busy day? No worries. Galaxy S25 FE is built with a powerful 4,900mAh battery that’s ready to go the distance⁴. And when you need a top off, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵ gets you back in action.
Battery capacity and resistance
The A36 has the larger typical battery capacity on paper: 5,000mAh versus 4,000mAh for the S25. Samsung lists up to 29 hours of video playback for each in its comparison, so the capacity figures alone are not enough to determine which lasts longer in your routine. The S25 is rated IP68 and the A36 IP67; neither rating means a phone is indestructible.
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Price difference: what Samsung’s U.S. figures show
Samsung’s U.S. MSRP list effective March 2025 priced the 128GB Galaxy S25 at $799.99 and the 128GB unlocked Galaxy A36 5G at $399.99—a $400 difference in that dated MSRP pair. It is not a current street-price comparison or a global price gap. Samsung’s March 2025 U.S. MSRP list provides those figures.
Rank #3
- 6.2" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X QHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 128GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 4000mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 10MP, f/2.4, telephoto + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: N1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- US Model - Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
For a later S25 reference, Samsung’s U.S. product page displayed $799.99 for the unlocked 128GB model and $899.99 for the unlocked 256GB model when accessed for this comparison; Samsung notes prices and promotions may change. Check Samsung’s S25 U.S. product page for its current listing.
Samsung’s U.S. March 2026 price file labels the 128GB unlocked A36 model EOL and lists $399.99. That is the status in that file, not proof the phone is unavailable from every seller or in every country. Do not treat the old MSRP as a verified current offer; check live listings in your market. Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. price file documents that status.
Rank #4
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Updates and charging: check your regional A36 variant
Samsung’s Latin America product information for the A36 states six generations of OS upgrades, six years of security updates and 45W charging. Those details are tied to that regional product information; confirm eligibility and specifications for the model sold where you live. The cited sources do not provide a directly matched S25 support-duration or charging figure, so they do not establish a winner between these phones on either point. See Samsung Latin America’s Galaxy A36 product information and Samsung Mobile Press’s A36 specifications.
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Choose the Galaxy S25 if
- You prefer a smaller 6.2-inch phone.
- A dedicated telephoto camera with 3× optical zoom is more useful to you than a macro camera.
- You want the higher-tier chipset and 12GB RAM listed for the S25.
- You find a price and configuration in your market that justify those differences.
Choose the Galaxy A36 5G if
- You want the larger 6.7-inch display.
- You prioritize its higher 5,000mAh typical battery capacity on paper.
- You do not need the S25’s dedicated optical telephoto camera or higher listed chipset tier.
- The A36 is available at a favorable local price; verify the seller, storage, RAM and regional model rather than relying on an old U.S. MSRP.
Before buying, compare the same country, storage capacity and unlocked or carrier status, and check the live price and local model specifications. Samsung’s comparison is a specification source, not a substitute for independent speed, camera or battery testing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
