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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Samsung announced the Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G in March 2025, and both include One UI 7. The $299.99 starting price applies to the A26 in Samsung’s US launch announcement; the A36 started at $399.99. Samsung’s September 2025 US MSRP list shows those same prices for unlocked 128GB models, but they are list prices—not a check of current deals or stock.
What are the Galaxy A26 and A36?
The Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G are Samsung’s 2025 midrange phones in the Galaxy A series. Both have a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery and IP67 dust and water resistance, according to Samsung’s US launch announcement. The display’s usable area is slightly smaller than its diagonal measurement because of rounded corners.
The shared screen size and durability rating do not make the phones identical. Samsung positions the A36 as the higher-priced option, with a named Snapdragon processor and 45W charging. The A26 is the lower-priced entry point.
How much do the Galaxy A26 and A36 cost?
| Model | US launch price | Samsung US September 2025 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A26 5G | $299.99 | $299.99 for the unlocked 128GB model |
| Galaxy A36 5G | $399.99 | $399.99 for the unlocked 128GB model |
The prices come from Samsung’s US launch announcement and its September 2025 US MSRP list. Samsung says prices can change. These figures establish launch and list pricing, not what a retailer currently charges or whether either phone is in stock.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support eSIM. This device is compatible with T-Mobile networks and its MVNOs in the United States, carrier compatibility, activation, and network performance may vary depending on IMEI acceptance policies, carrier requirements, regional network support, and available frequency bands.
- NOT compatible with the MVNO's (Spectrum, Cricket, Xfinity, H2O, Visible, etc.), may not recognize international IMEI numbers for activation. Carrier compatibility is not guaranteed in all areas of the United States. Please verify compatibility with your carrier prior to purchase. No U.S. manufacturer warranty; seller return policy applies.
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core, Adreno 710 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 8MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.4
What does the A36 add over the A26?
Processor
Samsung identifies the Galaxy A36’s platform as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. The launch announcement does not make the same named-chipset claim for the A26, so avoid treating the two as equivalent on processor without checking the specific regional model’s specifications. No independent performance results are established here.
Charging
Samsung specifies 45W charging for the A36. The launch announcement does not state an equivalent 45W claim for the A26. That makes the A36’s charging support a documented differentiator, but it does not establish how long either phone takes to charge in real-world use.
Cameras
Samsung UK’s comparison, updated April 28, 2025, lists 50MP main cameras on both phones. It lists an 8MP ultrawide and 5MP macro on the A36, versus an 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro on the A26. These are UK comparison specifications; configurations may differ by market. Megapixel counts alone do not establish image quality, and no independent camera testing is available here. See Samsung UK’s Galaxy A-series comparison for its market-specific details.
Rank #2
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance. This device does not support E-SIM
- International Model – Global Connectivity - This device is compatible with T-Mobile, networks in the United States. Compatible with AT&T and Verizon on 4G LTE. Not compatible with most MVNO carriers that use Verizon's network. MVNO's like Metro, Boost, Mint etc. require IMEI activation. Its MVNO's in the U.S., as some carriers may not recognize International IMEI's as Compatible. (No U.S. manufacturer warranty; Seller Return policy applies.)
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core, Adreno 710 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 8MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.4
What do One UI 7 and Awesome Intelligence include?
Samsung announced One UI 7 for the new A series alongside selected Awesome Intelligence tools. Its listed features include Circle to Search, Object Eraser and Filters. These tools offer search or image-editing functions, but their availability and behavior can vary by device, country, carrier, software version, account and service.
Samsung identifies Best Face as exclusive to the Galaxy A56 among these models; it should not be assumed to be an A26 or A36 feature. Samsung’s global A-series announcement describes the AI features and their rollout, while the US Galaxy A26 product page describes its One UI 7 experience and related qualifications.
How long will Samsung support the phones?
Samsung’s US Galaxy A26 product page says the A26 receives six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, counted from the global launch date. Samsung Mobile Press describes up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the lineup. “Up to” matters: support details can depend on model and market, and this promise should not be read as six years of identical feature updates. Samsung’s global announcement provides the lineup-level wording.
Rank #3
- AFFORDABLY AWESOME AND ALWAYS RELIABLE: Galaxy A36 5G offers premium features and smart extras designed to elevate your everyday life — all at a price that brings exceptional value.
- AWESOME SCREEN, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7” display of Galaxy A36.¹ Whether you're gaming, streaming or browsing, enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity.
- FIND AWESOME FAST: What’s your favorite influencer wearing? Where’d they go on vacation? What’s that word mean? Don’t try to describe it — use Circle to Search with Google and get the answer in a snap.² With Galaxy A36 5G, simply circle it on your screen.
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: From family photos to dinner with friends, the enhanced front-facing camera on Galaxy A36 5G makes every selfie look like it came straight from a photo shoot.
- SEE FAMILY MOMENTS IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT: Your family’s special moments just got brighter with Galaxy A36 5G. With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear, high-quality photos and videos automatically without adjusting manual settings.
When and where did the phones become available?
Samsung Mobile Press said worldwide availability began March 28, 2025, while cautioning that availability varies by country, region and carrier. Samsung US separately said A26 availability began March 28, 2025. Those are launch dates, not evidence of current inventory. Regional configurations, prices and availability may differ; Samsung’s UK comparison is useful for UK camera specifications, not a guarantee that every market sells the same version.
Which phone should you consider?
- Consider the A26 if you want the lower US launch/list price and the shared basics Samsung advertises, including the large AMOLED display, IP67 rating and stated software support.
- Consider the A36 if its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 platform, stated 45W charging, or UK-listed higher-resolution macro camera are important to you and justify the $100 difference in US launch/list pricing.
Neither list of specifications establishes which phone is faster in everyday use, lasts longer on a charge, or takes better photos. Those outcomes require testing of the relevant regional models.
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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.
