iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is the clearer choice if long-term software support is your priority; Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G has the larger, higher-resolution display and higher published battery capacity. Prices and even the Redmi’s stated battery capacity vary by source and region, so the right comparison depends on the exact Indian model, memory configuration and seller.
How the main specifications compare
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A36 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz maximum refresh rate (Samsung India) | 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz maximum refresh rate (Xiaomi global and India pages) |
| Typical battery capacity | 5,000mAh (Samsung India) | 8,340mAh on Xiaomi’s global page; 9,000mAh on Xiaomi India’s page |
| Wired charging | Up to 45W (Samsung India) | 67W (Xiaomi global and India pages) |
| Processor information | Octa-core; the cited Samsung India specification does not clearly identify the full chipset name | Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, 4nm, up to 2.4GHz (Xiaomi global and India pages) |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro (Samsung India) | 50MP OIS main and 8MP ultrawide (Xiaomi global and India pages) |
| Software support information | Six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates; security period stated through March 31, 2031 (Samsung India) | India page lists HyperOS 3 based on Android 16; a comparable multi-year update duration is not stated on the cited page |
| Dimensions and weight | 162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4mm; 195g (Samsung India) | Not stated in the cited pages |
Which display and battery matter more?
Display size and resolution
On published specifications, the Redmi gives you a 6.83-inch 1.5K panel, compared with the A36’s 6.7-inch FHD+ panel. Both list a maximum 120Hz refresh rate. The Redmi therefore has the larger, higher-resolution screen on paper, but these figures alone do not establish which phone looks better in everyday use.
Battery capacity is not the same as runtime
Xiaomi’s regional specifications conflict: its global Redmi page lists an 8,340mAh typical battery, while its India page lists 9,000mAh typical. Treat 9,000mAh as Xiaomi India’s published figure, not a universal specification; confirm the capacity for the exact model sold in your market. The A36 is listed at 5,000mAh typical.
Those capacities do not prove how long either phone lasts between charges. No comparable independent battery-runtime test is established here, so usage, settings and local model differences remain important.
#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
Charging and what is in the box
Samsung India lists up to 45W charging, and its A36 box contents include the phone, data cable and ejection pin, but not a travel adapter. Xiaomi India lists 67W charging and says its Redmi package includes a 67W charger. Xiaomi’s global page advises checking with the local seller about adapter availability. Check the package and adapter included with the particular regional SKU rather than assuming all boxes match.
Performance: what the specifications can and cannot tell you
Xiaomi identifies the Redmi’s processor as Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, with a 4nm process and maximum clock speed of 2.4GHz. Samsung India’s cited A36 specifications identify an octa-core processor but do not clearly give its full chipset name. That leaves insufficient comparable evidence to rank the phones’ speed, gaming performance or heat management. A processor name, core count or clock figure by itself is not a controlled performance comparison.
Camera hardware and the limits of a spec-sheet comparison
The A36 lists three rear cameras: a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro. The Redmi lists a 50MP OIS main camera and an 8MP ultrawide. The A36 therefore has a dedicated macro camera in the cited specifications, while the Redmi’s listed rear setup has two cameras.
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
Megapixel counts and camera count do not establish photo quality. The published specifications cited here do not support a tested winner for still photos or video, so choose based on the lenses you expect to use rather than treating the larger camera count as proof of better results.
Software support is the strongest documented Samsung advantage
Samsung India says the Galaxy A36 5G receives six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, with the product page specifying March 31, 2031 as the security-update period end date. Xiaomi India lists HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 for the Redmi, but the cited page does not give a comparable multi-year support duration. A current software version is not a substitute for a stated update commitment.
India prices: compare the same configuration and seller
The available figures do not establish one reliable, like-for-like price gap. Samsung India’s purchase page showed the A36 8GB/128GB at an offer price of ₹33,999, against an MRP of ₹39,499, and the 8GB/256GB at ₹37,999, against an MRP of ₹43,999. Separately, a 91mobiles comparison listing showed ₹25,999 for the Galaxy A36 and ₹36,998 for the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G, without a reliably matched current seller and configuration in the surfaced result.
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.
These are India-specific, time-sensitive listings that may differ by stock, seller, variant or offer timing. Do not subtract them to claim a definitive difference. Before buying, compare new phones with the same RAM and storage, confirm the seller and current checkout price, and check whether a discount depends on a payment offer. The cited Redmi price does not establish a matched configuration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhich phone fits your priorities?
- Choose the Galaxy A36 5G if: Samsung’s documented six-generation OS upgrade and six-year security-update commitment is the deciding factor, or you want the listed 5MP macro camera.
- Consider the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G if: its larger 6.83-inch 1.5K display, 67W charging or higher region-specific published battery capacity suits your priorities. Confirm the local battery figure and package contents.
- Pause before choosing on performance or camera quality alone: the cited specifications do not provide a controlled head-to-head test for speed, thermals, battery runtime, photos or video.
Check the exact regional model before purchase
Both manufacturers have official product pages for these phones, but regional specifications, package contents and network compatibility can differ. Xiaomi warns: “Connectivity and network bands may vary based on region availability and local operator support.” If you are importing either phone, verify the exact SKU and its supported bands against your carrier; a model name alone does not confirm local compatibility.
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.
