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In India, the Galaxy M36 5G launched ₹2,500 below the matching Galaxy A17 5G storage variants. The M36 is the more compelling choice if you prioritize its 120Hz display and Exynos 1380; the A17 offers a thinner body, an official IP54 rating, and microSD expansion up to 2TB. Their core display size, main-camera resolution, battery capacity, charging rating, and software-support promise are similar.
How much cheaper was the Galaxy M36 at launch?
Samsung announced the M36 prices on June 30, 2025, and the A17 prices on September 3, 2025. At launch, every matched configuration of the A17 cost ₹2,500 more than the M36.
| Configuration | Galaxy M36 5G launch price | Galaxy A17 5G launch price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6GB RAM / 128GB storage | ₹16,499 | ₹18,999 | A17 was ₹2,500 more |
| 8GB RAM / 128GB storage | ₹17,999 | ₹20,499 | A17 was ₹2,500 more |
| 8GB RAM / 256GB storage | ₹20,999 | ₹23,499 | A17 was ₹2,500 more |
These are historical launch prices, not current offers. Samsung’s live A17 purchase page displays prices that differ from its launch announcement, and a current M36 street price has not been established here. Check each phone’s current price and exact storage configuration before buying: Samsung India’s Galaxy A17 5G purchase page.
Which phone has the better display and processor?
Display: M36 for a higher listed refresh rate
Both phones have a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display. Samsung lists the M36 at 120Hz with Vision Booster, while its A17 specification page lists a 90Hz refresh rate. The higher listed refresh rate is a specification difference, not proof of a particular real-world performance advantage.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Processor: different Exynos chips, no comparable test results
The M36 uses a 5nm Exynos 1380, while the A17 uses a 5nm Exynos 1330. Those model names alone do not establish how much faster one feels in everyday use; no comparable benchmark or independent performance test is available here.
How do their cameras compare?
Both phones have a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). Samsung describes the M36 as having a 50MP OIS triple camera and mentions Auto Night Mode; its cited launch announcement does not specify the resolutions of the auxiliary cameras. Samsung lists the A17 setup as 50MP OIS, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Samsung says the M36 supports 4K recording on its front and rear cameras. The A17 announcement used for this comparison does not provide a matching video-recording claim, so that difference in published information does not establish that the A17 cannot record 4K.
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Which phone has stronger durability and storage-expansion claims?
- Galaxy M36: Samsung’s announcement specifies Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. It does not establish an IP rating; that is not evidence that the phone lacks water resistance.
- Galaxy A17: Samsung specifies Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and an IP54 rating. Samsung cautions that water and dust resistance may diminish with wear and advises against beach or pool use.
- Thickness: Samsung lists the M36 at 7.7mm and the A17 at 7.5mm. The A17 is 0.2mm thinner; its listed weight is 192g, while the M36 announcement cited here does not give a weight.
- Expandable storage: Samsung says the A17 supports microSD expansion up to 2TB. The cited M36 release does not establish whether it supports expandable storage, so this comparison cannot confirm that it does or does not.
Do battery and software support differ?
Samsung lists a 5,000mAh battery and 25W charging for each phone. Those matching specifications do not establish equal battery life, and no comparable independent battery test is cited here.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
At launch, Samsung promised six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates for both models; each launched with One UI 7. Samsung’s A17 8GB/256GB specification page lists a security update period ending August 31, 2031. That model-specific date should not be assumed to apply to the M36.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the M36 if its lower launch price, 120Hz display, or Exynos 1380 are the specifications that matter most to you. Confirm its current price before comparing it with the A17.
- Choose the A17 if you value its stated IP54 rating, slightly thinner body, or documented microSD expansion up to 2TB. Its launch price was higher in every matched configuration.
- Compare the exact storage variant if your decision is price-led. The launch-era gap was ₹2,500 at 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB alike.
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.
