Samsung is redefining mid-range and budget smartphones. The new Galaxy A-series, starting from the A16, will receive six years of OS updates. These phones also come with better performance, faster charging, and improved cameras. While we covered the Galaxy A56 separately, this article focuses on its siblings—the A36 and A26.
Samsung Galaxy A36: A Big Step Forward
The Samsung Galaxy A36 introduces a major change. It now features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset instead of previous Dimensity and Exynos processors. This improves efficiency and enhances user experience. The base model includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Some regions will also have an 8GB/128GB version. There is an option for an 8GB/256GB model as well.
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is not the most powerful chip, Samsung has optimized it. A larger vapor chamber—15% bigger than before—helps with cooling. It is now the same size as the one in the Galaxy S24+.
Samsung has standardized the screen size across the A56, A36, and A26. Each phone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080p+ resolution. This is slightly larger than last year’s A35. The display is also much brighter, reaching 1,900 nits at peak brightness.
The A36 is built to last. It has Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and a polycarbonate frame. It also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone comes in multiple colors, most with an iridescent effect.
The camera system remains mostly the same. It features a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. However, the selfie camera has been upgraded to 12MP. Both front and rear cameras now support 10-bit HDR video recording at up to 4K 30fps.
Samsung has improved charging. The A36 retains its 5,000mAh battery but now supports 45W fast charging. This allows it to reach 66% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in 68 minutes. Once fully charged, it can provide up to 29 hours of video playback.
The phone launches with Android 15 and One UI 7. It will receive six OS updates and six years of security patches. Samsung has also included AI-powered tools like Circle to Search, Object Eraser for photo editing, and a custom image filter creator.
Despite these upgrades, the A36 costs the same as its predecessor. The 128GB model is priced at $400/€380. The 256GB version costs €450/£400. Prices may vary by region.
Samsung Galaxy A26: A Budget-Friendly Option
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is an affordable alternative to the A36. It offers solid features at a lower price. In some ways, it is a refined version of last year’s A35.
The A26 runs on the Exynos 1380 chipset, which powered the A35. It is slightly slower than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the A36. Samsung claims an 8% speed boost with the Snapdragon chip. However, efficiency differences remain unclear. Unlike the A36, the A26 does not have a larger vapor chamber for cooling.
The memory and storage options are similar. The base model includes 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There is also an 8GB/256GB version. A key advantage of the A26 is its microSD card slot, which is missing in higher-end A-series models.
Like its siblings, the A26 has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080p+ resolution. This is an upgrade from the 6.5-inch screen on the A25. However, the A26 has a notched display instead of a punch-hole cutout. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor instead of an in-display one.
The camera setup is basic but functional. It includes a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The selfie camera remains a 13MP unit without HDR video support.
Samsung has improved the phone’s design. It is slimmer, now measuring 7.7mm instead of 8.3mm. However, the weight has slightly increased from 197g to 200g. The A26 now has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, like the A36 and A56.
Battery life remains strong. The A26 has the same 5,000mAh battery but sticks to 25W charging.
Despite being a budget phone, the A26 benefits from long-term software support. It will receive six OS updates and six years of security patches.
Pricing starts at €300 for the 128GB model. The 256GB version costs €370/£300/$300. The larger storage option will be available in more regions.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s Galaxy A36 and A26 prove that mid-range smartphones can be powerful and reliable. The A36 brings major upgrades in performance, charging, and cameras while keeping its price unchanged. The A26 offers solid specs at a budget-friendly price. With long-term software support, both models are great choices for users looking for value and longevity.
