Samsung is stepping up its mid-range game with the launch of the Galaxy A36 and A26, following the introduction of the Galaxy A56. The new A-series models bring significant upgrades, including six years of software support, faster charging, and better displays. While the A36 features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, the A26 sticks with the Exynos 1380 from last year but at a more affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy A36
The Galaxy A36 marks a shift in Samsung’s chipset strategy by adopting the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 instead of Dimensity or Exynos chips. While not the most powerful processor, it is paired with a 15% larger vapor chamber, the same size as the cooling system in the Galaxy S24+, ensuring better thermal performance.
Display and Build
Samsung has unified the screen sizes across the A56, A36, and A26, equipping all three with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080p+ resolution. The brightness has been boosted, reaching 1,200 nits in high brightness mode and peaking at 1,900 nits for improved visibility outdoors.
The front and back are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, while the frame is made of polycarbonate. The device is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Most color options feature an iridescent effect, except for the black variant.
Camera Upgrades
The Galaxy A36 maintains a triple-camera setup:
- 50 MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS)
- 8 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)
- 5 MP macro (f/2.4)
The main upgrade comes in the selfie camera, which now features a 12 MP sensor, up from 8 MP. Additionally, both the front and rear cameras now support 10-bit video HDR recording at up to 4K at 30fps.
Battery and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery remains unchanged, but Samsung has upgraded the charging speed from 25W to 45W. This allows the A36 to charge up to 66% in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking 68 minutes.
Software and AI Features
The Galaxy A36 launches with Android 15 and One UI 7. Samsung has promised six OS updates and six years of security patches. AI-powered features include Circle to Search, Object Eraser for editing photos, and a new tool that allows users to create custom filters from existing images.
Pricing
The Galaxy A36 retains the same price as its predecessor:
| Storage | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128 GB | $400 | €380 | – |
| 256 GB | – | €450 | £400 |
Samsung Galaxy A26
The Galaxy A26 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the A36, offering many similar features but at a lower price.
Performance
The A26 is powered by the Exynos 1380, the same chipset used in the A35 last year. While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, it delivers solid performance for a budget-friendly device. Samsung did not include the larger vapor chamber found in the A36, which may impact thermal performance.
Display and Design
Like the A36, the A26 comes with a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080p+ resolution. However, it differs in a few ways:
- The A26 uses a notch instead of a punch-hole camera.
- The fingerprint sensor is mounted on the side rather than under the display.
Samsung has slimmed down the device from 8.3mm to 7.7mm, but the weight has slightly increased to 200g. Unlike last year’s model, the A26 now features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, matching the higher-end A-series models.
Cameras
The rear camera system is similar to the A36 but lacks the upgraded front camera and HDR video recording:
- 50 MP main sensor (OIS)
- 8 MP ultra-wide
- 2 MP macro
The front-facing camera remains a 13 MP unit, without the AI enhancements or video HDR capabilities found in the A36.
Battery and Charging
The A26 retains the same 5,000mAh battery but is limited to 25W charging, unlike the A36, which supports 45W.
Software and Support
Samsung is offering the same long-term software support for the A26 as the A36, with six OS updates and six years of security patches.
Pricing
The Galaxy A26 is priced competitively:
| Storage | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128 GB | $300 | €300 | – |
| 256 GB | $370 | €370 | £300 |
Both the Galaxy A36 and A26 offer impressive upgrades over their predecessors, with better displays, improved cameras, and extended software support. The A36 stands out with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 45W charging, and video HDR, while the A26 provides a solid budget-friendly alternative with essential features.
FAQs
What chipset does the Galaxy A36 use?
The Galaxy A36 features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor.
Does the Galaxy A26 have water resistance?
Yes, the Galaxy A26 has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
How fast does the Galaxy A36 charge?
It supports 45W charging, reaching 66% in 30 minutes.
How many OS updates will the A36 and A26 receive?
Both models will receive six OS updates and six years of security patches.
What is the price of the Galaxy A26?
The base 128GB model costs $300, while the 256GB version is $370.
