Samsung is raising the bar for mid-range and affordable smartphones with its latest Galaxy A-series, offering 6 OS updates and a host of upgrades in performance, charging, and camera technology. Following our coverage of the Galaxy A56, we now turn our attention to its siblings, the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26, which bring impressive features at competitive prices.
Here’s a detailed look at what these new devices have to offer and why they’re worth considering.
Samsung Galaxy A36: A Mid-Range Powerhouse
The Galaxy A36 marks a significant upgrade over its predecessors, starting with its new Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. While not a performance beast, the phone is optimized with a larger vapor chamber (15% bigger than before) to ensure efficient heat dissipation, matching the cooling system of the Galaxy S24+.
Key Features:
Display: 6.7” Super AMOLED screen with 1080p+ resolution, 1,200 nits in high brightness mode, and a peak brightness of 1,900 nits.
Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
Design: Available in Black, Lime, White, and Lavender, with an iridescent effect on all but the black model.
Cameras:
50MP main camera with OIS
8MP ultra-wide camera
5MP macro camera
12MP selfie camera (upgraded from previous models)
Supports 10-bit HDR video at up to 4K @ 30fps
Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging (up from 25W), reaching 66% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 68 minutes.
Software: Ships with Android 15 and One UI 7, with 6 OS updates and 6 years of security patches.
AI Features: Includes Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and custom image filters.
Pricing:
6/128GB: $400/€380
8/256GB: €450/£400
Samsung Galaxy A26: Affordable Yet Capable
The Galaxy A26 is a more budget-friendly option, offering many of the same features as the A36 but at a lower price point. It’s powered by the Exynos 1380, the same chip used in last year’s Galaxy A35, and comes with 6 OS updates and 6 years of security patches.
Key Features:
Display: 6.7” OLED screen with 1080p+ resolution (up from 6.5” on the A25), but with a notch instead of a punch hole.
Durability: IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a first for this model.
Design: Slimmer at 7.7mm (down from 8.3mm) but slightly heavier at 200g.
Cameras:
50MP main camera with OIS
8MP ultra-wide camera
2MP macro camera
13MP selfie camera (no video HDR support)
Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging (no upgrade here).
Storage: Includes a microSD slot, a feature absent in higher-tier A-series models.
Pricing:
6/128GB: €300
8/256GB: €370/£300/$300
Why This Matters
Samsung’s new A-series smartphones are setting a new standard for mid-range and affordable devices. With 6 OS updates, improved performance, faster charging, and enhanced cameras, these phones offer exceptional value for money.
The Galaxy A36 and A26 cater to different budgets while maintaining a high level of quality and features, making them ideal choices for users who want premium experiences without breaking the bank.
What’s Next?
As Samsung continues to innovate in the mid-range segment, the Galaxy A36 and A26 are poised to become popular choices for consumers worldwide. With their competitive pricing and impressive features, these devices are likely to dominate the market in 2025.
