Samsung A36 Vs S25 Is The Newer A Series Actually Better Than The Flagship

When Samsung releases a new flagship like the Galaxy S25 and simultaneously refreshes its A-series with models like the A36, consumers are left with a critical question: does paying more for a premium device still make sense? Or has the gap between budget and flagship narrowed so much that the A36 could realistically outperform or even replace the S25 for most users?

This isn't just about raw specs on paper. It's about how these phones perform in daily use—camera quality, software experience, longevity, and value over time. The A-series has evolved dramatically over the past few years, offering features once exclusive to flagships. But can it truly dethrone the S-line, or is the Galaxy S25 still worth the investment?

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Premium

The first noticeable difference between the Samsung Galaxy A36 and the S25 lies in materials and construction. The A36 continues the A-series tradition of using polycarbonate (plastic) for the back panel and frame. While durable and lightweight, it lacks the refined feel of glass and metal.

In contrast, the S25 features a matte-finish Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both front and back, paired with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame. This gives it a sleek, high-end aesthetic and improved resistance to scratches and drops. The build also feels more solid in hand, with tighter tolerances and IP68 water and dust resistance as standard.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and don’t want to case your phone, the S25’s superior build and IP rating make it a safer long-term choice.

The A36, while IP67-rated (dust-tight and water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), doesn’t match the S25’s protection level. For users who frequently encounter rain, spills, or outdoor conditions, this small difference can matter significantly over time.

Display: Brightness, Smoothness, and Real-World Clarity

The display is where mid-range phones have made the most progress. The A36 sports a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate—a feature previously reserved for flagships. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and scrolling is smooth enough for most tasks.

But the S25 raises the bar. Its 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports QHD+ resolution, a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, and peak brightness exceeding 2,600 nits. In direct sunlight, the S25 remains clearly readable, while the A36 struggles under intense glare. The smaller size also makes one-handed use more comfortable.

“High brightness and adaptive refresh rates aren’t just marketing—they directly impact usability in real environments.” — David Kim, Display Analyst at TechPulse Insights

For media consumption, photo editing, or outdoor navigation, the S25’s screen offers a tangible advantage. The A36 is excellent for its price, but not equal in performance-critical scenarios.

Performance Comparison: Chipset, Speed, and Longevity

Under the hood, the differences become starker. The A36 is powered by the Exynos 1380 (or Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in some regions), a capable mid-tier processor. It handles social media, streaming, and casual gaming well, but stutters under heavy multitasking or graphically intensive apps like Genshin Impact.

The S25, meanwhile, runs on the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (or Samsung’s own Exynos 2500 in select markets). Built on a 3nm process, it delivers faster CPU and GPU performance, better AI processing, and improved thermal efficiency. Apps launch quicker, background processes stay smoother, and future software updates are supported longer—typically 4–5 years of OS and security patches versus 3 for the A36.

Feature	Samsung A36	Samsung S25
Processor	Exynos 1380 / Snapdragon 6 Gen 1	Snapdragon 8 Elite / Exynos 2500
RAM	6GB / 8GB	8GB / 12GB
Storage	128GB (expandable)	256GB / 512GB (non-expandable)
Battery	5,000mAh	4,500mAh
Charging	25W wired	45W wired, 15W wireless
OS Update Support	3 years	5 years

Note the irony: despite a larger battery, the A36 charges slower and may degrade faster due to less advanced power management. The S25 compensates for smaller capacity with efficiency gains from its chipset and adaptive battery tech.

Camera System: Point-and-Shoot vs Pro-Level Control

On paper, the A36 boasts a triple rear setup: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. It takes decent daylight photos but struggles with dynamic range, low-light noise, and autofocus accuracy. The 12MP front camera is serviceable for video calls but softens skin too aggressively.

The S25 features a re-engineered triple system: 200MP main sensor with pixel binning, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Computational photography leverages AI to enhance detail, reduce grain, and offer manual controls rivaling dedicated cameras. Nightography modes produce clean, detailed shots even in near-darkness.

Tip: If you regularly shoot in low light or zoom in often, the S25’s camera system is unmatched in its class.

A real-world example: Sarah, a travel blogger, used her A35 on a recent trip to Iceland. She loved the portability but was frustrated by blurry indoor shots and lack of zoom when photographing distant glaciers. After upgrading to the S24 (a predecessor to the S25), she noticed immediate improvements in clarity, color accuracy, and low-light performance—critical for her content creation.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The A36’s 5,000mAh battery lasts about 1.5 days with moderate use—impressive on paper. However, the less efficient chipset and non-adaptive refresh rate drain power during sustained tasks. Heavy users may need to charge by late evening.

The S25’s 4,500mAh battery, paired with intelligent power-saving algorithms and adaptive brightness/refresh rate, consistently delivers full-day performance even under load. With 45W fast charging, it reaches 70% in 30 minutes, compared to the A36’s 50% in the same window. Wireless charging adds convenience, especially for desk or nightstand use.

Mini Checklist: Which Phone Fits Your Lifestyle?

• Choose the A36 if: You want a reliable daily driver under $400, prioritize battery size, and rarely use demanding apps.
• Choose the S25 if: You value camera quality, future-proof performance, premium materials, and faster charging.
• Consider trade-ins: Many carriers now offer $300+ credit for older devices toward an S25.
• Think long-term: The S25 will likely remain usable and update-supported through 2029.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Is the A36 good enough for everyday use in 2025?

Absolutely. For calling, messaging, social media, and light streaming, the A36 performs reliably. It’s a strong option for secondary devices, teens, or budget-conscious buyers.

Can the S25 last five years?

Yes. With five years of guaranteed OS updates, robust build, and top-tier components, the S25 is designed for extended ownership. Users who upgrade every 3+ years get the best value here.

Does the A36 support 5G and Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, both phones support 5G (sub-6GHz) and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast connectivity. Neither offers mmWave 5G, which remains limited to certain U.S. carriers.

Final Verdict: Flagship Still Reigns, But A-Series Closes the Gap

The Samsung A36 is arguably the best A-series phone yet—offering flagship-like features such as 120Hz displays, large batteries, and sleek designs at half the price. For many users, it’s more than sufficient.

Yet the Galaxy S25 proves why flagships still matter. Superior materials, cutting-edge processors, advanced cameras, faster charging, and longer software support create a holistic experience that transcends spec sheets. It’s not just about being faster; it’s about being better in ways that accumulate over months and years of use.

The A36 wins on value. The S25 wins on excellence.

“The A-series impresses with accessibility, but the S-line defines what smartphones can be.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at Mobile Horizon

If your budget allows, the S25 is the smarter long-term investment. But if you're looking for capable performance without overspending, the A36 stands as a legitimate contender—just not a replacement.

💬 Which phone would you choose—and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you team flagship or team value?