The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G was a popular mid-range smartphone when it launched in 2021. But as technology marches forward, even solid devices start to show their age. If you’ve been using an A32 5G for a few years now, you may be wondering if it’s time for an upgrade. Let’s take a look at how the new Galaxy A36 compares and whether it’s worth making the switch in 2025.
Key Improvements in the Galaxy A36
Samsung has made some significant upgrades with the A36 that address many of the A32 5G’s limitations:
Display
The A36 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This is a major step up from the A32 5G’s 6.5-inch TFT LCD panel with HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh. You’ll notice much better color reproduction, contrast, and smoothness with the A36’s screen.
Performance
The A36 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This provides a substantial boost over the A32 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 720 and 4GB RAM configuration. Apps will launch faster, multitasking will be smoother, and the phone will feel snappier overall.
Cameras
While both phones have quad rear camera setups, the A36 brings some notable improvements:
- Main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Ultra-wide: 12MP vs 8MP
- Macro and depth sensors: 5MP each vs 5MP and 2MP
The A36 also adds features like improved night mode and 4K video recording at 30fps.
Battery and Charging
Both phones pack large 5000mAh batteries, but the A36 supports 45W fast charging compared to just 15W on the A32 5G. This means much quicker top-ups when you’re low on power.
Software and Updates
The Galaxy A36 ships with Android 15 and One UI 7, Samsung’s latest software. It’s also slated to receive 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. Meanwhile, the A32 5G is stuck on Android 13 with no further major updates planned.
What You’ll Lose in the Upgrade
While the A36 brings many improvements, there are two features you’ll have to give up if you make the switch:
- MicroSD card slot - The A36 doesn’t support expandable storage
- 3.5mm headphone jack - You’ll need to use USB-C or Bluetooth headphones
Is It Worth Upgrading?
For most users, the Galaxy A36 represents a significant upgrade over the A32 5G. You’ll get a much better display, improved performance, enhanced cameras, and longer software support. The lack of a headphone jack and microSD slot may be deal-breakers for some, but these omissions are increasingly common in modern smartphones.
If your A32 5G is still meeting your needs, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. However, if you’re experiencing slowdowns, want better photos, or crave a smoother display, the A36 is a compelling option. Samsung is offering trade-in deals that can bring the A36’s $399 price down by $100 when you turn in your A32 5G, making the upgrade more affordable.
The Galaxy A36 brings the A-series firmly into 2025 with meaningful upgrades across the board. While losing expandable storage and the headphone jack is unfortunate, the overall package offers great value for those looking to refresh their aging A32 5G.