Pixel 8a vs Galaxy A36 5G

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Google Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a wins this one, taking performance decisively. Against the Galaxy A36 5G it's also the sounder buy at $5.08 per month of safe use.

Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · Galaxy A36 5G 66 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Google Pixel 8a $300

Safe to buy$5.08/mo

2024◆ Buy-by May 20292031

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G $350

Safe to buy$6.10/mo

2025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031

Category by category

Display

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A36 5G 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A36 5G 48

The Pixel 8a's Google Tensor G3 is simply the faster chip.

Camera

Pixel 8a 67Galaxy A36 5G 67

Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.

Battery

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A36 5G 80

5,000mAh vs 4,492mAh — the Galaxy A36 5G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A36 5G 68

Both phones' support windows end around the same time.

Value

Pixel 8a 77Galaxy A36 5G 66

Overall value goes to the Pixel 8a at $5.08 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	Pixel 8a	Galaxy A36 5G
Price (street)	$300	$350
Display	6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits
Chipset	Google Tensor G3	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
RAM	8GB	6GB/8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	4,492 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	18W wired, 7.5W wireless	45W wired (charger not included)
Rear cameras	64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide	50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
Dimensions	152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm	162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm
Weight	188 g	195 g
Water resistance	IP67	IP67
Supported until	May 2031	Mar 2031

Pixel 8a full verdict →Galaxy A36 5G full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.