Reno 12 5G vs Galaxy A36 5G

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 at $6.11 per month of safe use, while the Reno 12 5G runs out in Jun 2028 ($15.04/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Reno 12 5G 59 · 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.

Oppo Reno 12 5G $365

Buy with care$15.04/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Jun 20262028

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G $350

Safe to buy$6.11/mo

2025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031

Category by category

Display

Reno 12 5G 70Galaxy A36 5G 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

Reno 12 5G 58Galaxy A36 5G 48

The Reno 12 5G's MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy (4nm) is simply the faster chip.

Camera

Reno 12 5G 67Galaxy A36 5G 67

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

Battery

Reno 12 5G 80Galaxy A36 5G 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity

Reno 12 5G 29Galaxy A36 5G 68

The Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 — 33 months longer than the Reno 12 5G.

Value

Reno 12 5G 59Galaxy A36 5G 66

Overall value goes to the Galaxy A36 5G at $6.11 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	Reno 12 5G	Galaxy A36 5G
Price (street)	$365	$350
Display	6.7-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 7i	6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits
Chipset	MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy (4nm)	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
RAM	8GB/12GB	6GB/8GB
Storage	256GB/512GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	80W wired SuperVOOC	45W wired (charger not included)
Rear cameras	50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro	50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
Dimensions	161.4 × 74.1 × 7.6 mm	162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm
Weight	177 g	195 g
Water resistance	IP65	IP67
Supported until	Jun 2028	Mar 2031

Reno 12 5G 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.