PhoneLifespan

12 4G vs Galaxy A36 5G

vs

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 12 4G runs out in Jul 2028 ($7.16/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: 12 4G 63 · 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.

Realme 12 4G $175
Buy with care$7.16/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Jul 20262028
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G $350
Safe to buy$6.11/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031

Category by category

Display
12 4G 70Galaxy A36 5G 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance
12 4G 36Galaxy A36 5G 48

The Galaxy A36 5G's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is simply the faster chip.

Camera
12 4G 55Galaxy A36 5G 67

The Galaxy A36 5G has the stronger camera system (2 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery
12 4G 80Galaxy A36 5G 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
12 4G 29Galaxy A36 5G 68

The Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 — 33 months longer than the 12 4G.

Value
12 4G 63Galaxy A36 5G 66

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
Spec12 4GGalaxy A36 5G
Price (street)$175$350
Display6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
RAM8GB6GB/8GB
Storage128GB/256GB128GB/256GB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging67W wired SUPERVOOC45W wired (charger not included)
Rear cameras50MP main, 2MP depth50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
Dimensions163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm
Weight187 g195 g
Water resistanceIP54IP67
Supported untilJul 2028Mar 2031
12 4G 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.