PhoneLifespan

12 Pro vs Galaxy A36 5G

vs

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 at $6.12 per month of safe use, while the 12 Pro runs out in Jan 2028 ($12.65/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: 12 Pro 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 Pro $245
Buy with care$12.65/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Jan 20262028
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G $350
Safe to buy$6.12/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031

Category by category

Display
12 Pro 70Galaxy A36 5G 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance
12 Pro 46Galaxy A36 5G 48

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
12 Pro 79Galaxy A36 5G 67

The 12 Pro has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
12 Pro 80Galaxy A36 5G 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
12 Pro 23Galaxy A36 5G 68

The Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 — 38 months longer than the 12 Pro.

Value
12 Pro 63Galaxy A36 5G 66

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
Spec12 ProGalaxy A36 5G
Price (street)$245$350
Display6.7-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, 950 nits peak6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
RAM8GB/12GB6GB/8GB
Storage128GB/256GB/512GB128GB/256GB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging67W wired45W wired (charger not included)
Rear cameras50MP main, 32MP telephoto 2x, 8MP ultra-wide50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
Dimensions161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm
Weight190 g195 g
Water resistanceIP65IP67
Supported untilJan 2028Mar 2031
12 Pro 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.