Galaxy A36 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 at $6.10 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy S23 FE runs out in Oct 2028 ($5.77/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Galaxy A36 5G 66 · Galaxy S23 FE 71 — methodology

The lifespan decider

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

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G $350

Safe to buy$6.10/mo

2025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE $164

Buy with care$5.77/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Oct 20262028

Category by category

Display

Galaxy A36 5G 70Galaxy S23 FE 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

Galaxy A36 5G 48Galaxy S23 FE 65

The Galaxy S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US model) is simply the faster chip.

Camera

Galaxy A36 5G 67Galaxy S23 FE 79

The Galaxy S23 FE has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery

Galaxy A36 5G 80Galaxy S23 FE 70

5,000mAh vs 4,500mAh — the Galaxy A36 5G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

Galaxy A36 5G 68Galaxy S23 FE 34

The Galaxy A36 5G is supported until Mar 2031 — 29 months longer than the Galaxy S23 FE.

Value

Galaxy A36 5G 66Galaxy S23 FE 71

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S23 FE at $5.77 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	Galaxy A36 5G	Galaxy S23 FE
Price (street)	$350	$164
Display	6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits	6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 60–120Hz
Chipset	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US model)
RAM	6GB/8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	4,500 mAh
Charging	45W wired (charger not included)	25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro	50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions	162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm	158.0 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm
Weight	195 g	209 g
Water resistance	IP67	IP68
Supported until	Mar 2031	Oct 2028

Galaxy A36 5G full verdict →Galaxy S23 FE 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.