PhoneLifespan

Galaxy A36 5G vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

vs

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 S24 Ultra runs out in Jan 2031 ($17.07/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Galaxy A36 5G 66 · Galaxy S24 Ultra 70 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 S24 Ultra $949
Safe to buy$17.07/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Jan 20292031

Category by category

Display
Galaxy A36 5G 70Galaxy S24 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.8-inch dynamic amoled 2x, qhd+ (3120×1440), 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits.

Performance
Galaxy A36 5G 48Galaxy S24 Ultra 92

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Galaxy A36 5G 67Galaxy S24 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
Galaxy A36 5G 80Galaxy S24 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
Galaxy A36 5G 68Galaxy S24 Ultra 66

Both phones' support windows end around the same time.

Value
Galaxy A36 5G 66Galaxy S24 Ultra 70

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S24 Ultra at $17.07 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy A36 5GGalaxy S24 Ultra
Price (street)$350$949
Display6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (3120×1440), 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits
ChipsetSnapdragon 6 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM6GB/8GB12GB
Storage128GB/256GB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging45W wired (charger not included)45W wired, 15W wireless
Rear cameras50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 5x periscope
Dimensions162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm
Weight195 g232 g
Water resistanceIP67IP68
Supported untilMar 2031Jan 2031

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