PhoneLifespan

Galaxy A36 5G vs Galaxy S25 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 S25 Ultra runs out in Feb 2032 ($13.30/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Galaxy A36 5G 66 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 75 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 S25 Ultra $902
Safe to buy$13.30/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20302032

Category by category

Display
Galaxy A36 5G 70Galaxy S25 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch dynamic ltpo amoled 2x, qhd+, 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits.

Performance
Galaxy A36 5G 48Galaxy S25 Ultra 98

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Galaxy A36 5G 67Galaxy S25 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
Galaxy A36 5G 80Galaxy S25 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
Galaxy A36 5G 68Galaxy S25 Ultra 81

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is supported until Feb 2032 — 10 months longer than the Galaxy A36 5G.

Value
Galaxy A36 5G 66Galaxy S25 Ultra 75

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S25 Ultra at $13.30 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy A36 5GGalaxy S25 Ultra
Price (street)$350$902
Display6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits
ChipsetSnapdragon 6 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM6GB/8GB12GB
Storage128GB/256GB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging45W wired (charger not included)45W wired (65% in 30 min), 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready), 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP periscope 5x
Dimensions162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm
Weight195 g218 g
Water resistanceIP67IP68
Supported untilMar 2031Feb 2032

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