Pixel 8a vs Galaxy A36
The Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 are two different answers to the same midrange smartphone brief, each with its own set of priorities. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Pixel 8a takes 2 of 6 areas against the Galaxy A36, starting with camera. And the price tags aren’t close: the Galaxy A36 came in $99 below the Pixel 8a at launch.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Pixel 8a wins
- Battery & Charging Galaxy A36 wins
- Software & Updates Pixel 8a wins
- Price Galaxy A36 wins
- Display8.6
- Camera7.5
- Battery & Charging0.9
- Display8.5
- Camera5.3
- Battery & Charging8.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Galaxy A36 has faster 45 W wired charging
A clear win for the Galaxy A36: 45 W against 18 W. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The Galaxy A36 refills faster on a cable, which matters most on the mornings you forgot to charge overnight.
-
The Pixel 8a has 1 year of extra promised updates
It’s a small lead (7 years versus 6 years), but it’s real, and it goes to the Pixel 8a. Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet.
-
The Galaxy A36 has 11% more battery capacity
The Pixel 8a isn’t far behind at 4,492 mAh, but the Galaxy A36’s 5,000 mAh still comes out ahead. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is.
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The Galaxy A36 has an extra rear camera
Here the Galaxy A36 pulls well ahead of the Pixel 8a, with 3 compared to 2. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy A36’s extra lens adds.
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The Galaxy A36 has a 0.06 in slimmer body
The Galaxy A36 doesn’t just edge this one; 0.29 in against 0.35 in is a lead you’ll feel. Thickness sometimes buys battery or camera hardware, so the Pixel 8a’s extra depth isn’t necessarily wasted.
Design & Size
- Pixel 8a 5.99 in × 2.86 in × 0.35 in
- Galaxy A36 6.41 in × 3.08 in × 0.29 in
Physically, these two aren’t the same size: the Galaxy A36 is larger in overall dimensions. Weight-wise, the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 are neck and neck. On thickness, the Galaxy A36 leads by 0.06 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.99 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.86 in | 3.08 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.29 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.63 oz | 6.88 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On display, both deliver about the same. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Screen size
Pixel 8a: 6.1 in Galaxy A36: 6.7 in A bigger screen makes reading, video and maps more comfortable, while a smaller one is easier to use with one hand and slips into more pockets.
Performance
Too close to call
In the performance category, the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 land in almost the same place. Neither phone gives you a reason to choose it on performance.
CPU cores
Pixel 8a: 9 Galaxy A36: 8 Phone chips mix large and small cores, so a different count mostly reflects a different design rather than a clear speed gap.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
The memory & storage specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If memory & storage was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Camera
Pixel 8a leads
The Galaxy A36 has a tough time in the camera section, where the Pixel 8a pulls well ahead. Choose the Pixel 8a and you get a sharper 13 MP ultra-wide. If you rarely switch to the wide view, this won’t matter much; if you use it often, it will. Here the Galaxy A36 offers an extra rear camera. Weighing only camera, the Pixel 8a comes out ahead.
Rear cameras
Pixel 8a: 2 Galaxy A36: 3 An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
Ultra-wide camera
Pixel 8a: 13 MP Galaxy A36: 8 MP Ultra-wide cameras often lag behind the main one, so the Pixel 8a’s higher resolution helps narrow that gap.
Battery & Charging
Galaxy A36 leads
The Galaxy A36 wins the battery & charging section decisively. The Galaxy A36 gives you faster 45 W wired charging. Faster wired charging means a short top-up before you head out goes further. For anyone who cares most about battery & charging, the Galaxy A36 is the safer choice.
Wired charging
Pixel 8a: 18 W Galaxy A36: 45 W Peak charging speeds depend on a compatible charger, which may not come in the box.
Battery capacity
Pixel 8a: 4,492 mAh Galaxy A36: 5,000 mAh A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance.
Software & Updates
Pixel 8a leads
The Pixel 8a edges the software & updates section, though the Galaxy A36 stays close. The Pixel 8a comes with 1 year of extra promised updates. The Pixel 8a’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on. If software & updates is your priority, the Pixel 8a is the phone to pick.
Promised OS updates
Pixel 8a: 7 years Galaxy A36: 6 years A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.7 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Actua) | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 430 ppi | N/A (not specified) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 1,900 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| CPU cores | 9 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | 8 GB | N/A (not specified) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 64 MP (winner) | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 13 MP (winner) | 8 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | N/A (not specified) |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,492 mAh | 5,000 mAh (winner) |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 45 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 8 W | N/A (not specified) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years (winner) | 6 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.99 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.86 in | 3.08 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.29 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.63 oz | 6.88 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $499 | $400 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Galaxy A36 came in $99 lower than the Pixel 8a, a sizable gap of 25%. The Pixel 8a justifies part of its $99 premium with 1 year of extra promised updates and a sharper 13 MP ultra-wide.
Based on US launch pricing as of March 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 8a if…
- you want software support that lasts longer (7 years vs 6 years)
- you often shoot landscapes, buildings or group photos (13 MP vs 8 MP ultra-wide)
- you like to crop into your photos (64 MP vs 50 MP main camera)
Choose the Galaxy A36 if…
- you often need a quick top-up before heading out (45 W vs 18 W wired)
- you often spend long days away from a charger (5,000 mAh vs 4,492 mAh)
- you want more lenses to choose from (3 vs 2 rear cameras)
- you want the slimmer phone (0.29 in vs 0.35 in)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $99 matters
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 8a or the Galaxy A36?
We’d point most buyers to the Pixel 8a. The main exception is if you care more about faster 45 W wired charging than anything else.
Does the Pixel 8a last longer on a charge than the Galaxy A36?
On paper, the Galaxy A36 has the edge: 5,000 mAh of battery capacity against 4,492 mAh for the Pixel 8a. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Which is larger, the Pixel 8a or the Galaxy A36?
The Galaxy A36 is the larger of the two. It measures 6.41 × 3.08 × 0.29 in, compared with 5.99 × 2.86 × 0.35 in for the Pixel 8a.
Does the Pixel 8a have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy A36?
The Pixel 8a leads on camera specs thanks to a sharper 13 MP ultra-wide and a higher-resolution 64 MP main camera. Processing and personal taste also play a big part in photos.
Which costs less, the Pixel 8a or the Galaxy A36?
The Pixel 8a launched at $99 more than the Galaxy A36, based on prices as of March 2025.
Is the Pixel 8a lighter than the Galaxy A36?
The difference between the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 is too small to notice, so call it a tie.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 on their merits. I think the Pixel 8a makes its strongest case with 1 year of extra promised updates. Another thing in the Pixel 8a’s favor is a sharper 13 MP ultra-wide. Where the Galaxy A36 fights back is faster 45 W wired charging.
Choose by what you’d use most: camera leads to the Pixel 8a, battery & charging leads to the Galaxy A36.
My pick: the Pixel 8a, unless you’d rather have faster 45 W wired charging on the Galaxy A36.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.