Galaxy A36 vs A37 vs A57: Which Samsung to Buy in 2026
Published on October 31, 2026
Samsung’s A series is the safe default for a mid-range Android phone in the US, and in 2026 there are three realistic choices on the shelf: last year’s A36, this year’s A37 at $449 and the A57 at $549. They look almost identical in photos, and the listing titles make them sound closer than they are.
A36 vs A37: a small step
The A37 is an incremental update. Reviewers who compared the two spec for spec found most of the phone unchanged: same 6.7-inch 120Hz screen size, same 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging, same camera hardware, and nearly the same weight (195 g versus 196 g).
What the A37 adds:
- IP68 instead of IP67, so it is rated for deeper and longer submersion.
- A brighter screen, with peak brightness reported around 1,900 nits against 1,200. Outdoors, in direct sun, that is the difference you notice first.
- A newer chip, the Exynos 1480. Samsung claims 14 percent more CPU and 24 percent more GPU performance than the A36’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3; reviewers describe the real-world gap as modest.
- A later start for updates. Samsung promises six years for both, but the A37’s clock started a year later.
At list prices ($399.99 versus $449), the A37’s extra $50 is easy to justify. Once the A36 drops well below that, it becomes the better value for anyone who mostly messages, scrolls and streams.
Where the A57 pulls ahead
The A57 is the model that actually changes the experience. Its Exynos 1680 is the fastest chip in the A series this year, and it shows in games and in how the phone holds up after several years of updates. It is also noticeably lighter and thinner (179 g and 6.9 mm), gets a 12MP ultrawide instead of 8MP, and starts at 8GB of RAM.
What it does not change is battery life: same 5,000mAh cell, same 45W charging. Comparisons of the A57 against last year’s A56 found the cameras essentially unchanged too, so the gain is performance and feel in the hand, not photos.
The decision rule is simple. If you keep phones for four years or more, or you play games, the A57’s $100 premium over the A37 is the best money spent in this lineup. If you replace phones every two or three years and mostly use them for messaging and social apps, the A37, or a discounted A36, covers it.
Prices change often between sales and sellers. Check the current price before you buy.
Which one to buy
| Phone | Best for | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A37 | Most people, IP68 and a bright screen | $400 – $450 |
| Galaxy A36 | Light use, only when well discounted | $300 – $400 |
| Galaxy A57 | Gamers and long-term owners | $500 – $550 |
All three charge at 45W, but only with a charger that supports the PPS standard, and the multi-port GaN charger guide covers what to look for to charge a phone and a laptop from one brick. And if the new phone is getting a pair of earbuds to go with it, the budget Bluetooth headphones guide helps keep the accessory from costing more than it should.
Our recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G (US version)
The sensible middle pick: IP68, a much brighter screen and a year more of updates than the A36, for a modest premium.
Pros
- IP68 water and dust resistance, up from IP67 on the A36
- Peak brightness reportedly around 1,900 nits versus 1,200, which shows outdoors
- Ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, and its six years of updates start a year later
Cons
- Same camera hardware, battery and size as the A36
- The new Exynos 1480 is only modestly faster; Samsung's own figures claim 14% CPU and 24% GPU gains
- Base model has 6GB of RAM, less than the A57
$400 – $450
Check price on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A36 5G (US version)
Still a solid phone for messaging, social and streaming, and the right buy once it drops well below the A37.
Pros
- Same 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging as the newer models
- Same 50MP stabilized main camera as the A37
- As the outgoing model, it is the one most likely to see deep discounts
Cons
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 trails the A57's chip by a wide margin in games and heavy apps
- IP67 rather than IP68, and a dimmer screen in direct sun
- Plastic frame and slower UFS 2.2 storage
$300 – $400
Check price on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A57 5G
The real upgrade in the lineup: a faster chip, a lighter body and the better ultrawide, for people who keep phones for years.
Pros
- Exynos 1680, the fastest chip in Samsung's A series this year
- 179 g and 6.9 mm, noticeably lighter and thinner than the A36 and A37
- 12MP ultrawide and 8GB of RAM on the base model
Cons
- $100 more than the A37 at list price
- Same 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging, so no battery life gain
- Sold unlocked mainly through Samsung directly, so Amazon availability varies
$500 – $550
Check price on AmazonPrices are reference ranges and change often, so check the current price on Amazon before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Galaxy A36 and A37?
Small but useful. The A37 moves to IP68 water resistance, a brighter screen (around 1,900 nits peak versus 1,200), Samsung's Exynos 1480 chip and Android 16 out of the box. Size, weight, battery, charging and camera hardware are essentially unchanged. If the A36 is discounted well below the A37, it remains a good buy.
Is the Galaxy A57 worth it over the A37?
If you game, edit video or keep phones for four or more years, yes. The A57's Exynos 1680 is a clear step up, the phone is about 16 grams lighter, and it has a better ultrawide and more RAM. For messaging, social media and streaming, the A37 does the job for $100 less.
How long will Samsung update the A36, A37 and A57?
Samsung promises six years of OS and security updates for all three, counted from launch. The A36 launched in 2025, so support runs to around 2031. The A37 and A57 launched in 2026, so they get roughly a year more. For long-term owners, that extra year can matter more than any spec difference.
