Samsung's New Budget Galaxy A-Series: Affordable Yet Feature-Packed Smartphones with 6 Years of Updates

Samsung's New Budget Galaxy A-Series: Affordable Yet Feature-Packed Smartphones with 6 Years of Updates

Samsung has announced its latest affordable Galaxy A-series smartphones: the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26. These budget-friendly devices are designed to offer impressive features and long-term software support, setting them apart in the crowded sub-$500 market. The new models were unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to delivering quality tech at accessible price points.

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What’s New with the Galaxy A36 and A26?

Long-Term Software Updates
One of the standout features of these budget devices is Samsung’s commitment to 6 years of software updates. This includes Android OS upgrades and security patches, a rare offering for smartphones in this price range. This extended support ensures that the phones remain secure and up-to-date with new features for a much longer time than most affordable alternatives.

Design and Durability
The Galaxy A-series has received a subtle design refresh. The phones are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, sporting a glossy finish and a distinct camera module with a linear lens layout. They are built with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better durability against scratches and drops, and have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance—able to withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Display and Battery
Both the A36 and A26 feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for browsing and media consumption. Additionally, they come equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, supporting 45-watt fast charging, which promises a 70% charge in just 30 minutes, ideal for users who need a quick boost of power during the day.

Camera Capabilities
While both models share a 50 MP main camera, there are differences in their auxiliary cameras. The A36 has an 8 MP ultrawide and a 5 MP macro lens, while the A26 comes with a 13 MP selfie camera, offering impressive selfies but lacking the more advanced features of the A36. The A36 also boasts a 12 MP selfie camera capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, delivering more detailed and vibrant video footage.

Processor and Performance
Samsung offers different processors across the A-series models. The A36 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, while the A26 relies on Exynos 1380. The Snapdragon chipset is expected to provide better overall performance, particularly in gaming and intensive applications. The A36 is also equipped with 6 GB of RAM, which is standard for this range.

AI Features
The Galaxy A36 and A26 incorporate several AI-driven features, such as Circle to Search, which lets users translate text on-screen or identify music. Additionally, the Object Eraser feature allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, a function Samsung has enhanced with its latest devices.

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Comparing the Galaxy A-Series Models

Model	Display	Main Camera	Processor & RAM	Storage	Battery	Price
Galaxy A26	6.7-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz	50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro	Exynos 1380, 6 GB RAM	128 GB + microSD	5,000 mAh	$300
Galaxy A36	6.7-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz	50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide, 5 MP macro	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 6 GB RAM	128 GB	5,000 mAh	$400
Galaxy A56	6.7-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz	50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 5 MP macro	Exynos 1580, 8 GB RAM	128 GB	5,000 mAh	$500

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When Can You Get the New Galaxy A-Series Phones?

• Galaxy A36 5G will be available for pre-order on March 26 at $400.
• Galaxy A26 5G will follow shortly, available for pre-order on March 28 at $300.
• Galaxy A56 5G, expected later this year, will retail for $500.

These models are positioned to compete with budget-friendly offerings from brands like Motorola and Apple's new iPhone 16e, which at $599, isn’t as affordable by comparison.

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Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Budget Smartphone Market?

Samsung’s new Galaxy A36 and A26 are poised to offer significant value to consumers looking for a budget smartphone with premium features. With 6 years of software updates, robust design, and solid camera capabilities, these phones stand out in a market where long-term software support is often limited.

While some budget phones can be lacking in areas like performance and durability, Samsung's commitment to high-end features such as fast charging, AI capabilities, and a larger cooling system sets these models apart from competitors. As the sub-$500 smartphone market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Samsung positions itself against rivals, especially with Apple's recent retreat from this price segment.