Two Outstanding Budget-Friendly Phones with Impressive Features and Extended Battery Life
In a smartphone market filled with high-end flagships and ultra-affordable options, two exceptional mid-range candidates have surfaced in 2024: the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and the Google Pixel 9a. These smartphones offer a remarkable mix of affordability, performance, and durability, showcasing features often seen in more expensive models — all while ensuring multi-day battery performance.
Let’s explore what distinguishes these two smartphones as fantastic budget-friendly choices and how they stack up in terms of design, performance, software, and overall user experience.
Design & Display: Upscale Aesthetics at an Affordable Cost
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
The Galaxy A36 5G introduces a premium vibe to the budget category with its Gorilla Glass Victus Plus-protected glass back — an uncommon trait in this price segment. Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and peaks at 1,900 nits of brightness, making it perfect for enjoying media. The design is contemporary and stylish, featuring slim bezels and a trim 7.4mm profile, although it weighs a bit more at 195g.
Google Pixel 9a
Measuring in at a more compact and lightweight 186g, the Pixel 9a features a plastic back and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. Nonetheless, it compensates with a strikingly bright 6.3-inch pOLED display that can reach up to 2,700 nits. The aluminum frame enhances its durability, and the IP68 rating (compared to IP67 on the A36) provides superior water and dust protection. Its minimalist, pastel-toned design lends it a distinct aesthetic charm.
Performance & Hardware: Mid-Range Meets Flagship Heritage
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and accompanied by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (U.S. model), the A36 5G offers reliable mid-range performance. It’s adept at handling everyday multitasking and casual gaming, though it may experience challenges with more intensive tasks over extended periods. The 5,000mAh battery, paired with an energy-efficient processor, guarantees over a day and a half of usage. The fast 45W wired charging stands out, although it lacks wireless charging.
Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a upgrades performance with Google’s Tensor G4 chip — the same processor featured in its flagship Pixel 9 series. With 8GB of RAM and as much as 256GB of storage, it efficiently manages demanding applications and AI functionalities. The 5,100mAh battery represents the largest ever in a Pixel, ensuring outstanding endurance. Although wired charging is slower at 23W, the addition of 7.5W wireless charging enhances convenience.
Camera Capabilities: Pixel Excellence vs. Versatile Shooter
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
The A36 features a triple rear camera configuration: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. It also has a 12MP front camera capable of 4K HDR video — a rare capability in this market segment. While it may not match flagship standards, the camera setup is versatile and more than sufficient for social media and everyday snaps.
Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a excels in photography thanks to its 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide rear cameras, along with a 13MP front camera. Google’s computational photography and AI innovations, such as Magic Eraser and Macro Focus, elevate the camera experience far beyond its price point. It’s the ideal choice for users who prioritize camera quality.
Software & Updates: Prolonged Support
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
The A36 5G comes with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7. Remarkably, it guarantees six versions of Android OS updates and six years of security patches — a first for Samsung’s A-series. It encompasses selected Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and Enhanced Object Eraser, now dubbed “Awesome Intelligence.”
Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a provides unrivaled software support with seven years of Android updates and security patches. It also receives day-one updates along with the complete array of Pixel-exclusive AI features. For users who appreciate the latest Android experience and longevity, the Pixel 9a stands out as the clear winner.
Battery Life & Charging: Endurance Champions
Both devices come equipped with substantial batteries — 5,000mAh for the A36 and 5,100mAh for the Pixel 9a — assuring multi-day battery life with moderate use. The A36 excels in wired charging speed with 45W support, while the Pixel 9a includes the benefit of wireless charging, albeit at a slower rate.
Value for Money: Which One Should You Opt For?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G ($399.99)
Pros:
– Upscale design with glass back and AMOLED
