Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G)

Verdict

Samsung Galaxy A36 scores higher on the OH Rank (39 vs 38), winning 3 of 10 categories including IP Protection and Selfie. Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) is 0.3mm wider than Samsung Galaxy A36. Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) is the more recent release, from Aug 28, 2026.

Score Breakdown

Category

Samsung Galaxy A36

78.8mm (3.1in) · Mar 2025 · Rank #270

Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G)

79.1mm (3.11in) · Aug 28, 2026 · Rank #271
Performance /15
0
0
Battery /15
7
10
Screen /15
6
6
IP Protection /15
12
6
Main Camera /15
3
6
Selfie /5
3
0
Video /5
3
0
SD Memory /5
0
5
Software /5
5
5
Desktop Replacement /5
0
0
TOTAL
39
38
Samsung Galaxy A36
78.8mm (3.1in) · Mar 2025 · Rank #270
0+7+6+12+3+3+3+0+5+0 = 39
Midrange
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G)
79.1mm (3.11in) · Aug 28, 2026 · Rank #271
0+10+6+6+6+0+0+5+5+0 = 38
* TOP Software* TOP Memory ExpansionMidrange

EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectation of screen and imaging performance) 6 months after Note 15, Xiaomi produced another competitive midranger by modernizing its looks and adding a much bigger battery. There is still a memory expansion slot but this Note has worse processor, no military standard drop protection, dimmer screen, only one 50MP back lens (from a 108MP main & 8MP ultrawide), worse resolution selfie (20MP to 16MP) and it is much bigger. For a very successful series, Redmi Note may be looking at an uncertain future.

PROs
attractive updated design, 36hr endurance from a 7700mAh Si-C battery, splash proof IP65 protection, reliable pics from a 50MP 26mm PDAF main lens, expandable memory slot, 4 years of stable HyperOS
CONs
fluid SD 4 Gen 4 with UFS 2.2 performance may not last 4 years of updates, ~90min slow 45W charging, sub-1300nits 375ppi 120Hz AMOLED screen, only 1 back lens, below average 16MP selfie, below average video recording, no desktop replacement functionality option, slow USB-C 2.0 (with OTG)

Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.

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