Samsung Galaxy A36
Table of Contents
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a mid-range smartphone that offers a blend of performance, design, and features aimed at providing value to budget-conscious consumers. Positioned between the entry-level A26 and the higher-end A56 in Samsung’s A-series lineup, the A36 strives to balance affordability with functionality.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A36 retains the design language of its predecessors, featuring a glossy back panel that gives it a premium look. The camera module has been redesigned from individual camera rings to a vertically stacked pill-shaped layout, offering a fresh aesthetic. However, this design change results in some wobbling when the phone is placed on a flat surface. The device weighs approximately 195 grams and has a thickness of 7.4 mm, making it comfortable to hold. It’s also IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, adding to its durability. citeturn0search7
Display
Equipped with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy A36 offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The display reaches a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, enhancing visibility even under direct sunlight. This display setup provides an immersive experience for media consumption and daily tasks. citeturn0search1
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy A36 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, built on a 4nm process. This chipset comprises an octa-core CPU with 4x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and 4x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz, paired with the Adreno 710 GPU. The device comes in configurations of 6GB RAM with 128GB storage, 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, and a limited 12GB RAM variant. It’s important to note that Samsung has removed the microSD card slot for expandable storage in this model, which may be a drawback for some users. citeturn0search7
In terms of performance, the Galaxy A36 handles everyday tasks efficiently, including browsing, social media, and light multitasking. However, it may not be the best choice for intensive gaming sessions, as extended periods of high-performance use can lead to increased heat generation and battery drain.
Camera
The camera setup on the Galaxy A36 includes a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. For selfies, there’s a 12MP front-facing camera. In daylight conditions, the primary camera captures detailed images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The ultrawide lens, while useful, tends to produce softer images with less detail. Low-light performance is where the camera system shows limitations, with images appearing soft and noisy, even with night mode enabled. The front camera delivers decent selfies but may struggle with exposure and color balance, occasionally resulting in washed-out tones. citeturn0search7
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy A36 houses a 5,000mAh battery, which is consistent with its predecessor. In real-world usage, the battery performs adequately, but it falls behind some competitors in terms of endurance. During a two-hour test involving streaming and gaming, the battery’s charge dropped by 29%, whereas rivals like the Vivo V50 and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ experienced smaller declines. On the upside, the device supports 45W fast charging, significantly reducing charging times. However, it’s worth noting that Samsung does not include a compatible charger in the box, so users will need to purchase one separately to take full advantage of the fast charging capabilities. citeturn0search7
Software
Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, the Galaxy A36 offers a user-friendly interface with a range of features aimed at enhancing productivity and user experience. Samsung has introduced “Awesome Intelligence,” a suite of AI tools designed to improve functionality. These include “Circle to Search,” which allows users to search for information related to on-screen content, and “Object Eraser,” a tool for removing unwanted elements from photos. The device is also equipped with “Read Aloud” for web pages and “Gemini” for enhanced image processing. Samsung promises six years of OS upgrades and security updates for the Galaxy A36, ensuring long-term support and security patches. citeturn0search3
Pricing and Verdict
Priced at ₹32,999 for the 128GB variant, the Galaxy A36 positions itself as a mid-range offering with a mix of premium features and budget-friendly pricing. It competes with devices like the Vivo V50 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+, which offer similar specifications at competitive prices. The Galaxy A36 excels in design, display quality, and software support, making it a solid choice for users seeking a reliable smartphone experience. However, its battery life and camera performance in low-light conditions may not meet the expectations of all users. Overall, the Galaxy A36 offers a balanced package for its price point, catering well to the needs of everyday smartphone users. citeturn0search7
For a more in-depth visual review, you might find the following video helpful:
videoSamsung Galaxy A36 Review: WATCH Before Buying!turn0search2
