Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mid-range smartphones, and the Samsung Galaxy A36 is a testament to that commitment. Launched in March 2025, the Galaxy A36 brings premium features like a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a triple-lens camera setup, and a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the details.
Design & Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy A36 sports a sleek, modern design, measuring 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm and weighing 195g. The build quality is impressive, featuring a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), with a sturdy plastic frame. Samsung ensures durability with an IP67 rating, making it resistant to dust and water (up to 1m for 30 minutes). It comes in four stunning colors: Lavender, Black, White, and Lime, offering users a stylish range of choices.
Display: A Visual Delight
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is one of the highlights of the Galaxy A36. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and gameplay. The 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution (~385 ppi) delivers crisp visuals, while the 1200 nits (HBM) and 1900 nits peak brightness make it highly visible even in direct sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ adds durability, and the Always-on display feature is a convenient addition.
Performance: Smooth & Efficient
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset powers the Galaxy A36, featuring an octa-core processor (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and an Adreno 710 GPU. This setup provides excellent mid-range performance, handling daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu: 613,492 (v10)
- GeekBench: 2917 (v6)
- 3DMark: 912 (Wild Life Extreme)
With up to 12GB RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the Galaxy A36 ensures fast app launches and smooth performance. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, so users should choose their storage variant wisely.
Camera System: Capturing Every Moment
The triple-camera setup on the Galaxy A36 offers a versatile photography experience:
- 50 MP (f/1.8, wide) – OIS and PDAF for sharp, stabilized shots.
- 8 MP (f/2.2, ultrawide) – 123° field of view for breathtaking landscapes.
- 5 MP (f/2.4, macro) – Close-up shots with fine details.
Camera Features:
- 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps.
- gyro-EIS for stabilized videos.
- LED flash, HDR, and Panorama mode.
Selfie Camera:
- 12 MP (f/2.2, wide) shooter.
- 4K@30fps and 1080p video recording with 10-bit HDR.
The camera setup delivers impressive results, especially in good lighting. The OIS helps reduce blur, while gyro-EIS enhances video stability.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, and 45W wired fast charging takes the device from 0% to 66% in just 30 minutes and full charge in 68 minutes. While it lacks wireless charging, the fast wired charging makes up for it.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G, LTE, HSPA, and GSM support for seamless network connectivity.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast wireless connections.
- USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack, but stereo speakers deliver solid audio.
- NFC support (region-dependent) for contactless payments.
Software & Updates
The Samsung Galaxy A36 runs on Android 15 with One UI 7, offering six years of major Android updates. One UI 7 provides a smooth, customizable experience with features like Circle to Search and Virtual Proximity Sensing.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy A36 is competitively priced:
- $420 / €379.00 / £399.00 / ₹32,999
Considering the premium features offered at this price point, the A36 delivers excellent value.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Stunning Super AMOLED 120Hz display
- ✅ Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 for smooth performance
- ✅ IP67 dust/water resistance
- ✅ Long battery life with fast 45W charging
- ✅ 6 years of Android updates
- ✅ Good camera performance with OIS and 4K video support
Cons:
- ❌ No expandable storage (No microSD slot)
- ❌ No 3.5mm headphone jack
- ❌ No wireless charging
A look on the Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080×2340 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, Octa-core, Adreno 710 |
| RAM & Storage | 128GB 6GB / 128GB 8GB / 256GB 6GB / 256GB 8GB / 256GB 12GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) |
| Front Camera | 12MP, 4K video recording |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W fast charging |
| OS | Android 15, One UI 7 (6 major upgrades) |
| Audio | Stereo speakers (No 3.5mm jack) |
| Security | Under-display fingerprint scanner |
| Build | Glass front & back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame |
| Waterproof | IP67 dust/water resistant |
| Price | €379 / £399 / ₹32,999 / $420 |
Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a fantastic mid-range smartphone that delivers a flagship-like experience at an affordable price. With a vibrant display, powerful performance, long battery life, and capable cameras, it is an excellent choice for users looking for a future-proof device. While the lack of expandable storage and wireless charging might be drawbacks for some, the overall package makes it one of the best mid-range phones in 2025.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰
