Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Mid-Range Powerhouse with Flagship Features
Samsung continues
its tradition of strong mid-range smartphones with the release of the Galaxy
A36 5G. Positioned between the budget and flagship segments, the Galaxy A36
offers a refined design, a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, solid performance,
and long-term software support. It's a phone that aims to deliver “awesome”
without breaking the bank.
In this in-depth
review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G—from its design
and display to its camera performance and software support—to help you decide
whether this phone is the right choice for your next upgrade.
1.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A36 5G
stands out for its premium construction, especially considering its price
range. The front and back are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, a material
usually found on flagship models. The device features a sleek design with flat
edges and a minimalist camera layout.
It’s also
IP67-rated, meaning it can survive splashes and short immersions in water. This
level of durability is not common in mid-range smartphones, making the A36 a
strong contender for users who value long-lasting hardware.
At just 7.4mm
thick and weighing around 195 grams, the Galaxy A36 feels comfortable in the
hand and slips easily into a pocket. The side buttons are tactile, and the
phone retains a clean look, with color options like Awesome Black, White, Lime,
and Lavender.
2.
Display Quality
Samsung’s AMOLED
displays have always been a highlight, and the A36 continues this trend. The
device features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a Full HD+ resolution (1080
x 2340 pixels) and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This combination ensures smooth
animations, fast scrolling, and vibrant colors.
The display
supports up to 1,200 nits of brightness, making it visible even under direct
sunlight. Watching videos or playing games on this screen is a treat thanks to
the deep blacks and rich contrast. HDR support adds to the viewing experience,
particularly when streaming content from platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Bezels are slim,
and there’s a small punch-hole cutout at the top center for the front camera.
Overall, the display feels premium and is one of the best you can get in this
price range.
3.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the
Galaxy A36 5G is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which is built on a 4nm process.
It's paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal
storage. There's also a microSD card slot for those who need additional space.
In everyday use,
the phone handles multitasking, web browsing, and media consumption smoothly.
Apps launch quickly, and the device doesn’t show noticeable lag. Gaming
performance is decent, with titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile
running well on medium to high settings.
Thermal
management is also impressive. The device stays relatively cool, even during
extended gaming sessions, thanks to its vapor chamber cooling system.
4.
Camera System
The Galaxy A36 5G
features a triple-camera setup on the rear:
- 50 MP main sensor with OIS
(optical image stabilization)
- 8 MP ultra-wide sensor
- 5 MP macro sensor
The main camera
captures sharp and well-balanced photos in daylight. Colors are vibrant, and
details are preserved without excessive processing. Low-light photography
benefits from Night Mode, which reduces noise and boosts brightness, although
it's still a step behind flagship models.
The ultra-wide
sensor is good for landscape shots but suffers from edge distortion and lower
detail in dim environments. The macro lens is usable but feels more like a
bonus feature than a daily driver.
On the front,
there’s a 13 MP selfie camera that delivers respectable results in good
lighting. Portrait mode is effective, though edge detection can be
inconsistent.
Video recording
supports up to 4K at 30fps from the main and front cameras. Stabilization is
decent, and color reproduction in video is natural and pleasing.
5.
Battery Life and Charging
The A36 comes
equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with moderate
to heavy use. Whether you're browsing social media, watching videos, or gaming,
you can expect around 6 to 8 hours of screen-on time.
When it comes
time to charge, the phone supports 45W fast charging. Samsung claims that it
can reach up to 50% in just under 30 minutes, with a full charge taking around
an hour. It’s important to note that the charger is sold separately, which may
be a drawback for some users.
Wireless charging
is not available, which is understandable given the phone’s mid-range
positioning.
6.
Software and Features
Out of the box,
the Galaxy A36 5G runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on top. One UI is
one of the most polished and feature-rich Android skins available. It offers
extensive customization options, a clean interface, and useful features like
split-screen multitasking, edge panels, and secure folders.
Samsung promises
up to four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for
this model. This level of support is rare in the mid-range segment and provides
peace of mind for buyers who plan to keep their phones for several years.
Other notable
features include Samsung Knox security, eSIM support, and Samsung’s ecosystem
integration, which allows for easy syncing with Galaxy Buds, tablets, and
smartwatches.
7.
Connectivity and Extras
The Galaxy A36 5G
includes all the essential connectivity features:
- 5G support for faster mobile data
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (though not Wi-Fi
6)
- NFC for mobile payments
- USB-C port (USB 2.0)
There’s no
headphone jack, which may be disappointing for some, but the stereo speakers
are loud and clear, making it a great device for media consumption.
8.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Samsung
Galaxy A36 5G strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and
features. It’s not a perfect phone—there are trade-offs in terms of camera
performance and missing features like wireless charging—but for the majority of
users, it offers everything needed for a modern smartphone experience.
Pros:
- Premium design and IP67 durability
- Vibrant AMOLED display with 120Hz
refresh rate
- Solid battery life with 45W fast
charging
- Strong software support and long
update timeline
- Smooth performance for daily
tasks and light gaming
Cons:
- No charger in the box
- Cameras are decent, but not
class-leading
- No wireless charging or Wi-Fi 6
If you're looking for a reliable, future-proof phone under the $400–$500 mark, the Galaxy A36 5G is a compelling choice. It offers great value and is backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality and support.
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