In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, Samsung continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
The Galaxy A36 5G, released in early 2025, stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to bringing premium features to a more accessible price point.
This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the Galaxy A36 5G, exploring how it’s reshaping expectations for mid-range devices.
Design and Build Quality: Elegance Meets Durability
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G boasts a design that punches above its weight class.
With its sleek profile measuring just 7.6mm in thickness and weighing a comfortable 178 grams, the device strikes an excellent balance between screen real estate and ergonomic comfort.
The phone features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back with a premium matte finish that resists fingerprints.
Available in four striking colors – Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach – the A36 5G caters to diverse aesthetic preferences.
The attention to detail is evident in the seamless integration of the camera module into the phone’s back panel, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
The device also boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature typically reserved for more expensive models. This added durability makes the A36 5G a reliable companion for users with active lifestyles.
Display: Vibrant Visuals and Smooth Performance
At the heart of the Galaxy A36 5G’s visual experience lies a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display.
With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the screen delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that bring content to life.
The display’s 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
Key display features include:
- Peak brightness of 1000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility
- HDR10+ support for enhanced contrast and color accuracy
- Always-on display functionality for quick glances at important information
- In-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking
The Infinity-O design, featuring a small punch-hole for the front-facing camera, maximizes screen real estate while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
With its 87.4% screen-to-body ratio, the A36 5G offers an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Performance: 5G Power for the Masses
Under the hood, the Galaxy A36 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset. This octa-core processor, built on a 5nm process, delivers exceptional performance that rivals many higher-priced devices.
The chipset configuration includes:
- 4x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 high-performance cores
- 4x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores
- Mali-G68 MP5 GPU for smooth graphics performance
Coupled with 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD), the A36 5G handles multitasking, app launches, and everyday tasks with ease.
The device’s 5G capabilities ensure blazing-fast internet speeds where available, future-proofing the phone for years to come.
Camera System: Versatile Photography for Every Moment
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera setup that caters to various photography needs:
- Main Camera: 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 13mm
- Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4
- Depth Sensor: 5 MP, f/2.4
The primary 64MP sensor, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range in various lighting conditions.
The inclusion of OIS is particularly noteworthy in this price range, allowing for sharper images in low-light situations and smoother video recording.
For selfie enthusiasts, the device sports a 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and handling video calls with ease.
Key camera features include:
- 4K video recording at 30fps for both main and ultra-wide cameras
- Super Steady mode for gimbal-like video stabilization
- Night mode for improved low-light photography
- Single Take feature that captures multiple photos and videos with one tap
- Pro mode for manual control over camera settings
While it may not boast the most advanced camera setup in Samsung’s lineup, the Galaxy A36 5G’s imaging system proves more than capable for everyday photography and social media sharing, often producing results that rival more expensive devices.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Meets Rapid Replenishment
Powering the Galaxy A36 5G is a substantial 5000 mAh battery, which Samsung claims can provide up to two days of moderate usage on a single charge.
This impressive battery life ensures that users can enjoy extended periods of use without the need for frequent recharging.
When it comes to charging, the A36 5G supports 25W fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their device.
According to Samsung, the battery can be charged from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes, addressing one of the common pain points of smartphone usage.
The device also supports 15W wireless charging, a feature rarely seen in this price range, adding an extra layer of convenience for users who prefer cord-free charging solutions.
Software and User Experience: One UI 7.0
The Galaxy A36 5G runs on One UI 7.0, based on Android 15. This latest iteration of Samsung’s custom skin brings a host of features and optimizations tailored for Galaxy devices, including:
- Enhanced privacy and security features, including Samsung Knox
- Improved system fluidity and responsiveness
- Customizable always-on display with new clock styles and information layouts
- Bixby Routines for automated device behaviors based on user habits
- Samsung DeX support for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display
Samsung has committed to providing four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the A36 5G, ensuring longevity and continued software support.
This commitment to long-term updates is a significant advantage in the mid-range segment, where software support often falls short of premium devices.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As its name suggests, the Galaxy A36 5G is equipped with 5G capabilities, ensuring compatibility with the latest network technologies. Additional connectivity features include:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) for high-speed wireless connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD audio support
- NFC for contactless payments and quick pairing
- Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for precise spatial awareness and device locating
- Dual-SIM support (Nano-SIM and eSIM)
The device also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones, catering to users who prefer wired audio solutions.
Pricing and Market Position
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G enters a highly competitive mid-range segment, facing off against devices from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and OnePlus.
Priced competitively at around $350 for the base model (6GB/128GB) and $400 for the higher-end variant (8GB/256GB), the A36 5G positions itself as a value-for-money proposition.
When compared to its predecessors and competitors, the Galaxy A36 5G stands out for its:
- Superior build quality and IP67 rating
- Excellent display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Versatile camera system with OIS
- Long-term software support
- 5G connectivity and future-proof features like UWB
These features, combined with Samsung’s brand reputation and extensive service network, make the A36 5G an attractive option for users looking for a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G : Raising the Bar for Mid-Range Devices
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G represents a significant step forward in the mid-range smartphone segment.
By bringing features typically reserved for flagship devices – such as a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, and long-term software support – to a more accessible price point, Samsung has created a device that challenges the very definition of a mid-range smartphone.
While it may not boast every cutting-edge feature found in premium models, the Galaxy A36 5G offers an impressive balance of performance, camera capabilities, and build quality that will satisfy the needs of most users.
Its long battery life, coupled with fast and wireless charging options, ensures that the device can keep up with the demands of modern smartphone usage.
For consumers looking to experience the benefits of 5G technology and premium features without the premium price tag, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G presents itself as a compelling option.
It’s not just a step forward for Samsung’s A-series; it’s a leap ahead for the entire mid-range smartphone segment, setting a new standard for value that competitors will be hard-pressed to match.
As we look to the future of mobile technology, devices like the Galaxy A36 5G demonstrate that the gap between mid-range and flagship smartphones is narrowing.
With its blend of performance, features, and affordability, the A36 5G is poised to become a benchmark in its class, redefining expectations for what a mid-range smartphone can and should be in 2025 and beyond.