The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G has arrived, aiming to shake up the mid-range smartphone market with a mix of sleek design, long-term software support, and a camera setup that promises to deliver. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash, or is it just another mid-tier phone trying to stand out in a crowded space?
Let’s dive in.
Design & Build: Sleek, Sturdy, and Ready for Anything
Samsung clearly wants you to feel premium without paying flagship prices. The A36 5G is wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, with a glossy plastic frame that keeps it light yet durable. At just 7.4mm thick and 195g, it feels surprisingly comfortable to hold. Having said that, it’s still advisable to add a good-quality screen protector to handle potential wear and tear.
Worried about accidental spills? With an IP67 rating, this phone can handle a bit of water drama – up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes! So whether you drop it in the sink or get caught in the rain, it’s got your back.
Display: Smooth, Bright, and Ready for Binge-Watching
Samsung never disappoints in the display department, and the 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel on the A36 5G is no exception. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through social media or gaming feels buttery smooth.
Brightness is impressive too, hitting 1200 nits peak brightness, making it easy to read even under the glaring sun. The only gripe? The bottom bezel is slightly thicker than ideal, which takes a tiny bit away from its modern look.
Performance: Smooth Sailing (Most of the Time)
Powering the A36 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly – multitasking, web browsing, and video streaming are a breeze.
Gaming? You’ll be fine with 60fps gameplay, but don’t expect ultra-high frame rates in graphic-heavy games. This isn’t a gaming beast, but for casual players, it holds up well.
Storage-wise, you get 256GB internal storage, but here’s a catch – no microSD card slot. If you’re someone who hoards photos and videos, you might have to manage your storage wisely.
Software: The Long-Term Winner
One of the biggest wins for the Galaxy A36 5G is Samsung’s 6-year software support promise (yes, you read that right!). Running One UI 7 on Android 15, the experience is clean, feature-rich, and AI-powered with ‘Awesome Intelligence’, making search and camera features smarter.
For a mid-range phone, this level of long-term software commitment is a game-changer. You won’t have to worry about your phone feeling outdated anytime soon.
Camera: Solid Shots, But Not a Pro-Level Shooter
The 50MP main camera with OIS captures detailed and vibrant photos in daylight, and the 8MP ultra-wide lens lets you fit more into the frame. However, colours can sometimes feel a bit over-saturated – Samsung loves to make things pop. Selfie lovers won’t be disappointed – the 32MP front camera delivers clear and social media-ready shots.
Low-light performance? It’s decent, but not mind-blowing. Night mode helps, but don’t expect flagship-level night shots. On the video front, 4K recording at 30fps is a nice touch, and stabilisation is solid, keeping footage smooth.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power With a Catch
The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy use. Need a quick top-up? 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 means you’ll hit around 93% in just an hour. Don’t note, however, that a charger isn’t included. This means you’ll need to fork out a bit extra for a 45W charger separately.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting, and feature-packed mid-range phone, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice. The smooth display, reliable camera, and incredible software support make it stand out.
That said, if gaming performance or expandable storage is a priority, you might want to explore other options. But for the everyday user who wants a stylish, future-proof phone, the A36 5G is a winner.
