Samsung Galaxy A36 quick review: 8 things to know about Samsung’s mid-range smartphone

Design and build quality
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G brings subtle refinements to its design compared to last year’s A35. One of the most notable changes is the use of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back, giving it improved resistance against scratches and minor drops. The flat edges and sleek frame lend the phone a cleaner and more modern look while maintaining a comfortable grip. The device weighs 177 grams and is just 7.8mm thick, making it easy to handle one-handed. There is no camera island — instead, the three camera lenses sit on the back over the pill-shaped bump, similar to Samsung’s higher-end models. Additionally, the IP67 rating ensures that the phone is resistant to dust and can survive brief submersion in water, offering an extra layer of durability.

Display
Samsung continues to excel with its displays, and the Galaxy A36 5G is no exception. It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and animations throughout the interface. The display produces vibrant colours with deep contrast levels, making it great for media consumption and gaming. Brightness peaks at 1,200 nits, which helps maintain visibility under direct sunlight. This panel is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, matching the protection on the back and enhancing the overall durability of the phone.

Performance and hardware
While Samsung hasn’t publicly confirmed the chipset inside the Galaxy A36 5G, early tests suggest it performs similarly to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 or an equivalent Exynos chip. In day-to-day usage, the phone handles messaging, social media, multitasking, and streaming with ease. The Galaxy A36 supports RAM Plus, which allows dynamic memory expansion up to a total of 12GB, improving app loading and switching speeds. Samsung has also expanded the vapor chamber inside the phone by 73 percent compared to the A35, which results in better heat dissipation and thermal management during extended gaming or video recording sessions.

Camera performance
The Galaxy A36 5G is equipped with a 50MP main sensor that includes optical image stabilisation, helping to capture sharp and stable images even in challenging lighting conditions. In bright daylight, images come out detailed and well-balanced, while low-light performance has improved with software tweaks Samsung is calling ‘Nightography’ enhancements. These adjustments reduce noise and improve detail in dimly lit environments. The phone also features an ultrawide camera, which performs decently in good lighting but tends to lose sharpness at the edges. On the front, the selfie camera has been upgraded to a 12MP unit from last year’s 13MP, and it delivers sharp and colour-accurate selfies with support for features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser.

Software and updates
Samsung is positioning the Galaxy A36 5G as a long-term investment by bringing its flagship-level software support to the A-series for the first time. The device ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung has committed to providing four major Android version upgrades along with six years of security updates. This makes the A36 one of the most future-proof phones in the mid-range segment. The interface is smooth, highly customisable, and features smart integrations with Samsung’s ecosystem of apps and services. Users can expect to see One UI 7 and beyond during the phone’s lifetime, ensuring it stays current both in features and security.

Battery and charging
The Galaxy A36 5G is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which consistently delivers a full day of usage under regular conditions. Whether you’re streaming video, browsing social media, or juggling work apps, the phone holds up well. Samsung claims up to 29 hours of video playback on a single charge. The device supports 45W fast charging, which can replenish up to 50 percent of the battery in around 30 minutes, provided you use a compatible charger. However, the charging brick is not included in the box — only a USB-C cable is provided.

Ecosystem features and security
Samsung has included Knox Vault in the Galaxy A36 5G, offering hardware-based security that protects sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, and encryption keys. This is typically reserved for higher-end Galaxy models, so its presence here is significant. The phone also supports SmartThings, Quick Share, and Smart Switch, making it easier to sync, share, and move data between other Galaxy devices.

Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G delivers a well-rounded experience in the mid-range category. It combines a sharp and durable display, dependable everyday performance, and strong camera support with long-term software commitment. Its design, although modestly changed, adds durability and a cleaner aesthetic, while the inclusion of features like Knox Vault and RAM Plus elevates the overall value. It may not be the most powerful device in its class, but it performs reliably where it matters and offers a clear path for users looking for a phone they can stick with for years. For anyone seeking a phone that balances durability, display quality, and software longevity, the Galaxy A36 5G makes a strong case for itself.