Samsung Galaxy A36 review: A solid mid-range option with minor upgrades
When it comes to mid-range smartphones, brands like Nothing, OnePlus, and iQOO compete for consumer attention with superior build quality, impressive cameras, and a refined UI. With so many options at their disposal, it has become a tough call for consumers to zero in on a smartphone that is functional yet offers a glint of premium experience. South Korean smartphone maker Samsung recently launched its Galaxy A36 5G, making it the latest device to compete in the mid-range segment.
Samsung has been releasing smartphones in quick succession. But is the Galaxy A36 yet another mid-ranger on the block, or does it offer just enough upgrades to make it worth your investment? I have been using the Galaxy A36 for two weeks, and here is a deep dive into the design, performance, camera, and software to see what this budget-friendly device brings to the table.
Packaging, design, and subtle refinements
Keeping up with the tradition, Samsung has kept the packaging minimal. The box comes with the Galaxy A36 5G smartphone, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, the usual literature, and a SIM ejector pin. And, there is no charger or phone case, just the basics. The Galaxy A36 comes in Awesome White, Black, Lime and Lavender colourways. For this review, I got the Lavender edition. When it comes to the design, the device doesn't really stray far from the Galaxy A35. I found the slight increase in display size to 6.7 inches from 6.6 inches notable. This bigger display has been achieved by slightly minimising the bezels. Nonetheless, the chin remains prominent.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 shares the same design language as the Galaxy A56. (Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
The smartphone is a tad bit taller yet slimmer, essentially maintaining the weight and ergonomics. While the colourway is named lavender, the shade is more like a dash of lavender, as it becomes apparent on closer inspection. The shade gives off the feeling that the lavender shade has been painted with the subtle feather touch. The Galaxy A36 sports a plastic frame with a brushed-metal-like feel, and this gives it a more premium touch. The device is encased in Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering durability. However, I still recommend a good-quality screen protector to combat the everyday wear and tear.
On the back, the camera module has been worked into a linear arrangement, in contrast to the A35 with its vertically arranged individual lenses. Regardless, the phone is good-looking and almost turns iridescent under direct sunlight. Like its predecessor, the A36 remains IP67-rated, making it resistant to dust and water.
One UI 7 on Android
When it comes to the software experience, Samsung's One UI 7 runs on top of Android 15. Besides, Samsung is promising six years of OS updates, which is almost flagship-level software support ensuring longevity. Regardless, OneUI still suffers from bloatware. Pre-installed apps such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Microsoft services may clutter your experience, even though most of these can be uninstalled. Another pain point is Samsung's versions of core Android services persist, as Google's built-in apps such as Chrome and Google Fit lead to problems of duplication. On the positive side, one can take advantage of some useful features like Samsung routines, split-screen multitasking, and even improved Game Mode to enhance usability. Moreover, additional eSIM support is a welcome change, as this can come in handy for those frequently travelling around the world.
Smartphones without AI features would be an anomaly in the present day. The Galaxy A36 integrates a handful of AI features, but not as extensively as its flagship cousins. There is Google's Gemini AI, Samsung's Bixby, though it is likely that most users will stick to Google's AI offering. One can spot the quintessential AI tools, such as Circle to Search, AI-powered photo editing, and text extraction from images.
Display and camera
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of the A36 is its 6.7-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display. The phone delivers some crisp visuals with vibrant colours, making it ideal to stream your favourite shows on the go. It offers better outdoor visibility. When it comes to audio, the device sports a stereo speaker setup. The bottom-firing speaker sounds good, and the earpiece offers decent audio. While the Galaxy A36 is loud enough for casual listening, it is not ideal for audiophiles.
The Galaxy A36 features a triple-camera setup – a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The primary camera is good at capturing details during daylight, and Samsung's advanced image processing enhances low-light shots. While the ultra-wide lens is versatile, it may struggle under poor lighting. Below are some samples.
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
(Photo: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
Storage and Performance
The A36 comes with 256GB of internal storage, and there is no microSD card support that was available on the A35. Users who need extra space may have to rely on cloud storage. On the performance side, the A36 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 paired with 8GB RAM and 12GB RAM. Although the chipset is not extraordinary, the device can smoothly handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming without any major hassles.
The Galaxy A36 comes with a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W wired charging, and it reaches 66 per cent in about 30 minutes and 100 per cent in about an hour. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last for one to one-and-a-half days.
Should you upgrade?
