Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Top Mid-Range Contender

In a marketplace crowded with smartphones that straddle the divide between affordable and high-end models, Samsung's Galaxy A36 5G seeks to establish itself within the middle tier segment—and mostly achieves this feat. However, come 2025, merely "mostly" might not be sufficient as rivals such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Motorola continue to significantly enhance their offerings.

Design and presentation: Recognizable, yet refined

We'll begin with what Samsung excels at—the screen. The A36 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits. This ensures crisp visuals and seamless scrolling whether you're browsing social media or streaming content from Netflix, giving an upscale experience. However, this level of quality is standard within this pricing range. Competitors such as the OnePlus Nord 3 and Poco X6 Pro also provide equally smooth OLED screens, frequently at a somewhat reduced cost.

In terms of design, the A36 maintains simplicity and elegance. Many features mirror those found in higher-end models, including smooth edges, Gorilla Glass Victus+ shielding, and an IP67 certification for both water and dust resilience. Despite weighing 195 grams, making it feel robust yet lightweight, the use of a plastic frame subtly indicates that this device may not be at the top tier of smartphones.

Performance: Dependable, not dazzling

Equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and up to 12GB of RAM, the A36 performs admirably for daily activities. It handles app switching, multitasking, and casual gaming smoothly. However, when subjected to more demanding scenarios like graphics-heavy games or intensive photography usage, you may experience some performance limitations due to throttling.

In contrast, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Nothing Phone (3a) provide comparable, perhaps even superior, value for money. Additionally, theNothing Phone (3a) manages to deliver a somewhat more polished user interface at a cheaper price point.

Cameras and AI: Good enough for the Gram, with a boost from software

The triple rear setup — 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro — delivers reliably solid shots in daylight, though night shots still leave room for improvement. The 12MP selfie camera is decent, with Samsung’s typical beauty filters and sharpening algorithms doing some heavy lifting.

This year, Samsung is promoting generative AI technology through their "Awesome Intelligence" campaign. This includes several useful features such as AI-powered photo editing tools that allow you to eliminate unwanted elements from photos or improve image quality directly within the app itself, eliminating the need for external software. Additionally, the A36 model comes equipped with Circle to Search via Google, offering an intuitive way to quickly find information online. It also provides AI-created summaries of webpages and notes—features likely to be attractive to both students and those juggling demanding work schedules.

It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s meaningful — especially in this price segment, where AI often gets left out or watered down.

Battery and software support

The 5,000mAh battery is a strength. With moderate use, expect a full day and then some. Charging is capped at 45W — speedy, but outpaced by the likes of Realme and Xiaomi, which have normalised 65W and even 100W charging in this range.

Running Android 15 with One UI 7.0, the A36 benefits from Samsung’s best-in-class promise: up to six years of security and OS updates. This might be the device’s most compelling long-term value proposition. Where other brands offer 2–3 years of support, Samsung's extended update policy gives the A36 real staying power.

Specifications

Display: 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz

Chipset: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

Cameras: 50MP + 8MP + 5MP rear, 12MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W fast charging

Software: Android 15 + One UI 7, with six years of updates provided.

AI Features: Object Removal, Circle for Searching, AI Summaries

Ruling: Satisfactory, yet not revolutionary

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a reliable and refined smartphone that meets many needs for those looking at mid-range options—particularly if you’re part of Samsung’s user base. This device boasts an excellent display, decent performance, and notable software backing. The inclusion of subtle AI functionalities enhances the overall experience without becoming overly theatrical.

Nevertheless, in a market where competitors are becoming more daring, the A36 opts for a slightly conservative approach. This is a wise move—perhaps simply not the most thrilling option available.

Purchase it if you desire a secure, dependable handset backed by extensive support along with some handy artificial intelligence features. Avoid it if you're seeking top-of-the-line performance, velocity, or superior photographic capabilities at this price point.