The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G aims to bring premium features to a mid-range price, making it an appealing choice for everyday users.
It combines a bright AMOLED display, reliable battery life, and years of software updates, offering great long-term value.
Many reviews highlight its smooth performance and clean interface, though some note that its camera and gaming performance are just average.
I found that it strikes a good balance between performance, durability, and affordability. If you’re looking for a phone that feels dependable and modern without costing too much, the A36 5G is worth considering as the next upgrade.
Galaxy A36 5G Overview
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a mid-range smartphone built for users who want reliable performance, strong battery life, and long-term software support without paying flagship prices.
It features a sleek, minimal design that feels premium and practical at the same time. The phone balances speed and efficiency, handling everyday tasks like calls, browsing, and streaming with ease.
Its focus is on delivering a smooth, dependable experience – ideal for students, professionals, and casual users who need a phone that lasts through the day and stays updated for years.
Overall, the A36 5G offers everyday durability, modern connectivity, and steady performance in a lightweight, user-friendly package.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Reviews: Features & Performance
The Galaxy A36 5G focuses on practical design and useful everyday features. It feels sturdy, looks modern, and performs well for its price range:
1. Design and Build Quality
The phone uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and a matte plastic frame that feels comfortable to hold. It’s durable yet light enough for daily use.
With an IP67 rating, it’s resistant to dust and water splashes. The build gives a premium impression while staying simple and functional.
2. Display Performance
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen runs at a 120Hz refresh rate, making everything smooth and clear. Colors look rich, and brightness levels stay strong even outdoors.
The display is ideal for streaming, scrolling, and casual gaming. Despite slightly visible bezels, the overall viewing experience feels sharp and enjoyable.
3. Camera Review
The Galaxy A36 includes a triple-lens setup with a reliable main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a basic macro camera. Photos look crisp in daylight but lose detail in darker scenes.
AI tools improve color balance and focus, but results vary in low light. It performs best for casual photography and social media shots.
4. Photo Quality in Daylight vs. Night
Daylight photos are bright and balanced, capturing natural colors and good detail. At night, the phone relies heavily on AI and post-processing, which sometimes softens textures.
The night mode helps, but noise is noticeable in darker areas. Overall, it’s solid for outdoor and well-lit shots, average in dim conditions.
5. Video Stability and AI Features
Video recording reaches 4K at 30fps, offering decent sharpness for the price. Stabilization works fine during short clips but struggles with fast movement.
AI tools help with scene optimization and focus tracking. For casual users, videos look smooth enough for sharing, though professionals may find it lacking advanced controls.
6. Audio, Connectivity, and Extras
The stereo speakers produce clear and balanced sound, suitable for music or streaming. There’s no headphone jack or microSD card slot.
5G performance is steady, and call quality is clear. Dual-SIM support and Bluetooth connectivity make it versatile for travel and everyday use.
7. Performance and Gaming
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip and 8GB of RAM, the A36 handles browsing, video calls, and multitasking smoothly.
Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9 run well at medium settings. The phone stays cool during casual gaming but can warm up with heavy use. It’s reliable, not high-end.
8. Battery and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery lasts a full day of regular use with calls, social apps, and streaming. It supports 45W fast charging, reaching about 60% in half an hour.
You’ll need Samsung’s 45W charger to get full speed. Battery life remains consistent, and charging is quick enough for users on the go.
9. Software and Updates
The Galaxy A36 runs on Android 15 with One UI 7, offering a clean and responsive experience. Samsung guarantees six years of software and security updates, keeping it protected and up to date.
Built-in AI tools help manage performance and battery life. The system runs smoothly and rarely lags during everyday use.
10. Price & Value
The A36 5G stands out for offering reliable performance and long-term support at a fair price. It’s built for users who want solid value without paying flagship rates.
The price typically falls in the US $299–399 range or UK £200–350, depending on the storage variant, region, and current deals.
This makes it a compelling value proposition for a mid-range phone offering strong features like 5G, a large 120 Hz display, and long-term software support.
How it Compares to Other Mid-Range Phones
If you’re considering the A36 5G, it’s worth seeing how it performs against other mid-range options. Competitors like the Galaxy A35, Pixel 9a, and iPhone SE (2025) each bring unique strengths:
| Feature | Galaxy A36 5G | Galaxy A35 5G | Pixel 9a | iPhone SE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1″ OLED, 90Hz | 4.7″ LCD, 60Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1380 | Google Tensor G3 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Camera Setup | Triple camera with AI | Triple camera | Dual camera | Single rear camera |
| Battery Life | 5,000mAh, 45W charging | 5,000mAh, 25W charging | 4,400mAh, 27W charging | 2,000mAh, 20W charging |
| Software Support | 6 years | 5 years | 7 years | 5+ years |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| Build & Design | Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP67 | Glass back, IP67 | Metal frame | Aluminum body |
| Audio / Ports | Stereo, no jack | Stereo, no jack | Stereo, no jack | Mono, no jack |
| Price Range | $299–$399 | $279–$349 | $499 | $429 |
| Overall Verdict | Balanced performer | Slightly older version | Great camera and software | Strong chip, small display |
Overall, the A36 5G remains the most balanced choice in this lineup. It outlasts most rivals in battery life, charges faster, and offers longer support.
The Pixel 9a stands out for photography, while the iPhone SE is best for raw power but the A36 delivers the best everyday value
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G?
The A36 5G suits users who want dependable performance, long battery life, and solid everyday features:
- Students: Good for studying, browsing, and streaming with long battery life.
- Casual Users: Smooth for calls, messages, and daily apps.
- Budget Buyers: Offers strong value without high cost.
- Light Gamers: Handles moderate gaming and entertainment easily.
- Long-Term Users: Six years of updates make it a reliable long-term phone.
Overall, the A36 5G is a balanced choice for anyone who values reliability, strong battery life, and long-term support at an affordable price.
Real User Reviews
Below are some genuine user reviews for the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – straight from forums and community boards to give you a real-world sense of how it performs.
“I’m using the Galaxy A36 5G, and honestly, it has been a complete failure. The phone gets hot even during normal use, the battery drains extremely fast, and the system feels slow.” — Reddit user GeekyTechy on Samsung Members forum.
“Good phone overall, but the fingerprint sensor still lags and the ultra-wide camera isn’t great in low light.” — Reddit user NYC_GadgetGuy
“The camera results are disappointing. The ultrawide lens loses too much detail, and in low light the shots come out soft — for the price I expected more.” — roksagilys on Samsung Community.
The Galaxy A36 5G scores well for those after a solid mid-range phone with strong battery life, decent display, and long-term software support.
But if you’re a performance junkie, heavy gamer, or nocturnal photographer, you may notice its compromises.
Conclusion
After going through the Samsung review, it’s clear that this phone delivers impressive value for its price.
With a sharp 120Hz display, reliable battery, and six years of software updates, it’s built for users who want long-term dependability without overspending.
Performance is smooth for daily use, and the overall design feels sturdy and refined. While the camera and gaming performance aren’t standout features, the A36 5G easily meets most everyday needs.
It’s a great option for students, professionals, and anyone upgrading on a budget.
If you found this review helpful, read my other blogs for more detailed comparisons and reviews of phones and the best mid-range devices available.
