The A-series has traditionally offered excellent value for money, blending solid specs with competitive pricing, leaks and benchmark results for the Samsung Galaxy A36 reveal potential weaknesses that may disappoint users.
Samsung Galaxy A36 Underwhelming Performance
One of the most alarming revelations about the Samsung Galaxy A36 comes from its Geekbench results. While its predecessor, the Galaxy A35, used the Exynos 1380 chipset, the A36 appears to be underperforming despite using the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 or Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, depending on the variant. These chipsets are known for their balance between power efficiency and moderate performance, but the Galaxy A36’s Geekbench scores suggest it may struggle with demanding applications, particularly in terms of gaming and multitasking. Users who expect fluid performance in day-to-day tasks and gaming may find the device to be sluggish, especially compared to other mid-range smartphones in this price category.
For a device set to launch in 2024, where mid-range smartphones are often equipped with faster processors and more RAM, this is a concerning development. Even if the device is meant for casual users, it is expected to keep pace with basic modern app usage and occasional gaming. The A36’s apparent limitations could leave users feeling frustrated by delays or lags during more intensive tasks.
Software Experience: Android Version Surprise
Another point of contention with the Samsung Galaxy A36 is its operating system. According to Geekbench reports, the device is running Android 13, rather than the more recent Android 14 that is now the standard for new smartphones. In 2024, many consumers expect their new devices to come equipped with the latest software out of the box. This is not just about having access to the newest features, but also about ensuring the phone benefits from security updates and optimizations.
Design and Display Incremental Improvements
Launching a new phone with an older version of Android may lead to concerns over software longevity. While Samsung has been reliable in pushing updates for its devices, it still puts the A36 at a disadvantage from the start. Users might feel that they are getting an outdated device at launch, which could negatively impact their overall impression of the phone.
Samsung has always paid attention to the design of its A-series, but early reports suggest that the Samsung Galaxy A36 does little to stand out. It is expected to feature the same plastic body as its predecessor, with minor improvements to bezel size and durability. The display is also rumoured to retain the Full HD+ resolution with a variable refresh rate, which is a decent feature for smoother scrolling but nothing revolutionary for a device in this category.
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The design improvements, though welcome, seem to be more about keeping up with trends rather than pushing boundaries. In a market saturated with sleek designs and premium materials even in budget phones, the Samsung A36’s relatively basic design might struggle to impress. This could be another area where the phone feels a step behind, especially compared to devices from competitors like Xiaomi or Realme, which offer more visually striking designs at similar price points.
Camera is Decent but Unremarkable
One area where Samsung typically excels in its mid-range phones is the camera department. While official details about the Samsung Galaxy A36’s camera setup remain scarce, early leaks suggest that it will feature a quad-camera system, including a 50 MP primary sensor. This is a modest improvement over the A35, but it’s unlikely to blow away users who expect cutting-edge photography features.
For most casual users, the camera will probably perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but it may struggle in low-light scenarios, which is often the Achilles’ heel of budget and mid-range smartphones. Additionally, the lack of any standout camera features—such as a telephoto lens or advanced software enhancements could make the Samsung Galaxy A36 feel like just another mid-range camera phone, rather than a device that pushes the boundaries of mobile photography.
Battery Life is A Potential Saving Grace
Despite these concerns, one area where the Samsung Galaxy A36 could still shine is in battery life. Samsung has always been strong in optimizing battery performance, and the A36 is expected to come with a 5,000 mAh battery that should provide all-day battery life for the average user. Combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon chipsets, this could make the Samsung Galaxy A36 a reliable choice for users who prioritize battery life over raw performance.
While the A36’s performance might be disappointing in other areas, it’s likely that users who value battery longevity will still find something to appreciate. The device’s ability to last a full day without needing to be plugged in is an essential feature for many smartphone users, particularly those who use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming.
A Step Back for Samsung?
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A36 appears to be shaping up as a mixed bag. While it retains some strengths such as its solid battery life and familiar design—the device’s underwhelming performance, outdated software, and uninspired design may leave many users disappointed. In an era where mid-range phones are getting faster, more stylish, and more feature-packed, the A36 might feel like a step behind its competitors.
For those looking for an affordable Samsung phone with good battery life and a decent camera, the A36 may still be a reasonable choice. However, users seeking a more premium experience, even at a mid-range price point, might find better options from other manufacturers. Samsung will need to rely heavily on its brand loyalty and marketing to make the Samsung Galaxy A36 a success in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market.
Arthur is a senior member of the communications team who has worked at several well-known companies over the past 10 years. As a writer with many years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on reviewing mobile phones and accessories, he has written about many products or has been hands-on with them at some point
