The Samsung Galaxy A36 is the latest addition to Samsung’s popular Galaxy A-series, offering a balanced mix of performance, design, and features at a mid-range price point. It builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Galaxy A35, while introducing key upgrades that aim to enhance the user experience. With its Snapdragon SoC, Android 15, and 5G connectivity, the Galaxy A36 promises solid performance for a variety of users. In this detailed Samsung Galaxy A36 review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this smartphone to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Samsung Galaxy A36 Design and Build
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 retains Samsung’s signature A-series aesthetic, with a sleek and lightweight design. The device is built with a durable plastic back and a sturdy aluminium frame, offering a balance of durability and portability. The rounded edges and slim profile ensure comfortable handling during extended use.
Samsung has also opted for IP67 water and dust resistance, making the phone more durable in challenging environments. This feature is particularly appealing for users who want peace of mind while using their device near water or in dusty conditions.
Cons:
While the design is polished, the plastic back may feel less premium compared to devices with glass or metal finishes in a similar price range. Additionally, the large bezels around the display may seem outdated compared to competitors offering bezel-less designs.
Display
Pros:
The 6.6-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display on the Galaxy A36 delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. Samsung’s AMOLED technology ensures that the phone excels in multimedia consumption, whether you’re streaming videos or browsing photos.
With a 90Hz refresh rate, the display feels smooth and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience. This feature is particularly noticeable when gaming and scrolling through apps.
Cons:
While the 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, it lags behind the 120Hz refresh rates offered by some competitors in this price range. Additionally, the screen’s brightness under direct sunlight could be improved for better outdoor visibility.
Performance
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is powered by a Snapdragon SoC, which delivers commendable performance for a mid-range device. Whether you’re multitasking, playing graphically demanding games, or streaming content, the phone handles these tasks efficiently.
The device is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast app-switching. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, and the inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for further expansion, which is a rarity in today’s smartphone market.
Cons:
While the Snapdragon chipset performs well for everyday tasks, it may struggle slightly with high-end gaming or intensive multitasking compared to flagship processors. Users seeking top-tier gaming performance may find better options elsewhere.
Software
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 ships with Android 15 and Samsung’s latest One UI skin, offering a user-friendly interface and customization options. Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security patches, ensuring long-term software support.
The software is optimized for smooth operation and features like split-screen multitasking and Samsung Knox security make the phone suitable for both productivity and personal use.
Cons:
One UI, while feature-rich, can feel bloated due to pre-installed apps that some users may find unnecessary. Additionally, the custom skin may not appeal to users who prefer a stock Android experience.
Camera: Capable But Not Revolutionary
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a triple-camera setup on the back, including a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing sharp and detailed images with vibrant colours. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility for landscape and group photography.
The 16MP front-facing camera is great for selfies and video calls, delivering consistent results with good detail and accurate colours.
Cons:
While the primary camera excels in daylight, its low-light performance is average at best. Photos taken in dim lighting may lack detail and exhibit noise. The macro sensor, while fun to use, has limited practical applications and could have been replaced with a more useful feature, such as a telephoto lens.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, providing excellent endurance for a full day of moderate to heavy use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working on the go, the battery holds up well under pressure.
The phone supports 25W fast charging, allowing users to recharge the device quickly and get back to their tasks without significant downtime.
Cons:
While the fast charging is adequate, competitors in the same price range offer 33W or even 67W charging, which significantly reduces charging times. Additionally, the absence of wireless charging may disappoint some users who value this convenience.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy A36 supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds and reliable performance in regions with 5G infrastructure. Other notable features include dual SIM support, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a favourite among audiophiles.
The phone also includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is fast and accurate, and a range of sensors that enhance the overall user experience.
Cons:
While the Samsung Galaxy A36 covers all the basics, it lacks features like Wi-Fi 6 and UWB (Ultra-Wideband), which are becoming more common in mid-range and premium devices.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is priced competitively, targeting users who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. While official pricing varies by region, the phone’s feature set makes it a strong contender in the mid-range market.
Final Verdict
Pros:
- Sleek and durable design with IP67 water resistance.
- Vibrant AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Reliable performance powered by Snapdragon SoC.
- Long-term software support with Android updates.
- Versatile camera setup for casual photography.
- Excellent battery life and expandable storage.
Cons:
- The plastic back and bezels feel dated.
- Average low-light camera performance.
- No wireless charging or Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited gaming performance on high settings.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a well-rounded device that delivers solid performance, long-lasting battery life, and a feature-rich software experience. While it may not stand out in every category, it excels in providing a dependable and user-friendly smartphone experience. For users seeking a reliable mid-range phone with modern features, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is worth considering.
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
