Looking for a budget smartphone that punches above its $400 price tag? The Samsung Galaxy A36 Review highlights why this sleek, mid-range contender deserves your attention. After two weeks of hands-on testing, Mr. Mobility’s YouTube video provides a detailed verdict, which we break down in this comprehensive Samsung Galaxy A36 Review.
Featuring a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a capable 50MP camera, and the efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, the Galaxy A36 5G runs on One UI 7 with an impressive six years of software updates. From its slim design to reliable performance, this device aims to rival pricier phones. Join us as we explore its strengths, limitations, and whether it’s the right upgrade for you!
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A36 is its slim profile. At just 7.4mm thick, it feels incredibly comfortable and elegant in hand. With the display was a bit bigger than the current 6.7 inches, but is still handier compared to the massive 6.9-inch slabs we are familiar with.
That said, there’s one design detail we do not fancy, that is the camera bump. The rear camera island juts out noticeably, causing the phone to wobble when placed on a flat surface. While some suggest using a case to fix this, some people prefer to use their phones “nude,” without cases, so this remains a individual gripe. Other than that, the flat edges and smooth finish feel premium and look great.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy A36 sports a nice camera lineup:
- 50 MP main camera — the star of the show, delivering crisp, high-quality photos once you get your lighting right.
- 12 MP punch-hole front selfie camera — a welcome upgrade from the typical water-drop style seen on lower-end Samsungs.
- 8 MP ultra-wide camera — Not used it much but it works well for wider shots.
- 5 MP macro camera — decent for close-ups and document scans, though personally don’t use it often.
The selfie camera’s video quality is actually better than its photo output, which you will find interesting.
Software and Performance
Running One UI 7 based on Android 15, the software feels familiar and smooth. Samsung has moved the search button to the bottom of the screen, but otherwise, it’s much like previous One UI versions, complete with lots of customization options, quick toggles, and wallpaper settings.
This model comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is great because in 2025, 6 GB is pretty much the minimum needed for smooth phone performance. If it only had 4 GB, you would notice a significant lag. So, if you can afford it, go for 6 GB!
Battery and Charging
Battery life is solid — not the absolute best in its class but reliable enough that you don’t worry about running out of power while out and about. It has a 4,000 mAh battery, which is a welcome upgrade from the flip phone used for the past year.
The phone supports 45-watt fast charging, but Samsung’s implementation here is slower compared to competing brands, especially some Chinese manufacturers with blazing fast chargers. Interestingly, some Samsung phones with 25-watt charging actually charge faster than others with 45-watt, which is a bit baffling.
Other Features
- IP67 dust and water resistance: This means the phone can survive in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes — a fantastic feature for a $400 phone.
- 5G and eSIM support: You can use an eSIM for travel or local networks.
- No wireless charging out of the box, but third-party cases can add this feature if you want it.
- Solid speaker with loud volume.
Fingerprint smudges: Some say it’s a fingerprint magnet on the back, but the white color hides smudges well, so it seems alright.
Final Thoughts
Is the Galaxy A36 a good buy? Absolutely. For about a third of the price of premium flagship phones, you get smooth performance, good photography, reliable battery life, and the latest software updates.
Samsung also promises 6 years of software updates for this device, a bold move that usually only Apple achieves. We would love to hear from anyone who buys this phone and uses it over the next 6 years. Will it stay fast and usable? Time will tell.
The Galaxy A36 is widely available in the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond thanks to Samsung’s extensive distribution network. So, if you’re looking for a solid midrange phone with great features, this one’s worth checking out.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 Review showcases a budget-friendly smartphone with a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a 50MP camera, as highlighted in Mr. Mobility’s YouTube video. While its performance and six years of software updates impress, some features have limitations. Curious about its wireless charging capabilities? Dive into our detailed post, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Wireless Charging: The Surprising Limitation and How to Fix It, to uncover solutions and optimize your Galaxy A36 5G experience.
If you liked this review, be sure to check out more content and stay tuned for future updates, by liking and subscribing to Mr. Mobility‘s Youtube channel.
Author: Amarachi Ezedindu
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