Samsung Galaxy A36: Worth the Price?
Samsung keeps the ball rolling with its A-series, and the Galaxy A36 is the latest to hit the shelves. Launched in early 2025, this phone promises a mix of fresh features and familiar vibes. Priced at Rs. 32,999, it steps into a crowded mid-range market. But does it shine bright enough to grab your attention? In this Samsung Galaxy A36 review, we’ll break it down for you. From its sleek design to its AI tricks, we’ll cover what’s new and what’s not. So, let’s dive in and see if this phone is your next pick!
A Fresh Look with a Few Quirks
Samsung didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Galaxy A36’s design. However, it tweaks things just enough to feel new. The camera module switches from separate rings to a vertical pill-shaped stack. This change gives it a modern edge, but there’s a catch. When you place it on a table, it wobbles a bit. That’s a small annoyance for a phone that otherwise looks sharp.
The Awesome Lavender color stands out with its subtle gradient. It catches light beautifully, adding a touch of style. Plus, it’s lighter than the A35 by about 7 grams. This makes it easier to hold for long stretches. The IP67 rating for water and dust resistance returns, which is great. Still, rivals now offer IP68 or even IP69. Samsung could’ve pushed the envelope here. Overall, the design feels solid but not groundbreaking.
Display That Pops and Pleases
The Galaxy A36’s display is a winner. Samsung bumps it up to a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen. With FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080p) and a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s smooth and vibrant. Colors pop, blacks stay deep, and scrolling feels buttery. Whether you’re binge-watching shows or gaming, it delivers.
Brightness hits 1200 nits, so sunlight won’t dim your view. It also supports HDR10+, enhancing video quality. Compared to the A35’s 6.6-inch screen, this upgrade feels noticeable. However, some competitors offer higher refresh rates or resolutions at this price. Still, for most users, this display strikes a sweet spot.
Software and AI: Smart and Future-Proof
Samsung equips the Galaxy A36 with One UI 7.0, based on Android 15. That’s a big deal for a mid-ranger. Even better, it promises six years of OS upgrades and security patches. If you buy it in 2025, it’s supported until 2031. That’s rare longevity in this segment, making it a smart long-term choice.
The AI features add some flair. AI Select lets you grab text from photos or create GIFs easily. You can even whip up wallpapers from images. Google’s Circle to Search is here too, letting you explore objects on-screen instantly. These tools make the phone feel clever and fun. However, they’re not game-changers. They’re handy, but you might not use them daily. Still, the software package feels polished and forward-thinking.
Performance: Good, Not Great
The Galaxy A36 is powered by Exynos for the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip. This 4nm processor has eight cores, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. For casual tasks like browsing or chatting, it runs smoothly. Apps open fast, and multitasking doesn’t stutter.
Gaming is where it shows limits. Titles like COD: Mobile or BGMI work fine on medium settings. Push the graphics higher, and it struggles a bit. The Adreno 710 GPU is decent but not top-tier. Benchmark scores—1014 single-core, 2923 multi-core, 2230 GPU—confirm it’s mid-range. Competitors like Poco or Redmi often pack more power at this price. If you’re a heavy gamer, you might look elsewhere. For everyday use, though, it’s reliable.
Camera: Steady Shots with Small Steps Forward
The Galaxy A36 sticks with a familiar camera setup. You get a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro lens. The selfie camera drops to 12MP from the A35’s 13MP. In daylight, the main camera shines. Photos have good detail, natural colors, and solid range. The ultra-wide holds up well too, with minimal distortion.
Portraits impress with clean edges and soft background blur. Skin tones look real, which is a plus for selfie lovers. The macro lens is okay for close-ups, but it’s not a must-use feature. Night Mode steps up in low light. Turn it on manually, and it cuts noise while keeping highlights in check. Auto mode is less bold, so tweak it for best results.
Selfies are crisp and social-media-ready. The slight downgrade in resolution doesn’t hurt much. Overall, the cameras are dependable but not standout. Rivals with telephoto lenses or bigger sensors might edge it out.
Battery Life and Charging: Reliable with a Catch
The Galaxy A36 packs a 5,000mAh battery, a mid-range staple. It lasts a full day with moderate use—think streaming, calls, and some gaming. Charging jumps to 45W, faster than the A35’s 25W. From 20% to 100%, it takes just over an hour. That’s a nice boost for quick top-ups.
Here’s the rub: no charger comes in the box. You’ll need to buy a 45W-compatible one separately. That’s a bummer at this price, especially when some brands toss in fast chargers. Competitors also offer 60W or higher speeds. The battery life is solid, but the charging setup feels stingy.
Verdict: A Balanced Pick with Tough Competition
So, where does the Galaxy A36 land? This Samsung Galaxy A36 review shows it’s a well-rounded mid-ranger. The display dazzles, software support stretches far, and cameras deliver. Design tweaks add charm, and battery life holds steady. For Samsung fans who love One UI and trust the brand, it’s a safe bet.
However, it’s not flawless. Performance lags behind some rivals. The lack of a charger stings. And the design, while fresh, doesn’t leap ahead of the pack. At Rs. 32,999, it’s fair but not a steal. If the company drops the price a bit, it’d feel more tempting. Brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Motorola, OnePlus and Vivo offer more power or extras in this range.
In the end, the Galaxy A36 suits casual users who value screen quality and updates. If you crave raw speed or cutting-edge cameras, explore other options. It’s a solid phone, but it could’ve pushed harder to stand out in 2025’s crowded market.
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