Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: Worth the Price?
Samsung has recently launched two new A-series phones for 2025: the Galaxy A36 and the A56. I’ve already reviewed the Galaxy A56, so today let’s dive into the more affordable Galaxy A36. But calling it “affordable” might be a stretch — priced at 33,000 rupees (around $400) for the base 8/128 GB variant, the A36 feels about 15–20% more expensive than what it offers. Even a non-tech person browsing Amazon or Flipkart could find better alternatives under 35,000 rupees, such as the OnePlus 12R, Realme 14 Pro Plus, or the newly launched Nothing Phone 38 Pro.
Why Consider the A36?
Two main reasons:
- ✅ One UI Experience: Samsung’s incredible One UI with six years of updates.
- ✅ Brand Value: Samsung phones are easily available in offline stores, and there are plenty of EMI offers.
Design and Build Quality
- Glass Front and Back: Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- Plastic Frame: Makes the phone lighter at 195g.
- Water Resistance: Rated IP67 — dust and water-resistant (up to 1m for 30 minutes).
✅ Verdict: Sleek, durable, but lacks the premium feel due to the plastic frame.
Display
- Size: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED.
- Refresh Rate: Smooth at 120Hz.
- Brightness: Peaks at 1900 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent.
- Downside: Lacks HDR10+ support on Netflix and Prime Video.
✅ Verdict: Gorgeous screen, but no HDR10+ is a bummer.
Performance
- Chipset: Powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 3.
- UI: Runs on One UI 7 with Android 15.
- Gaming: Decent — PUBG runs at 60fps.
- Downside: Feels a bit slow in app opening and multitasking.
✅ Verdict: Good for everyday use, but not for power users.
Cameras
- Main Setup:
- 50MP Wide with OIS.
- 8MP Ultrawide.
- 5MP Macro.
- Selfie Camera: 12MP.
- Video: Supports 4K@30fps.
✅ Verdict: Decent cameras but lack versatility compared to competitors.
Battery and Charging
- Capacity: 5000mAh.
- Charging: Supports 45W fast charging — gets to 66% in 30 minutes.
- Downside: Charger not included in the box.
✅ Verdict: Good battery life, fast charging, but you’ll need to buy the charger separately.
Final Thoughts
For its price, the Galaxy A36 feels underwhelming. If you’re set on a Samsung phone, the Galaxy S23 FE or last year’s A55 offers better value. If you’re open to other brands, the OnePlus 12R and Realme 14 Pro Plus outshine the A36 in most aspects.
Samsung Galaxy A36 FAQs
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 worth buying in 2025?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a phone with a reliable UI, long software support, and Samsung’s brand value, the A36 is a solid choice. However, competitors like the OnePlus 12R and Realme 14 Pro Plus offer better performance and cameras at a similar price.
2. Does the Galaxy A36 support 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy A36 supports GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks.
3. How long will the Galaxy A36 get software updates?
Samsung promises six years of Android updates and security patches for the A36, making it a future-proof option for software support.
4. Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 good for gaming?
The A36 handles casual games well and can run demanding games like PUBG at 60fps, but it may struggle with heavy multitasking or long gaming sessions due to its mid-range Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset.
5. Does the Galaxy A36 come with a charger in the box?
No, Samsung does not include a charger in the box. You’ll need to purchase a 45W charger separately to take advantage of its fast charging capabilities.
6. How good is the camera performance on the A36?
The A36 has a decent camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, but it lacks versatility compared to its competitors. The ultrawide and macro sensors don’t perform as well in low-light conditions.
7. Can I use two SIM cards and an eSIM at the same time?
No, the Galaxy A36 supports dual Nano-SIM + eSIM functionality, but you can only use two SIMs at a time — either two physical SIMs or one physical SIM with one eSIM.
8. Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 water-resistant?
Yes, the A36 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
9. Does the Galaxy A36 have a headphone jack?
No, the A36 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need to use wireless earbuds or a USB-C adapter for wired headphones.
10. What are the color options for the Galaxy A36?
The Galaxy A36 is available in Lavender, Black, White, and Lime.
