If you’ve been keeping an eye on Samsung’s A-series lately, you’ve probably noticed how it’s becoming the sweet spot between affordability and that touch of premium flair. I recently got my hands on the new Samsung Galaxy A36, and honestly, it’s one of those phones that doesn’t just look good on paper — it feels solid in your hand too.
Let’s sit back and talk about what makes this phone stand out. I’ll share my personal thoughts after using it for a while, what’s actually improved, and where Samsung could still do a bit better.
First Impressions: Sleek, Cool, and Surprisingly Premium
Right out of the box, the Galaxy A36 feels refreshing. You get that clean Samsung-style packaging with a Type-C to Type-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and of course, the phone itself.
The first thing I noticed was the build quality. It’s slim — just 7.4mm thick, compared to last year’s A-series which was slightly bulkier. Despite being thinner, Samsung didn’t compromise on the battery. It still packs the same capacity, which is a win for users like me who hate charging their phone twice a day.
The back panel is glossy and glassy, but Samsung seems to have treated it in a way that doesn’t attract too many fingerprints. I personally prefer a matte texture, but this glassy back does make it look expensive. Holding it gives a genuine flagship-like feel — sturdy, cool, and balanced.
Color options? There are three: Green, Black, and White. The green variant I tested gives a classy, modern vibe, though I wish Samsung had gone for a few vibrant options like orange or yellow for that youthful spark.
Design and Display: Flagship Vibes at Mid-Range Price
Samsung has always nailed it in the display department, and the A36 proudly carries that legacy. You get a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright (up to 1200 nits), smooth, and perfect for binge-watching or scrolling through social media.
The curved edges are slightly more refined than the A55, making it easier to grip without accidental touches. Whether you’re watching YouTube or playing BGMI, the colors pop beautifully, and the overall visual experience is stunning for this segment.
Another plus is the Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, which adds confidence when using it outdoors or during travel. Samsung has also included dual stereo speakers, which sound crisp and loud enough for casual entertainment, though a bit more bass would’ve been nice.
Quick Look: Samsung Galaxy A36 Key Specifications
Here’s a simple table summarizing the main hardware details of the A36:
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage (ROM) | 128GB / 256GB (Expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultra-wide) + 5MP (Macro) |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 25W Fast Charging |
| Build | Glass Back, Metal Frame |
| OS | One UI 7 (Android 14) |
| Security | In-display Fingerprint Sensor, Secure Folder |
| Weight | ~198g |
| Colors | Green, Black, White |
Performance: Smooth Experience with a Balanced Touch
Under the hood, the Galaxy A36 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. This is a solid mid-range processor that focuses more on efficiency and everyday smoothness than heavy gaming.
I tested it with multiple apps open, switching between Instagram, YouTube, and Chrome — it handled everything with ease. Even games like BGMI and Call of Duty ran comfortably at medium settings without heating issues.
Samsung isn’t positioning this phone as a gaming beast, but it’s more than capable for regular users who want consistent, lag-free performance. Plus, with One UI 7 on top of Android 14, the experience feels intuitive, neat, and easy to use.
AI Features: Samsung’s Smart Touch of Intelligence
One of the biggest highlights this year has been Samsung’s push towards AI-powered features, and the Galaxy A36 gets a taste of that too.
It includes tools like Object Eraser (to remove unwanted things from photos), Instant Slow Motion (turn any video into a slow-mo just by pressing and holding), and the new Best Face feature, which is honestly super fun. Imagine taking a group photo where someone blinked — this feature lets you swap faces from different shots to create one perfect picture.
Another cool addition is AI Photo Enhance, which automatically edits your photos to improve lighting and shadows without making them look artificial. It’s simple, fast, and all done offline on the device — no internet needed.
Camera: More Than Just Megapixels
Now, let’s talk about what most people care about — the camera. The A36 packs a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro. The images are sharp, well-balanced, and full of detail.
I clicked multiple photos in daylight and low light, and Samsung’s processing really stands out this time. Colors are natural, HDR works beautifully, and there’s no unnecessary saturation.
The 12MP front camera might sound like a downgrade from last year’s 32MP, but trust me — it performs better. It captures great skin tones, handles lighting well, and is more consistent overall. Selfie lovers will be pleasantly surprised.
Video recording is equally smooth, with good stabilization and clarity. For casual content creators or vloggers, this phone easily does the job.
Battery and Charging: Reliable All-Day Power
Even after slimming the design, Samsung kept the same 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with mixed use — browsing, camera, and streaming.
Charging speed is decent with 25W fast charging, though I wish Samsung had gone for 45W at least. Still, it charges from 0 to 50% in under 35 minutes, which is fair for the segment.
The optimization in One UI helps extend battery life significantly, especially when using dark mode or adaptive refresh rate.
Software and Updates: Long-Term Assurance
Samsung promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, which makes the A36 a long-term companion.
You get all the One UI goodness — smooth animations, customizable home screens, secure folder, and smart widgets. The phone also handles privacy smartly with AI features working offline, keeping your data secure.
Real-World Experience: Everyday Smoothness
Using the A36 feels effortless. Apps open quickly, switching feels snappy, and the design is comfortable for one-hand use. I didn’t face any weird bugs or lags, and even during long calls or video sessions, it stayed cool.
It’s a phone that just works — simple, clean, and pleasant. And that’s exactly what most people in India appreciate.
Price and Verdict: Worth the Hype?
While prices may vary by storage and offers, the Galaxy A36 lands roughly in the 28,000–32,000 range, depending on bank discounts and online deals. For that price, what you’re getting is a balanced all-rounder:
- Premium design and display
- Reliable cameras
- Great battery life
- Useful AI tools
- Smooth software and updates
Sure, you can find phones with faster processors or higher charging speeds at similar prices, but Samsung’s trust factor, after-sales support, and long-term software updates make this device stand out.
Final Thoughts: A Smart, Stylish All-Rounder
The Samsung Galaxy A36 isn’t trying to be the flashiest phone in the room — but it nails what matters most. It feels premium, performs smoothly, and comes packed with smart AI tricks that genuinely make your everyday usage more fun.
If you want a phone that looks great, lasts long, and doesn’t give you random headaches after a year — this might just be the one. It’s that rare mid-range phone that actually feels like a flagship in your hands.