The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: A Mid-Range Marvel for 2025

Samsung's A-series has long been a go-to for consumers seeking a balance between affordability and features, and the recently launched Galaxy A36 5G for 2025 continues this tradition with some compelling upgrades. Announced alongside the Galaxy A56 5G on March 2nd, 2025, and unveiled at MWC Barcelona on March 1st, this device aims to deliver a refined user experience in the competitive mid-range segment.

Design and Display: A Premium Feel

The Galaxy A36 5G sports a familiar yet refined design. Moving away from the floating camera rings of some predecessors, it brings back an elongated camera island, offering a distinct aesthetic. What truly elevates its feel, however, is the use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, a welcome upgrade that significantly enhances durability. With an IP67 rating, the A36 5G is also protected against dust and water splashes, adding to its robust build.

Despite being a big phone, the A36 5G is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the A35 5G, making it more comfortable to hold. The immersive visuals come courtesy of its 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 1200 nits (HBM) and 1900 nits (peak), scrolling is silky smooth, and visibility remains excellent even under direct sunlight.

Performance and Software: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, an octa-core processor designed for efficient multitasking, gaming, and streaming. While some reviews suggest it might not be a performance beast compared to top-tier mid-range competitors, it handles daily tasks with ease and even surprises with its gaming capabilities at decent settings. The phone comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of inbuilt UFS 2.2 storage, which is expandable via microSD card (though some regional variants might omit the card slot).

One of the standout features of the A36 5G is Samsung's commitment to long-term software support. It launches with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung promises an impressive 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring your device remains relevant and secure for years to come. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer to hold onto their phones for a longer duration. The phone also includes some of Samsung's Awesome Intelligence AI features, such as Circle to Search and Intelligent Editing.

Cameras: Capturing the Moment

For photography enthusiasts, the Galaxy A36 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear:

50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharp and stable shots, even in challenging conditions.

8MP ultrawide lens with a 123˚ field of view to capture expansive landscapes and group photos.

5MP macro camera for detailed close-up shots.

On the front, there's a 12MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing clear and detailed self-portraits even in low light. The camera system also benefits from improved HDR processing and better night mode capabilities.

Battery and Charging: Power Through Your Day

The A36 5G is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh non-removable battery, a standard in the mid-range segment, promising extended usage. Samsung claims up to 29 hours of video playback. A significant upgrade here is the support for 45W Super Fast Charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Galaxy A36 5G offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including:

5G connectivity for blazing-fast mobile data speeds.

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (dual-band)

Bluetooth 5.4

GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS

USB Type-C 2.0 (with OTG support)

NFC (market/region dependent)

In-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.

Dual-SIM support (Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM, with a maximum of 2 active at a time).

Pricing and Availability

As of June 4th, 2025, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is available in India with a starting price of around ₹25,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. Color options include Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Olive, Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, and Awesome White, providing choices to suit different styles.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market for 2025. It boasts a durable and premium design, a vibrant and smooth display, a reliable camera system, and most notably, an impressive commitment to long-term software support. While its raw performance might not outperform some direct competitors, the overall package, especially with Samsung's ecosystem integration and dedicated AI features, makes it a compelling choice for users seeking a well-rounded and future-proof smartphone experience.