Samsung Galaxy A36 Review (Plus Comparison Against Similar Apple and Samsung Devices)
Quick Specification Summary
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz, up to 1,200 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP67 rated
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- Memory and Storage: 6 GB, 8 GB, or 12 GB RAM; 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (no microSD)
- Rear Cameras: 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide, 5 MP macro
- Front Camera: 12 MP
- Video Recording: Up to 4K at 30 fps
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45 W wired charging
- Build: Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP67 resistance
- Software: Android 15 with One UI 7.0, six years OS and security updates
- Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock, dual SIM/eSIM, Samsung “Awesome Intelligence” AI tools
Introduction
Samsung’s Galaxy A36 5G is a mid-range smartphone that emphasises durability, display quality, and long-term software support. It combines a bright AMOLED screen and an IP67 rating with Samsung’s extended update promise, making it ideal for buyers who value longevity. Below is a full review, plus comparisons with the Galaxy A56 5G, Apple iPhone 16e, Google Pixel 9a, and Motorola Edge 60.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Overview
The Galaxy A36 5G includes a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,200 nits. It is IP67-rated, uses Gorilla Glass Victus+, and records video up to 4K at 30 fps. Power comes from a 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W wired charging support.
Performance is handled by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, paired with 6/8/12 GB RAM and 128/256 GB storage. There is no microSD slot. Cameras include a 50 MP main lens with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide, and 5 MP macro. The selfie camera is 12 MP. Biometrics include in-display fingerprint and face unlock.
Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” features — like Circle to Search and AI photo tools — are included, though lighter than flagship Galaxy AI. The phone ships with Android 15 and One UI 7.0 with six years of support.
Samsung and Apple Alternatives to Consider
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
A step up in build quality, with aluminium frame, the A56 mirrors many specs of the A36 including display, battery, and update promise. It also supports “Awesome Intelligence.”
Apple iPhone 16e
A 6.1-inch OLED device powered by Apple’s A18 chip. It features a 48 MP Fusion camera, 12 MP TrueDepth front camera, and USB-C fast charging. Rated IP68, it uses Ceramic Shield glass for protection.
Other Android Rivals
Google Pixel 9a
Features a 6.3-inch Actua pOLED 120 Hz display, Tensor G4 chip, and a 5,100 mAh battery. Cameras: 48 MP wide + 13 MP ultrawide, 13 MP selfie. Google offers seven years of updates — the longest here.
Motorola Edge 60
Offers a 6.67-inch pOLED 120/144 Hz display, 5,200 mAh battery with 68 W charging, IP68 durability, and a microSD slot. Cameras include a 50 MP main and a 50 MP selfie in some markets.
Side-by-Side Feature Summary
| Feature | Galaxy A36 5G | Galaxy A56 5G | iPhone 16e | Pixel 9a | Motorola Edge 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1,200 nits | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1,200 nits | 6.1″ OLED, HDR | 6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz | 6.67″ pOLED, 144 Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 | A18 Bionic | Tensor G4 | Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM | 6–12 GB | 8–12 GB | ~6 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128–256 GB | 128–256 GB | 128–512 GB | 128 GB | 512 GB (expandable) |
| Rear Cameras | 50+8+5 MP | 50+12+5 MP | 48 MP Fusion | 48+13 MP | 50+50+12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 13 MP | 50 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 45 W | 5,000 mAh, 45 W | ~50% in 30 min (20 W+) | 5,100 mAh | 5,200 mAh, 68 W |
| Durability | IP67, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP67, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68, Ceramic Shield | IP67, Gorilla Glass | IP68 |
| Updates | 6 years | 6 years | ~6 years | 7 years | ~3 years |
| Unique Features | Awesome Intelligence AI | Aluminium build, AI | Face ID, iOS | Pixel AI | Large battery, high-res selfie |
Buyer’s Recommendation Guide
- Best for Long-Term Updates: Google Pixel 9a (seven years)
- Best for Photography: Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 60
- Best for Battery & Charging: Motorola Edge 60 (5,200 mAh, 68 W)
- Best for Performance: iPhone 16e (A18) and Galaxy A56 (Exynos 1580)
- Best Display: Motorola Edge 60 (144 Hz pOLED), Galaxy A36 (bright AMOLED)
- Best Build Quality: iPhone 16e (Ceramic Shield) and Galaxy A56 (aluminium)
- Best All-Rounder: Samsung Galaxy A36 (durability, updates, display balance)
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a reliable mid-range phone with a bright AMOLED screen, IP67 durability, solid cameras, and six years of updates. It may not lead in raw performance or low-light photography, but it offers a balanced package ideal for everyday use in 2025.
Those who want more performance, photography depth, or premium materials should consider the Galaxy A56, iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a, or Motorola Edge 60. The choice comes down to your priorities: performance, photography, long-term support, or balanced value.
