Samsung Galaxy A36

Rushil Agrawal from Android Authority highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G as a phone that delivers dependable basics and impressive long-term software support, promising six years of updates—a standout feature in its price range. The device offers a large, vibrant AMOLED display, solid battery life with fast 45W charging, and respectable cameras that produce punchy, well-balanced photos. However, the review’s tone is cautiously critical, emphasizing the phone’s sluggish performance across everyday tasks, including slow app launches, laggy animations, and a frustratingly slow fingerprint sensor. While gaming performance is surprisingly smooth, the overall user experience feels outdated and underwhelming, especially given the phone’s $400 price tag. Design refinements like Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and IP67 water resistance add value, but the removal of features like the headphone jack and microSD slot detracts from its appeal. Agrawal suggests better alternatives exist, particularly outside the US, and recommends considering other Samsung models or competitors for a more fluid experience.

Notebookcheck highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a solid, affordable mid-range smartphone with standout features like long-term software support—offering six years of security updates—and unique selling points such as dual eSIM capability and IP67 water resistance. The review praises its high-quality build, bright 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and robust security measures including Knox Vault. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, including a somewhat underwhelming Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset that delivers only marginal performance improvements over its predecessor, a slow and less reliable fingerprint sensor, and limited connectivity options like USB 2.0 and WiFi 6 without 6 GHz support. Camera performance is decent but not exceptional, with digital zoom quality suffering notably. Despite minor flaws, the Galaxy A36 impresses with its value, smooth everyday use, and excellent battery life, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing security and software longevity.

Iyaz Akhtar from PCMag highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a dependable midrange smartphone that offers strong everyday performance, excellent battery life, and an extended six-year software update commitment, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The A36 improves on its predecessor with a brighter 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, smoother performance powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, and useful AI features, though these remain limited compared to flagship models. While the phone’s design is familiar and somewhat generic, its durable build and reliable fingerprint sensor add value. Criticisms include the lack of expandable storage, only 128GB onboard, and modest camera performance that trails behind the Google Pixel 9a, which is recommended for those willing to spend more. Overall, the A36 delivers flagship-like features at half the price, excelling in battery endurance and software support, but it falls short in storage flexibility and advanced AI capabilities.

John Velasco from Tom’s Guide assesses the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a budget-friendly phone with a solid design and notable battery improvements but significant shortcomings elsewhere. Priced at $399, the A36 impresses with its durable build, IP67 rating, and a vibrant “Awesome Lilac” color option. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers smooth 120Hz refresh rates but suffers from dimness and washed-out colors outdoors, detracting from the viewing experience. Camera performance is mixed: the main 50MP shooter holds up reasonably well, but the ultrawide and selfie cameras underperform, especially in low light. Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset delivers smooth daily use but lags behind competitors in benchmarks. Software features are functional but lack the advanced AI capabilities found in pricier models. While the Galaxy A36 excels in battery life and charging speed, Velasco ultimately recommends spending more for the Pixel 9a, which offers better overall value, performance, and richer AI features.

Julian Chokkattu from WIRED highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A26 as solid budget Android phones that deliver reliable day-long battery life, bright screens, and decent cameras, making them practical choices for cost-conscious buyers. However, he expresses clear disappointment with the Galaxy A36’s performance, which surprisingly lags behind the cheaper A26, likely due to software optimization issues and carrier bloatware on the tested model. The A26’s expandable storage and smoother responsiveness give it an edge in value, despite its more dated design and less modern fingerprint sensor. Chokkattu also critiques Samsung’s uninspired aesthetics and lack of features like wireless charging, especially compared to more stylish and innovative competitors from Motorola and Nothing. While both phones meet basic expectations and offer six years of software support, the review conveys a cautious, somewhat underwhelmed tone, suggesting the A26 is the better pick if carrier deals are available, but overall Samsung’s budget offerings feel safe rather than exciting.

Stephen Radochia from Android Police highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a mixed midrange offering with notable strengths and clear compromises. He praises its vibrant 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, and an impressive six years of software support—features that stand out at the $400 price point. Battery life is solid, and the 50MP main camera performs well in good lighting, though the ultrawide and macro lenses are less impressive. However, Radochia expresses disappointment with the phone’s performance, attributing occasional lag and slowdowns to the limited 6GB RAM, especially compared to competitors like the Moto G Stylus 2025 and Pixel 9a, which offer more memory and smoother experiences. He also notes that the Galaxy A56, priced just $50 higher, significantly outperforms the A36, making the latter a less compelling choice at full price. Overall, the review conveys cautious optimism: the Galaxy A36 is a solid pick on a good deal but falls short of expectations for its MSRP.

Timo Brauer from nextpit highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a compelling mid-range smartphone that offers nearly all the benefits of its pricier sibling, the Galaxy A56, at a $100 lower cost. Praising its vibrant AMOLED display with high brightness and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, long six-year update guarantee, solid battery life, and IP68 water resistance, Brauer emphasizes the device’s excellent everyday usability. While noting the plastic frame and wide bezels as minor design compromises, the review points out the lack of expandable memory and the camera’s tendency toward oversaturated, unnatural colors as notable drawbacks. Performance is slightly lower than the A56 but remains sufficient for typical use. The inclusion of eSIM support and Samsung’s user-friendly One UI software further enhance its appeal. Overall, Brauer presents the Galaxy A36 as a sensible, well-rounded choice for budget-conscious users who want longevity and reliability without major sacrifices.

Tech Advisor’s Jon Mundy assesses the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G as a solid but uninspiring mid-range smartphone that delivers reliable performance without generating excitement. While the phone offers a bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display with excellent stereo speakers, a capable 50MP main camera system, and impressive battery life with fast 45W charging, it falls short in key areas such as design and performance. The all-plastic build feels less premium than pricier models, and the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset provides only modest improvements, resulting in occasional stutters. Software-wise, One UI 7 on Android 15 is fluid but somewhat cluttered with bloatware, though Samsung’s six years of promised updates stand out positively. Compared to rivals like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and Motorola Edge 60, the Galaxy A36 plays it safe, offering dependable features but lacking innovation or standout appeal for buyers seeking excitement in the mid-range segment.

GSMArena Team highlights the Samsung Galaxy A36 as a well-balanced midrange smartphone that builds modestly on its predecessor, the Galaxy A35. The review conveys a measured enthusiasm, noting the consistent 6.7-inch AMOLED display shared across the new Galaxy A lineup and emphasizing the practical upgrades such as 45W fast wired charging and a slight GPU performance boost. While the camera setup largely carries over from the A35, the front camera is intriguingly improved despite a lower megapixel count, showcasing thoughtful refinement. The Galaxy A36 also benefits from launching with Android 15 and promises six years of major updates, underscoring Samsung’s commitment to software longevity. The review’s tone is informative and mildly positive, appreciating incremental improvements without overstating innovation. Unique insights include the detailed explanation of charging requirements and packaging contents, reflecting a thorough, user-focused perspective. Overall, the Galaxy A36 is portrayed as a solid, sensible choice for those seeking a dependable midrange device with steady enhancements.

Abrar Al-Heeti from CNET highlights Samsung’s Galaxy A36 as a compelling midrange smartphone that impressively balances affordability with premium features. The reviewer expresses a generally positive and measured tone, noting the phone’s bright 6.7-inch 120Hz display with Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, improved cameras with HDR video support, and a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor paired with enhanced cooling for gaming and streaming. The Galaxy A36’s design feels lighter and thinner than its predecessor, contributing to a more premium hand feel despite its $400 price. AI-driven software enhancements like advanced photo editing and Google’s Circle to Search add notable value. While bezels remain somewhat noticeable and the front camera’s megapixel count slightly decreased, these are framed as minor trade-offs. Overall, the review conveys cautious enthusiasm, emphasizing the A36’s strong feature set and durability, backed by six years of updates and IP67 rating, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking modern capabilities.