The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G has landed in the ever-competitive mid-range smartphone arena, but it seems like it missed the memo that mid-range devices can be truly exhilarating. Let’s delve into why this latest offering might not set your pulse racing.
Expert’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
#### Pros:
- Exemplary software support
- Good camera capabilities
- Impressive two-day battery life
#### Cons:
- Mediocre performance
- Drab design
- Questionable value proposition
Our Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G doesn’t fall short in terms of camera quality, endurance, and software updates. However, it lacks significant improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy A35. What’s more concerning is its failure to captivate users at a time when mid-range smartphones are becoming more intriguing.
Design & Build
The Galaxy A36 maintains a plastic frame and rear, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and an IP67 rating. While it offers a slimmer profile compared to the A35, the design lacks the premium touch found in higher-end models like the Galaxy A56.
Screen & Speakers
Samsung has upgraded the display to a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a higher 1200 nits brightness for improved visibility. The addition of stereo speakers enhances the audio experience, making it a strong suit for multimedia consumption.
Specs & Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, the Galaxy A36 falls short in delivering a significant performance boost over its predecessor. Users might notice occasional lags and micro-stutters during daily usage.
Cameras
The triple camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide lens, and 5MP macro camera, delivers decent photography results. However, the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens is a missed opportunity for enhanced zoom capabilities.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging support, the Galaxy A36 offers exceptional battery life. However, the device performed slightly worse in battery tests compared to the A35, despite the larger display and new chipset.
Software & Support
Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, the Galaxy A36 offers a customized user experience. While the software is fast and fluid, Samsung’s UI might not appeal to users heavily reliant on Google services.
Price & Availability
Priced at £399 in the UK and $399.99 in the US, the Galaxy A36 competes with other mid-range offerings like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and the Motorola Edge 60. Despite the price increase from its predecessor, the A36 offers double the storage and improved RAM.
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G?
While the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G delivers on essential features like camera quality, battery life, and software support, it falls short in terms of innovation and excitement. In a market where mid-range smartphones are pushing boundaries, the A36 feels safe and unremarkable.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a reliable mid-range option with all the necessary features but lacks the wow factor that sets it apart from its competitors. If you prioritize performance and design innovation, you might want to explore other options in the mid-range segment.