Meta Description:
The Samsung Galaxy M36 brings flagship-level features to the mid-range segment with a 120Hz AMOLED display, Exynos 1380 chip, and a 50MP OIS camera. A sleek design, Android 15, and long-term updates make it a future-ready choice.
Key Highlights (Bullet Points):
- 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Exynos 1380 processor with efficient 5nm architecture
- 50MP triple camera with OIS & 4K video support
- 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging
- Android 15 with 6 years of OS & security updates
- Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and premium design
Samsung Galaxy M36 Review: A Mid-Range Marvel with Flagship Flavors
Samsung has once again stepped up its mid-range game with the Galaxy M36, a phone that strikes a fine balance between premium features and an affordable price tag. While the M-series is known for offering solid battery life and reliable performance, this time, Samsung adds a splash of flagship flair β including a vibrant AMOLED screen, long-term software support, and OIS-enabled cameras. But is it worth your money in 2025βs highly competitive market? Letβs dig in.
π Design & Build: Slim, Sleek, and Surprisingly Premium
Right out of the box, the Galaxy M36 impresses with its slim 7.7mm profile and flat edges. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, which is typically reserved for higher-end phones β a welcome surprise in this price bracket. The back is made of plastic but has a glass-like finish that looks elegant without being overly flashy.
The phone feels lightweight in hand (exact weight yet to be confirmed), and the drop resistance up to 2 meters gives it a durability edge β especially if youβre prone to the occasional slip.
π± Display: Flagship-Grade Visuals on a Budget
If there’s one area where the Galaxy M36 punches above its weight, it’s the display. You get a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and scrolling feels incredibly fluid.
Whether youβre binge-watching, gaming, or just doom-scrolling through social media, the display delivers a truly premium experience β making it a standout in this price segment.
π Performance: Powered by Exynos 1380
Under the hood, the Exynos 1380 chipset (built on a 5nm process) does a commendable job. It features an octa-core setup with Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores, along with a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU.
In daily use, the Galaxy M36 feels snappy β apps load quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 run well on medium to high settings. Thanks to the UFS 2.2 storage and up to 8GB of RAM, the phone handles routine tasks without breaking a sweat.
While not a gaming beast, itβs more than capable for most users, and efficient enough to deliver consistent performance over time.
πΈ Camera: Capable, Especially with OIS
Samsung has equipped the M36 with a 50MP main camera featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) β a rarity in this price range. That alone makes a noticeable difference in photo sharpness and low-light clarity. Complementing it is an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro shooter.
Photos in daylight come out crisp, with Samsungβs usual color punch. The OIS especially helps in video recording, where it can shoot up to 4K at 30fps. On the front, a 13MP selfie camera also supports 4K recording β a great addition for content creators or video callers.
That said, the macro sensor feels like a checkbox addition and couldβve been replaced with a more useful telephoto or depth sensor.
π Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging
The Galaxy M36 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, which has become standard in Samsungβs mid-range devices. It easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use β streaming, browsing, gaming, and more.
Charging happens at 25W via USB-C, which is decent, though not blazing fast by todayβs standards. Samsung doesnβt include a charger in the box, so youβll need to bring your own. It also supports up to 45W chargers, which is a plus if you already own one.
π§ Software & Features: The Long-Term Promise
One of the strongest points of the Galaxy M36 is its software longevity. It ships with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung promises a whopping 6 years of updates β including 4 major Android versions and 2 years of security patches.
You also get access to smart AI tools like:
- Circle to Search
- Live Translate
- Object Eraser
- Image Clipper
- Samsung Knox Vault security
These features, typically reserved for higher-end models, are a welcome inclusion and help the M36 stand out in a crowded market.
π Audio, Connectivity, and Extras
The stereo speakers provide loud, clear sound with decent balance, though bass is limited β as expected. Thereβs no 3.5mm jack, but wireless audio is solid with Bluetooth 5.3. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, dual SIM 5G, and USB-C with OTG support.
Sadly, thereβs no NFC, so contactless payments might be a miss for some users. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the phone includes standard sensors like accelerometer, gyro, and virtual proximity sensing.
π¨ Variants & Pricing
Available in Velvet Black, Serene Green, and Orange Haze, the M36 offers three memory configurations:
| Variant | Launch Price (India) |
|---|---|
| 6GB + 128GB | βΉ16,499* (with offers) |
| 8GB + 128GB | βΉ17,999 |
| 8GB + 256GB | βΉ20,999 |
(*Bank offer applied)
π§ Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M36?
The Samsung Galaxy M36 checks nearly all the right boxes for a modern mid-range smartphone: a stunning AMOLED display, reliable performance, capable cameras with OIS, and excellent software support. While it skips out on NFC and a bundled charger, these are minor compromises in the bigger picture.
If youβre someone who values display quality, future-proof software, and a clean user experience β this phone easily earns a spot on your shortlist. It’s a well-rounded package that feels more premium than its price suggests.
β 5 Positive Things About the Samsung Galaxy M36
- Vibrant Super AMOLED Display
The Samsung Galaxy M36 features a stunning 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and deep colors that elevate your media and gaming experience. - Long-Term Software Support
With Android 15 out of the box and 6 years of OS and security updates, the Galaxy M36 stands out in its price range for long-term reliability and value. - Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) Camera
The 50MP main camera on the Samsung Galaxy M36 includes OIS, allowing for clearer photos and stable 4K video recording, which is rare at this price point. - Powerful Yet Efficient Processor
Powered by the Exynos 1380 (5nm), the Galaxy M36 delivers a good balance between performance and battery efficiency, making it suitable for multitasking and casual gaming. - Slim and Durable Design
At just 7.7mm thick and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, the Samsung Galaxy M36 offers a sleek look with better drop resistance, adding both style and durability.
β 5 Negative Things About the Samsung Galaxy M36
- No Charger in the Box
While it supports up to 45W charging, the Samsung Galaxy M36 doesnβt come with a charger β just a cable β meaning users must buy one separately. - Lacks NFC Support
The Galaxy M36 skips NFC, which could be a dealbreaker for users who rely on tap-to-pay features or quick file transfers. - No 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Like many modern smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy M36 drops the headphone jack, pushing users toward wireless audio options. - Waterdrop Notch Design
The front-facing camera uses an outdated waterdrop notch instead of a more modern punch-hole cutout, which may feel dated in 2025. - Generic Macro Camera
The 2MP macro lens on the Galaxy M36 doesnβt add much value, and its performance is average at best β it feels like a filler spec rather than a functional tool.
π Samsung Galaxy M36 β Full Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | Announced: June 27, 2025 Release: Expected July 12, 2025 |
| Body | Dimensions: 7.7 mm thick Build: Gorilla Glass Victus+ front, plastic frame SIM: Dual Nano-SIM Drop resistant: Up to 2 meters |
| Display | Type: Super AMOLED, 120Hz Size: 6.7 inches Resolution: 1080 Γ 2340 (FHD+), 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi) Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Operating System | Android 15, One UI 7 Up to 6 years of OS and security updates |
| Processor | Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5nm) CPU: Octa-core (4Γ2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4Γ2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) GPU: Mali-G68 MP5 |
| Memory | RAM + Storage: – 6GB + 128GB – 8GB + 128GB – 8GB + 256GB Storage Type: UFS 2.2 Expandable: Yes, via microSDXC (shared SIM slot) |
| Main Camera | Triple Rear Camera: – 50MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) – 8MP (ultrawide, 123Λ) – 2MP (macro) Features: LED flash, HDR, Panorama Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, wide) Features: HDR Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Audio | Stereo speakers 3.5mm jack: β No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), dual-band Bluetooth 5.3 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG Location: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS NFC: β No FM Radio: β No |
| Sensors | Side-mounted fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, compass, virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery | Capacity: 5,000β―mAh Charging: 25W wired (supports up to 45W) |
| Colors | Velvet Black, Serene Green, Orange Haze |
β Customer Testimonials (India)
1. Ananya Mehta β β
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β (4/5)
βThe display is absolutely stunning! Watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram feels super smooth. I just wish it had NFC for UPI payments, but overall itβs a great value phone.β
π Bangalore, Karnataka
2. Rajeev Nair β β
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(5/5)
βSamsung really nailed it this time. The Galaxy M36 runs fast, the camera is fantastic in daylight, and I love the design. Plus, 6 years of updates? That sealed the deal for me.β
π Kochi, Kerala
3. Pooja Sharma β β
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ββ (3/5)
βPerformance is good, and the phone looks sleek, but no charger in the box felt like a letdown. Still, for the price, the camera and screen quality are top notch.β
π Jaipur, Rajasthan
4. Tushar Verma β β
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β (4/5)
βI upgraded from the Galaxy M14 4G and the difference is huge. Super AMOLED makes a big difference, and the phone feels much faster. It just needs a better macro camera.β
π Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
