Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: Does This Mid-Ranger Stack Up in 2025?
Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: Does This Mid-Ranger Stack Up in 2025?
Hey there, tech fans! Samsung’s back with another A-series contender, the Galaxy A36, hitting the scene in March 2025. I’ve been itching to see if this mid-range phone can keep up with the competition—or if it’s just another safe play from the Galaxy crew. After digging into its design, performance, cameras, and battery, I’ve got the full scoop. Let’s see if the A36 is worth your hard-earned cash!
First Impressions: Looks Good, Feels Familiar
Out of the box, the Galaxy A36 doesn’t scream “new.” It’s got that classic Samsung A-series vibe: flat glass on the front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+, no less), a plastic frame, and a slim 7.4mm profile. At 195g, it’s not too heavy, but the 6.7-inch screen makes it a little taller than I’d like for one-handed use. Still, it feels solid, and that IP67 rating—dust and water resistance—is a sweet bonus you don’t always get in this price range.
The color options are fun—Awesome Lavender, Black, White, and Lime—with a subtle shimmer that catches the eye (Black skips the sparkle, though). The back camera strip is a fresh twist, ditching the old ring setup for a sleek vertical look. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a handsome phone that doesn’t feel cheap.
Display: A Mid-Range Stunner
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen is where the A36 flexes hard. With a 1080 x 2340 resolution and a buttery 120Hz refresh rate, it’s a treat for the eyes. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and it hits 1900 nits peak brightness—perfect for sunny days. I love how it drops to 1.8 nits for late-night scrolling, too. You can switch between Adaptive (up to 120Hz) and Standard (60Hz) modes, and the adaptive setting nails that balance of smoothness and battery life.
Here’s the catch: no HDR for Netflix streaming. YouTube HDR works fine, but for a 2025 phone, I’d expect broader support. Still, for gaming, videos, or just doomscrolling, this display is a mid-range champ.
Performance: Smooth Sailing, Not Speed Demon
Samsung swapped the Exynos chip for a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) this time, and it’s a decent move. Paired with options like 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB (up to 12GB RAM in some markets), it handles daily tasks like a pro—think browsing, chatting, and light gaming. The Adreno 710 GPU gives it a graphics edge over the A35, and it stays cool even when I push it.
But let’s be real: it’s not a performance beast. It’s on par with other mid-rangers, not ahead. One big gripe? No microSD slot. In 2025, losing expandable storage stings, especially if you’re stuck with 128GB. On the plus side, Android 15 with One UI 7 feels snappy, and six years of updates (through 2031!) is a killer perk. Software longevity? Samsung’s got you covered.
Camera: Same Old, Selfie Glow-Up
The camera setup is a bit of a yawn: 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro—straight from the A35 playbook. The main shooter’s solid, pumping out vibrant 12.5MP shots with good detail, though Samsung’s color boost can feel overdone. Night mode helps in low light, but the ultrawide and macro are just okay—nothing to write home about.
The surprise? The 12MP selfie cam is a step up from the A35’s. It’s sharper, with better detail, making it a win for selfie lovers. Video hits 4K 30fps on the main and front cams, which is decent, but the zoom interface is clunky. Overall, it’s a reliable kit, not a game-changer.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Juice, Faster Fill
With a 5000mAh battery, the A36 keeps going strong. I got a full day of mixed use—calls, streaming, some gaming—with juice to spare. It’s not the best in its class for video playback, but it’s plenty for most folks. Charging jumps to 45W (up from 25W), hitting 60% in 30 minutes with the right gear. No charger in the box, though—classic Samsung move.
Options to cap at 80% or tweak charging speeds are nice for battery health. It’s a solid upgrade, but I wish they’d pushed for 60W to really compete.
Sound: Loud and Clear
The stereo speakers (bottom-firing plus earpiece) deliver solid sound. Vocals are crisp, bass is decent, and it gets loud enough for casual listening. It’s not going to blow you away, but it’s more than good enough for a mid-ranger.
The Good and the Bad
What I Liked:
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz
- IP67 durability
- Six years of updates
- Faster 45W charging
- Better selfies
What I Didn’t:
- No microSD slot
- Cameras feel stale
- No Netflix HDR
- Pricey at €379
Final Verdict: Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a safe, polished mid-ranger that ticks a lot of boxes. The display is a knockout, the software support is unbeatable, and the build feels trustworthy. But it’s not perfect—losing the microSD slot hurts, the cameras are stuck in 2024, and that €379 price feels steep against rivals like the Poco X7 Pro or Motorola Edge 50 Neo.
If you’re a Samsung fan or want a phone that’ll last years, the A36 is a smart pick. If you’re after raw value or bold upgrades, though, you might want to wait for a price drop (say, €300) or look elsewhere. It’s good—not great—but it gets the job done.
What’s your take? Would you snag the A36? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear!
For more details on Samsung’s budget-friendly phones in 2025, check out this link
