Samsung Galaxy M36 review with in-depth insights on its design, display, performance, battery, cameras, and more. Find out if it’s the best mid-range phone for your needs in 2025.
Samsung’s mid-range lineup just got a fresh new face, and it’s turning heads. The Samsung Galaxy M36 is here—and if you’re wondering whether it’s worth your money, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s dive deep into what makes the M36 tick, what it gets right, where it stumbles, and whether it’s the right phone for you.
Table of Contents
Introduction: A New Challenger in the Mid-Range Market
Mid-range smartphones have become a battleground, with brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and OnePlus constantly raising the bar. Samsung hasn’t taken that lightly. The Galaxy M36 is a solid attempt to reclaim ground. Priced competitively and stacked with features, it’s aimed squarely at budget-conscious users who want performance without breaking the bank.
Design & Build Quality
First Impressions
The moment you unbox the Galaxy M36, one thing’s clear—it looks premium. The matte-finished back (available in Misty Blue, Graphite Black, and Arctic Silver) adds a classy touch, and the camera bump is minimal—thank you, Samsung!
Materials and Ergonomics
Though made from polycarbonate, the build doesn’t feel cheap. It’s surprisingly sturdy with a solid grip. At just over 190g, it strikes a nice balance between lightweight and robust. Button placement? Spot on. Fingerprint sensor on the side? Fast and convenient{1}.
Display: Bright, Bold, and Balanced
AMOLED vs LCD: What’s Inside the M36?
You’ll be glad to know the M36 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED Plus display—vivid, sharp, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s perfect for streaming Netflix, scrolling Instagram, or playing games.
Outdoor Visibility and Brightness Levels
With peak brightness at 800 nits, sunlight readability isn’t an issue. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and whether you’re indoors or outdoors, the display doesn’t disappoint.
Performance: Fast Enough for Most
Processor Breakdown
Under the hood, the Galaxy M36 is powered by the Exynos 1380, paired with 6GB/8GB RAM options. It’s not flagship-fast, but for the average user? It’s more than enough.
Everyday Usage and Multitasking
Opening apps, switching between them, and casual browsing are smooth. Thanks to RAM Plus (virtual RAM), multitasking is fluid, even with multiple apps open.
Gaming on the M36
Casual gaming? No problem. Asphalt 9, PUBG Mobile, and even Genshin Impact (on medium settings) are playable. Don’t expect ultra settings, though—it’s still a mid-ranger.
Software Experience
One UI 6: Sleek or Sluggish?
Running on One UI 6 based on Android 14, the experience is intuitive and user-friendly. Samsung has come a long way with its software—clean, refined, and minimal lag.
Bloatware and Customization
There’s some bloatware, yes, but most of it can be uninstalled. One UI’s customization tools—theme engine, widgets, always-on display—are welcome bonuses.
Cameras: Surprisingly Capable
Main Sensor Performance
The 50MP primary camera punches above its weight. Daylight shots are sharp with good dynamic range. Low-light performance is okay, aided by Night Mode, though noise creeps in.
Ultra-wide, Macro, and Selfie Cameras
The 8MP ultra-wide is decent, though edges can blur. The 2MP macro? A gimmick, honestly. The 13MP front camera, however, is great for selfies and video calls—colors stay natural, even in poor lighting.
Battery Life and Charging
Real-World Usage
With a 6,000mAh battery, this phone is a marathon runner. Easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days with moderate use. Even with heavy usage, getting through the day isn’t a problem{3}.
Charging Speed and Tech
It supports 25W fast charging, and while it’s not the fastest out there, it gets the job done in around 90 minutes. Sadly, no charger in the box—welcome to 2025.
Connectivity and Extras
5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Yes, it’s 5G-ready. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 make connectivity future-proof. Calls are crisp, mobile data is consistent, and network switching is seamless.
Audio and Speakers
A single bottom-firing speaker isn’t ideal, but it’s loud enough. No stereo setup, but there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity these days. Call that a win!
Price and Value for Money
Starting at $299, the Galaxy M36 offers solid value. Between the display, battery life, decent cameras, and One UI polish, it gives competitors a serious run for their money{2}.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Super AMOLED 120Hz display | No stereo speakers |
| 6,000mAh battery | No charger in the box |
| Solid build and ergonomic design | Macro lens is underwhelming |
| Clean One UI 6 experience | Mid-tier gaming performance |
| 5G and Wi-Fi 6 supported | Plastic back (though it feels good) |
Final Verdict
So, should you buy the Samsung Galaxy M36?
If you’re hunting for a reliable phone with great battery life, a fantastic display, and Samsung’s trusted software ecosystem—without burning a hole in your wallet—the M36 is a no-brainer.
Sure, it’s not perfect. Hardcore gamers and audiophiles might crave a bit more. But for everyone else? It’s a practical, balanced, and stylish smartphone that just gets things right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Galaxy M36 support expandable storage?
Yes! It includes a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 1TB of expandable storage.
Is the Galaxy M36 waterproof?
No, the M36 doesn’t have an official IP rating. It’s splash-resistant but not waterproof.
Can the M36 handle heavy games like Call of Duty or Genshin Impact?
Yes, but only on medium settings. Don’t expect flagship-level graphics performance.
Does the M36 have NFC for contactless payments?
Yes, NFC is built-in and works well with Google Pay and Samsung Wallet.
By Munafekideal
