Samsung Galaxy M36 5G: Samsung’s Galaxy M-series continues its value proposition with the launch of the new Galaxy M36 5G. Under Rs. 20,000, this phone seems to strike a balance between design, performance, and software updates. But does it do enough to differentiate itself in an overcrowded mid-range segment? Here’s our first look.
Premium Design in a Thin Profile
The Galaxy M36 5G is differentiated by its sleek and minimalist build. Samsung went for a flat frame with softened edges, which gives the phone a very modern look. It is one of the thinnest Galaxy M-series phones at 7.7mm thick. Our Orange Haze review device looks different and premium, with a metallic back panel finish. The new camera style comes closely with Samsung’s flagships. However, the water-drop notch on the front takes away somewhat of the otherwise smooth appearance.
Bright AMOLED Display with Gorilla Glass
The phone features an enormous 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It even features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, which is difficult to find at this price. In initial usage, the screen is great with rich colours and proper brightness. Though the notch could have been done away with as a punch-hole for minimalism, the visual experience is good overall.
Triple Cameras with OIS Support
The Galaxy M36 5G comes with a triple rear camera setup. It includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, there’s a 13MP front camera. While the specs look promising on paper, we’ll reserve our verdict on camera performance until the full review. That said, OIS in this segment is a welcome addition.
AI Features and Software Longevity
One of the Galaxy M36 5G’s biggest plus points is its AI tool capabilities. The device comes with Circle to Search, Gemini Live, AI Editing features, and a whole lot more. The device is running OneUI 7.0 on Android 15 and promises six years of OS updates and security patches, something that even top-end phones are unheard of. Samsung is thinking long-term in terms of usability here.
Smooth Performance with Exynos 1380
Internally, the phone is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, featuring a mix of Cortex-A78 and A55 cores and a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU. It arrives packaged with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, which should provide decent everyday performance. Not a gaming monster, it should serve well for multitasking and everyday use.
Big Battery but Modest Charging
Galaxy M36 5G is loaded with a 5,000mAh battery, which will definitely last the day. That being said, the support for 25W fast charging will be a bit short against rivals that have 45W and higher. The connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and USB Type-C, along with an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Final Thoughts
At Rs. 17,499, Galaxy M36 5G provides a trendy look, strong screen, and future-proofing software updates. Its camera setup and AI focus contribute value, but slow charging and design elements like the water-drop notch can render it outdated. In comparison to competitors like Realme P3 Pro and iQOO Z10x, it’s a decent but not ideal player.