Given the advancements in smartphone technology, users want more out of budget-conscious phones. It’s not often the adjective “impressed” can be used in this particular category but Samsung’s Galaxy M36 5G is an exception. It can do a few things better than many mid-range devices.
It’s got the look
The slimmed-down phone feels good to hold in one hand. Just 7.7mm slim, the back panel has a polycarbonate finish, yet it feels premium. The placement of the cameras is slightly different from what we are used to on a Samsung phone. It’s still a vertical camera panel but the placement has been tweaked.
The display is quite large at 6.7 inches. The FHD+ Super AMOLED display comes with 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus+ and Vision Booster. So, the display is slightly larger than what we got on the Galaxy M35.
The device features a 6.7-inch full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology
What Samsung could have changed on the phone is the water-drop notch, which is starting to look dated, especially because it doesn’t complement the phone’s smart look. Also, the SIM tray is quite high up on the left side. And the chin of the phone can be shaved slightly. Having Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection ensures the phone can take some drops but we recommend the use of a protective cover.
Camera and overall performance
Samsung continues to improve in the camera department. This time there is a 50MP main camera with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro. On the front is a 13MP camera. Coming to the main camera, it does a fantastic job, even when you zoom 4x and 10x. With Portrait shots, you are stuck at 1x. In the video department, there is the ability to shoot at up to 4K@30fps and the same goes for the front camera. You can, while shooting at 4K, switch to the front camera (or vice versa), which may help bloggers. Further, there are several filters to brighten photos.
Users can record 4K videos on both front and rear cameras
At night, the main camera performs decently well, capturing enough details within shadows. The video output too punches above the weight of the camera. The ultra-wide has been tuned well but, at night, you may notice some colour shifting. Overall, the main camera is the winner and one of the best in the budget-conscious category, even when it comes to reproducing skin tones. There is some level of vibrancy and AI Depth Mapping packs a punch.
The phone is powered by Exynos 1380 chipset (5nm). It allows you to breeze through games. The vapour cooling chamber can handle all the heat the phone generates during gaming, and this also ensures sustained performance. Not that Samsung is promoting this as a gaming device but you can get through most titles. The review unit came with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In case you want to use a lot of AI features, best to go with the 8GB RAM variant.
The phone comes packed with AI features, like Circle to Search, which even a few months ago was a feature only on premium Samsung phones. With Object Eraser, you can remove unwanted elements in a picture. Another AI feature is Image Clipper, which turns an object within an image into a sticker.
Make the call
There are a few unwanted apps that come preinstalled on the phone but the UI feels smooth to use, thanks to One UI 7 based on Android 15 out of the box. Further, there is support for Samsung Wallet (you can use tap and pay) and there is the promise of six years of OS and security updates, which will ensure you can cling on to the device longer.
The phone has features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser and it also sports a 13MP front camera for selfies
Even for someone who uses a flagship phone, the M36 can take care of many of the tasks that come my way. The software has been well optimised and so is the processor to maximise every drop of the 5,000mAH battery, which supports fast-charging.
Samsung Galaxy M36 5G proves you can shave off thousands of bucks and yet come away with a phone that won’t compromise everyday needs.
At a glance
Device: Samsung Galaxy M36 5G
Price: Upwards of ₹16,499
High notes
- Smooth software experience and good upgrade cycle
- The main camera is well-tuned
- Plenty of AI-related features are available
- Decent pricing
- Samsung Wallet
Muffled notes
- The chin of the phone is slightly thick
- A few unwanted apps come preloaded