Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Review: The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is Samsung’s latest entry in the budget-friendly M series, launched in June 2025 and now widely available in India. Priced around Rs 15,000, it promises a clean design, decent battery life, and reliable software, making it a go-to for first-time smartphone users or those on a tight budget.
But does it deliver real value, or is it just a pretty face with average insides? In this hands-on review, we’ll break down its strengths and weaknesses in simple terms, from the eye-catching build to camera performance and daily use. If you’re comparing it to rivals like the Moto G85 or Realme Narzo 70, the M36 5G focuses on smooth experience over raw power. After testing it for a week, it’s a solid pick for basics but might leave gamers wanting more.
Design and Build: Premium Feel on a Budget
The Galaxy M36 5G catches the eye with its modern, clean look borrowed from higher-end Samsung phones. The body uses a polycarbonate back with a metallic finish on the sides, giving it a sturdy, premium vibe without feeling cheap. It’s slim at just 7.7mm thick and weighs 197 grams, so it’s comfortable for one-handed use during calls or scrolling. The triple camera setup on the back is neatly arranged without a bulky bump, unlike some competitors – it sits flush and looks sleek.
Available in fun colors like Serene Green and Orange, the matte back resists fingerprints well, though the glossy frame can attract smudges. Up front, it’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better scratch and drop resistance. However, there’s no official water or dust resistance rating like IP67, so be careful around water. The teardrop notch for the selfie camera feels a bit old-school in 2025, with thicker bezels than punch-hole designs on pricier models. Overall, it feels durable for daily pocket carry, but don’t expect luxury like glass backs here.
Display: Vibrant but Not the Sharpest
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen is a highlight, delivering rich colors and deep blacks for watching videos or browsing photos. It has a full HD+ resolution (about 393 pixels per inch), which looks sharp enough for everyday tasks like social media or reading news. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth and responsive – apps open quickly without lag.
Brightness peaks at around 1,000 nits, so it’s visible outdoors in sunlight, but not the brightest in direct glare. It supports HDR10+ for better streaming on Netflix or YouTube, though colors can sometimes look overly vibrant. The always-on display shows quick info like time and notifications without draining much battery. Protected by Gorilla Glass, it’s tough against minor bumps, but the notch interrupts full-screen viewing a tad. For media lovers on a budget, this screen punches above its price, but gamers might want higher resolution.
Performance: Good for Basics, Not for Heavy Gaming
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset – a mid-range processor on a 5nm process – the M36 5G handles daily chores like calls, messaging, and light multitasking smoothly. With options for 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage (expandable via microSD up to 1TB), it runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7 skin out of the box. This setup feels clean and bloatware-free, with useful AI tools like Circle to Search (draw around items to Google them) and Google Gemini integration for quick summaries.
Benchmark scores are decent: around 500,000 on AnTuTu, good for apps like Instagram or Chrome. Casual games like Candy Crush run fine, but heavier ones like PUBG at high settings might stutter or heat up after 30 minutes. No 5G issues in tests – it connects fast on Jio or Airtel. Samsung promises six major OS updates and seven years of security patches, which is excellent for longevity. It’s not a speed demon, but reliable for students or office workers who aren’t into intense gaming.
Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Key Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the main specs in a simple table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 (5nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB (expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh with 25W charging |
| OS | Android 15, One UI 7 (6 OS updates, 7 years security) |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus+, 197g, 7.7mm thick |
| Other Features | 5G, stereo speakers, side fingerprint sensor |
| Colors | Serene Green, Orange, Black |
| Price (Starting) | Rs 15,194 / $180 |
Camera Setup: Improved Night Shots but Average Overall
The cameras get a nice boost with optical image stabilization (OIS) on the 50MP main sensor, keeping photos steady even in low light. Daytime shots are detailed with natural colors, great for social media. The 8MP ultrawide captures wide scenes like landscapes without much distortion, and the 2MP macro is fun for close-ups of flowers or food. Nightography mode shines here – AI helps reduce blur and brighten dark areas, making evening pics usable.
Videos record up to 4K at 30fps with decent stabilization for vlogs. The 13MP front camera takes clear selfies with soft skin tones, ideal for video calls. However, the ultrawide can get noisy in dim light, and zoom beyond 2x loses detail. It’s a step up from the M35 but not pro-level – fine for casual users, not photographers.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Reliability
The 5,000mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use – about 7-8 hours of screen time for browsing, calls, and light streaming. Standby drain is low, and the efficient Exynos chip helps stretch it further. In tests, it handled 6 hours of mixed use without dipping below 40%.
Charging is 25W wired (full in about 80 minutes), but no wireless option or charger in the box – grab a compatible one. It’s solid for commuters but lags behind rivals with 50W speeds. No major overheating during calls or charging.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G isn’t just style without substance – it’s a well-rounded budget phone that prioritizes a smooth, reliable experience for everyday needs. The premium build, vibrant display, and long update promise make it a safe choice, especially if you value Samsung’s ecosystem. However, if gaming or fast charging is key, look elsewhere like the Poco M6 Pro. For under Rs 16,000, it’s worth considering on Flipkart or Amazon – grab the 8GB variant for better multitasking. Overall, it proves Samsung can deliver quality on a dime!
FAQ
1. What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G in India?
It starts at Rs 15,194 for the 6GB + 128GB model, available on Flipkart and Amazon.
2. Does the Galaxy M36 5G support 5G networks?
Yes, it has full 5G support for fast data on compatible carriers like Jio and Airtel.
3. How long does the battery last on the M36 5G?
The 5,000mAh battery provides a full day of use, with about 7-8 hours of screen time.
4. What software updates does it get?
It runs Android 15 with One UI 7 and promises six major OS upgrades plus seven years of security patches.
5. Is the camera on the M36 5G good for low light?
Yes, the 50MP main camera with OIS and Nightography mode handles low-light shots well for its price.