78
NotebookcheckRead review ↗
“Despite some minor shortcomings, such as its slow and somewhat inaccurate fingerprint sensor or its wide display bezels, the Galaxy A36 left a positive overall impression on us.”
Publisher score: 78/100 · 17mo ago
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Samsung Galaxy A36
$399 · AMOLED / long support · 1y 7m old
66
Review
Radar
Image credit: Samsung Galaxy A36 official product image
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
Look, let's cut to the chase. The Samsung Galaxy A36 at $399 is a phone where Samsung has clearly made some smart choices in specific areas, and frankly, missed the mark in others. That 120Hz Super AMOLED display is undeniably gorgeous, a real treat for the eyes, and the promise of six years of software support is a bold, commendable move that few in this segment even consider. You're getting a device that will look and feel relatively fresh for a long time, which is significant value for money if you plan to hold onto your phone. However, the narrative from other reviewers rings true: it's a phone that's good to look at, but struggles to excite beyond that. The design, while improved, still feels a bit uninspired next to the flashy innovation from rivals.
The question you need to ask yourself is what truly matters for your daily grind. If a stunning screen and long-term software assurance are your top priorities, and you can overlook a somewhat pedestrian performance profile and a fingerprint sensor that's more suggestion than certainty, then the A36 has a place in your pocket. But if you crave a bit more pep in its step, a more engaging user experience, or a design that truly turns heads, you might find yourself looking elsewhere. This is a Samsung that plays it safe, and while that offers certain reassurances, it also leaves you wanting just a little bit more spark for your hard-earned cash.
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
Alternatives
Compare with nearby picks
Most positive review signal
“Despite some minor shortcomings, such as its slow and somewhat inaccurate fingerprint sensor or its wide display bezels, the Galaxy A36 left a positive overall impression on us.”
Notebookcheck · 78
Most cautious review signal
“The Galaxy A36's best feature isn't really hardware. It's software, and specifically the promise that it'll be supported in both a security and new OS upgrade sense through to early in the next decade.”
Alex Reviews Tech · 50
Tech publication reviews
76
GSMArenaRead review ↗
“The Galaxy A36 is the most balanced Samsung midranger from the new series with an improved design, more powerful graphics, and faster charging over the Galaxy A35.”
Publisher score: 3.8/5 · 18mo ago
75
MyNextTabletRead review ↗
“For around $270, the overall package is great.”
Publisher score: 7.5/10 · 16mo ago
75
Android PoliceRead review ↗
“Samsung made several good decisions with the Galaxy A36, equipping it with an excellent 6.7-inch display and offering six years of software support.”
Publisher score: 7.5/10 · 15mo ago
70
Tech AdvisorRead review ↗
“The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is another solid, affordable mid-ranger that won't let you down.”
Publisher score: 3.5/5 · 16mo ago
60
Tom's GuideRead review ↗
“It's a good looking phone that falls flat everywhere else”
Publisher score: 3/5 · 17mo ago
60
WiredComparison
“If you’re on a budget, these are solid Android phones. But they’re comically dull next to options from Motorola and Nothing.”
Publisher score: 6/10 · 16mo ago
60
Android AuthorityRead review ↗
“The Galaxy A36 5G isn't a bad phone, but its sluggish performance holds it back in a big way.”
Publisher score: 6/10 · 18mo ago
57
PhoneArena
“Mid-range goodness, but can it hold off its rivals?”
Publisher score: 5.7/10
50
Alex Reviews TechRead review ↗
“The Galaxy A36's best feature isn't really hardware. It's software, and specifically the promise that it'll be supported in both a security and new OS upgrade sense through to early in the next decade.”
Publisher score: 2.5/5 · 19mo ago
Additional review coverage
Consumer ReportsCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 review
“This phone could still be a good budget choice if you can get it at a good price or if you need only a basic smartphone.”
Source page
PhoneArenaCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: Mid-range goodness, but can it hold off its rivals?
“The Galaxy A36 5G isn't drastically different, but it will be facing intense competition from the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e.”
Source page · 1mo ago
Android PoliceCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 review
“Samsung made several good decisions with the Galaxy A36, equipping it with an excellent 6.7-inch display and offering six years of software support.”
Source page · 15mo ago
WiredCoverage
Review: Samsung Galaxy A26 and Galaxy A36
Source page · 16mo ago
Tech AdvisorCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 review
“The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is another solid, affordable mid-ranger that won't let you down.”
Source page · 16mo ago
PCMagCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review
“The Samsung Galaxy A36 offers strong everyday performance, outstanding battery life, and years of software support, making it a good phone for price-conscious buyers.”
Source page · 17mo ago
NotebookcheckCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 review
“Despite some minor shortcomings, such as its slow and somewhat inaccurate fingerprint sensor or its wide display bezels, the Galaxy A36 left a positive overall impression on us.”
Source page · 17mo ago
Tom's GuideCoverage
Samsung Galaxy A36 review
Source page · 17mo ago
66
Samsung Galaxy A36