If you’re in the market for a solid mid-range smartphone in India and want a good mix of features without spending top-dollar, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is worth a serious look.
In this article I’ll walk you through what it costs, what it offers, what’s good and what to watch out for — all in plain, friendly language, so you can decide whether it’s the right phone for you.
Price in India – What you’ll pay (and find)
When the Galaxy A36 5G launched in India, the starting price for the base variant (8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage) was around ₹ 32,999. The next step up — 8 GB + 256 GB — was about ₹ 35,999, and the top 12 GB + 256 GB version was around ₹ 38,999.
Over time, with sales and offers, you can find deals in the ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 33,000 range for the base model.
So if your budget is roughly ₹ 30K-₹ 40K, the Galaxy A36 is right in that sweet zone for mid-premium value.
What you get for the price – Key features
Here’s a breakdown of the main features that justify the price tag.
Display & design
- A large ~6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate — meaning smoother scrolling, smoother animations and generally more pleasing feel than the standard 60Hz screens.
- Full HD+ resolution (so sharp enough for everyday use).
- Modern build: slim bezels, good design.
- Samsung tends to bring in reliable build quality, which is one of the benefits here.
Performance
- The phone uses a capable chipset (for this price segment) that handles the usual tasks (social media, streaming, light gaming) very well.
- Configuration options of 8 GB RAM and 12 GB RAM ensure reasonable multitasking head-room.
- Storage variants up to 256 GB make it suitable for many users who download apps, take photos, store videos.
Camera setup
- Rear triple-camera system: a 50 MP main sensor, paired with ultra-wide and macro lenses.
- Front camera is adequate, enough for selfies/ video calls.
- With the camera hardware, you’ll get good results in good lighting — which means solid photos without needing a flagship camera budget.
Battery life & charging
- A 5,000 mAh class battery is included, which is generous in this segment.
- Fast charging support (e.g., 45W in many specs) means you don’t have to wait ages to recharge.
- For everyday use (apps, streaming, camera, social) you can expect one full day of battery, maybe more if you’re moderate.
Software & updates
- Ships with the latest Android version (Android 15) and Samsung’s One UI layer.
- Samsung has been promising stronger update commitments in recent models, which means better long-term value.
- Features like good build, reliable brand, and after-sales ecosystem add to confidence.
Why the price makes sense
Putting it all together: you’re getting a phone with a 120 Hz AMOLED display, good performance, a strong battery, decent cameras, and the backing of Samsung’s service. Those are things you might have to pay quite a bit more for in just a couple of years back.
So the Galaxy A36 gives you a taste of “premium” features without the ultra-premium cost. That means the price asked — ~₹ 30K-₹ 40K — represents very good value for what you get.
Things to keep in mind — What to weigh
While the Galaxy A36 5G is a strong mid-range contender, there are a few trade-offs or things you may want to check before you buy.
Flat vs curved display
Here the display is large and smooth, but if you’re someone who prefers the very best “flagship” quality (say ultra-bright display in harsh sunlight, or very high refresh rate beyond 120Hz) then you might find premium models slightly ahead.
Storage and variant cost
The base variant (8GB + 128GB) is decent, but if you’re a heavy user who records lots of 4K videos, takes large photo libraries, plays heavy games, you might want to go for the 256GB version. That will cost more. Make sure you pick a variant that gives you “enough” storage for a couple of years’ use.
Software experience
Samsung’s UI is polished and full of features, but unlike a “bare bones” stock Android experience it may have extra apps or features you don’t necessarily use. If you’re someone who wants ultra-minimal software, you might want to be ready to disable some bloat or set things up your way.
Gaming / very heavy use
If you’re a hardcore gamer, someone using games with the highest graphics settings for long sessions, you might find that even though this phone handles most games very well, the very top-tier “gaming flagships” still pull ahead in performance, cooling and specialised gaming features.
So if gaming is your top priority, you might compare with a one-tier higher device.
Who the Galaxy A36 is ideal for
Here are some profiles of users who will get the best value from this phone.
- Photography enthusiasts (mid-budget) — You want good camera hardware without flagship price. The 50MP main camera + decent supporting lenses give you strong day time shooting, and the brand build means reliability.
- Media & entertainment users — Large, smooth display + good speakers + strong battery = great for watching videos, streaming, browsing, scrolling through social apps.
- Everyday multitaskers — Many apps open, constant switching between social, email, streaming, photos. The 8-12GB RAM and decent chipset help keep things smooth.
- People who want “premium feel” without flagship cost — You’ll hold the phone and feel premium, you’ll see the big screen, modern design, good performance. Yet you won’t pay flagship price.
Who might want to look at alternatives
You might consider other options if:
- Your top priority is ultra-high-end gaming and you’re willing to pay more for better GPU, advanced cooling, gaming-specific features.
- You want very long software update guarantees (5-6 years OS, 6-7 years security) — while Samsung is improving, some brands may push stronger promises.
- You’re working with a strict budget under ~₹ 25,000 (in which case you may sacrifice some features but get more savings).
- You prefer very large batteries / unique features (foldables, super-zoom cameras) that fall outside this segment.
Real-life usage: What to expect daily
So what happens when you use the Galaxy A36 for a week or two?
- In-hand feel: You’ll notice the large screen, but the design is comfortable. The good build quality means it doesn’t feel cheap.
- Display experience: Scrolling through social apps, reading web pages, watching YouTube — the 120 Hz refresh means things feel fluid. Brightness will be good for indoor and many outdoor scenarios.
- Camera use: For everyday photos — friends, family, outings — you’ll get very good results. Low light may not be flagship-level, but will still be very usable. Selfies and video calls will be solid.
- Battery & charging: You’ll likely finish the day with battery to spare unless you push heavy gaming. A quick top-up won’t take too long thanks to fast charging.
- Software & updates: Everyday tasks feel snappy; brand support and service centre availability give peace of mind.
- Durability: Since it’s Samsung, you can expect service network and parts fairly reliable, which matters when you spend a decent amount.
Final verdict
If I were to sum it up: The Galaxy A36 5G offers very good value. It hits a sweet spot where you get premium-feeling features — big smooth screen, good camera, strong battery, and brand reliability — without paying flagship prices.
For most users looking in the ~₹ 30K-₹ 40K range who want a “one-phone-solution” for everyday use, entertainment, photos, social and general performance, this is a smart pick.
If you’re one of those users, the Galaxy A36 5G should definitely be on your shortlist. On the other hand, if your budget is much lower, or your needs are ultra-specialised (heavy gaming, ultra zoom, foldable form-factor), then you might explore alternate models. But for the majority, this phone hits the right balance.
