The Samsung Galaxy M series has always been focused on delivering affordable smartphones with powerful batteries, big displays, and reliable performance. After the success of the Galaxy M34 and M35, Samsung introduced the Samsung Galaxy M36, an upgraded device aimed at mid-range users who want a balance of long battery life, improved cameras, 5G connectivity, and a smooth display experience.
Launched in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy M36 positions itself as a value-for-money smartphone in the crowded mid-range 5G segment, competing against the likes of Redmi Note 14 Pro, Realme 15 Pro, iQOO Neo 9, and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite.
In this detailed review, let’s explore the Samsung Galaxy M36’s design, display, performance, camera, battery, features, software, pros and cons, and price in India.
Design and Build
Modern and Minimalist
The Galaxy M36 sports a sleek and minimalist design with flat edges, a polycarbonate back, and a triple camera module aligned vertically, inspired by Samsung’s premium S-series lineup.
Dimensions
- Thickness: Around 8.6 mm
- Weight: ~198 g
- Comfortable for one-hand use while packing a large battery.
Colors
Samsung offers the M36 in multiple youthful colors such as Midnight Black, Electric Blue, Forest Green, and Pearl White, appealing to younger audiences.
Display
Big AMOLED Screen
The Galaxy M36 features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, offering:
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- 240Hz touch sampling rate for gaming responsiveness
- 1080 × 2408 resolution for sharp visuals
Brightness and Protection
With 1,000 nits peak brightness, outdoor visibility is excellent. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 for durability.
Performance and Hardware
Processor
The Samsung Galaxy M36 is powered by the Exynos 1380 / Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (region-dependent) chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance.
RAM and Storage
- 6GB / 8GB RAM options
- 128GB / 256GB storage, expandable via microSD card up to 1TB
Gaming and Multitasking
With a 5nm chipset, Mali-G68 / Adreno GPU, and enhanced cooling, the M36 can handle popular titles like BGMI, Free Fire, and COD Mobile at medium to high settings without major frame drops.
Software and User Experience
The device runs on One UI 6.1 based on Android 15, with:
- Customizable UI features
- Samsung Knox security
- OS updates for 4 years + 5 years of security patches
This makes the Galaxy M36 future-ready compared to many rivals.
Camera Setup
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy M36 sports a triple-camera setup:
- 64MP OIS main sensor – sharp and stable photos
- 8MP ultra-wide lens – captures wider shots
- 2MP macro/depth sensor – for close-ups and portraits
Front Camera
- 32MP punch-hole selfie camera with AI beautification and night mode
Camera Features
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- Night mode and Pro mode
- AI scene detection
- EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother videos
Camera Performance
- Daylight photos: Excellent color reproduction and details
- Low-light shots: Improved with Night Mode + OIS
- Portraits: Natural bokeh with edge detection
- Selfies: Crisp and social-media ready
Battery and Charging
Huge 6000mAh Battery
The Galaxy M36 continues the M-series tradition with a 6000mAh battery, one of the biggest in its class.
Charging Speed
- Fast charging: 33W wired
- USB Type-C port
- No wireless charging (to keep costs lower)
Battery Life
- 2-day usage on normal tasks
- 10–12 hours screen-on time for heavy users
- Perfect for gamers, students, and travelers
Connectivity and Features
- 5G support (12+ bands)
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual-SIM + microSD slot
- 3.5mm headphone jack (a rarity in 2025)
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers for immersive sound
Security
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner (fast and accurate)
- Face unlock option
- Samsung Knox multi-layer security
Price and Variants in India (2025)
- 6GB + 128GB: ₹17,999
- 8GB + 256GB: ₹20,499
This pricing makes the Galaxy M36 a solid mid-range option with long-lasting performance and features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Massive 6000mAh battery with good fast charging
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- OIS-enabled 64MP camera for stable shots
- Future-ready 5G connectivity
- Samsung Knox & 4 years of OS updates
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Plastic back (less premium feel)
- Not the most powerful chipset in its class
- Fast charging speed could be higher compared to rivals (67W/80W phones)
Competition Comparison
Samsung Galaxy M36 vs Redmi Note 14 Pro
- Redmi offers faster charging (67W) but Samsung provides better battery backup and UI.
Samsung Galaxy M36 vs Realme 15 Pro
- Realme has a sleeker design, but Samsung offers longer software support.
Samsung Galaxy M36 vs iQOO Neo 9
- iQOO is more gaming-focused with higher performance, but M36 excels in battery life.
Samsung Galaxy M36 vs OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite
- OnePlus offers OxygenOS experience, but Samsung provides stronger security and updates.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M36 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone in 2025, perfect for those who prioritize long battery life, reliable performance, stable cameras, and regular software updates. While it may not match rivals in raw performance or ultra-fast charging, it delivers excellent value for money with its balanced package.
If you’re a student, traveler, gamer, or content creator looking for a phone that lasts long and performs consistently, the Galaxy M36 is one of the best choices in its segment.
