Samsung has bolstered its Galaxy M-series with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G in India on June 27, 2025, targeting young consumers seeking premium features at a budget-friendly price.
Starting at ₹17,499, this mid-range smartphone offers a vibrant Super AMOLED display, a capable Exynos 1380 chipset, and a suite of Galaxy AI features, positioning it as a strong contender against devices like the Vivo T4 5G and iQOO Neo 10R. Here’s an in-depth look at its specs, features, and why it’s a notable addition to the sub-₹20,000 segment.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5nm) |
| Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging |
| Storage | Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB + microSD |
| Price | From ₹16,499 (with discount) |
Display
The Galaxy M36 5G features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 1080×2340 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. With a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and Vision Booster technology, it ensures clarity in bright sunlight, ideal for gaming and streaming.
Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, it offers robust scratch and drop resistance. However, the return of the waterdrop notch, a downgrade from the M35’s punch-hole design, has drawn some criticism for its dated look.
Also Read: iQOO Neo 10R Launched in India: Gaming Powerhouse Under ₹30,000
Performance
Powered by the 5nm-based Exynos 1380 chipset, with four 2.4GHz Cortex-A78 cores and four 2.0GHz Cortex-A55 cores, paired with a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, the M36 5G delivers reliable performance for multitasking and moderate gaming, scoring 1,004 single-core and 2,886 multi-core on Geekbench.
Available in 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB variants with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), it handles daily tasks well but lags behind competitors like the iQOO Neo 10R’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in high-end gaming. A large vapor cooling chamber ensures efficient heat dissipation, though some users report minor heating during extended use.
Versatile Camera System with AI Enhancements
The Galaxy M36 5G sports a triple rear camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor with OIS for shake-free photos and videos, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The 13MP front camera supports 4K 30fps video recording, delivering decent selfies.
AI features like Circle to Search, Photo Remaster, and Object Eraser enhance the photography experience, with Auto Night Mode improving low-light shots. While daylight photos are sharp, the ultrawide and macro lenses struggle in dim conditions, and the camera system is less competitive than the Vivo T4 5G’s 50MP setup.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord 5 Launched in India: A Mid-Range Marvel with Flagship Power
Battery Life
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Galaxy M36 5G offers up to 1.5 days of moderate use, though it’s a downgrade from the M35’s 6,000mAh capacity, drawing some user criticism. It supports 25W fast charging, but no charger is included in the box, and charging speeds are slower than rivals like the Vivo T4 5G’s 90W FlashCharge. Samsung’s Battery Health Engine ensures longevity, retaining 80% capacity after multiple cycles, making it suitable for heavy users despite the smaller battery.
Design with Modern Touches
At 7.7mm thick and 197 grams, the Galaxy M36 5G features a slim, glass-body design with a premium camera deco, available in Orange Haze, Serene Green, and Velvet Black. Its IP67 rating offers dust and water resistance, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide immersive audio, though bass depth is limited. The waterdrop notch and plastic frame feel less premium compared to the POCO F7’s metal build and higher IP ratings.
One UI 7 and AI Integration
Running Android 15 with One UI 7, the Galaxy M36 5G offers a smooth, customizable interface with Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search with Google, Gemini Live, and AI Select for enhanced productivity and media editing. Samsung promises six years of OS upgrades and security updates, a segment-leading commitment.
However, some bloatware is present, which may detract from the experience compared to the cleaner OxygenOS on the OnePlus Nord 5. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C, but NFC is not mentioned.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy M36 5G is priced at ₹17,499 (6GB/128GB), ₹18,999 (8GB/128GB), and ₹21,999 (8GB/256GB), with an effective starting price of ₹16,499 after a ₹1,000 bank discount during the Amazon Prime Day Sale (July 12-14, 2025). It’s available via Amazon, Samsung’s website, and select retail stores starting July 12, 2025, competing with the Vivo T4 5G (₹21,999) and iQOO Neo 10R (₹26,999).
Why the Galaxy M36 5G Matters
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G brings premium features like a Super AMOLED display, long-term software support, and AI enhancements to the budget segment, making it a solid choice for young consumers. However, the smaller battery, slower charging, and waterdrop notch are notable downgrades from the M35 5G, drawing mixed feedback.
Compared to the Vivo T4 5G’s larger battery and faster charging or the iQOO Neo 10R’s superior performance, the M36 5G excels in display quality and software longevity. For users prioritizing reliability and brand trust under ₹20,000, it’s a compelling option in 2025’s mid-range market.
