Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s crowded smartphone market, finding a device that balances good performance, reliable updates, and practical features can feel like a hunt. Enter the Samsung Galaxy M36 — a phone that aims to deliver exactly that balance for people who want a dependable daily driver without spending a fortune.
Samsung’s M-series has always been about value for money, big batteries, and displays that punch above their weight. With the Galaxy M36, Samsung is trying to push this legacy further — combining a smooth AMOLED+ display, a big battery, decent cameras, useful AI tools, and six years of software and security updates, which is pretty rare in this segment.
So, does the Galaxy M36 live up to the hype? Let’s unpack this device in detail — from unboxing to real-world usability.
Unboxing the Galaxy M36: What’s Inside?
Samsung keeps the unboxing experience neat and minimalistic — just the essentials, no unnecessary clutter. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The smartphone itself, protected with minimal plastic packaging.
- USB Type-C to Type-C cable — ready for fast data transfer and charging.
- Quick Start Guide — a handy little booklet for new users.
- SIM ejector tool — to pop in your SIM or expand storage.
Note: Samsung, like many brands now, does not include a charger brick in the box, so you might need to buy the 25W charger separately if you don’t already have one.
Design & Build: Practical Yet Premium
At first glance, the Galaxy M36 sticks to the signature Samsung design philosophy — simple, clean, and practical. The back panel is made of polycarbonate, which might not feel as premium as glass, but makes the device lighter and less prone to shattering. The new camera design on the rear gives it a fresh look that sets it apart from its predecessors.
The front is well protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, which is a welcome touch for durability. Accidental drops and scratches shouldn’t be a constant worry.
Another underrated feature is the IP65 rating — this means the phone is resistant to splashes and light rain. Plus, Splash Touch ensures the touchscreen remains responsive even when wet — super handy during monsoons or sweaty workout sessions.
Ports & Buttons: Well-Placed and Functional
Samsung has kept the port and button placement familiar and functional:
- Bottom: Speaker grille, primary microphone, and the USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
- Right Side: Power button and volume rocker — easy to reach with one hand.
- Top: Secondary noise-canceling mic for clearer calls and video recording.
- Left: Hybrid SIM tray — allowing you to either use two SIMs or one SIM plus a microSD card for extra storage.
The overall ergonomics are good. The phone sits comfortably in hand despite its large display, and the button feedback is clicky and reassuring.
Display: One of the Best in Its Segment
Samsung is known for its displays, and the M36 doesn’t disappoint. You get a 6.7-inch FHD+ superAMOLED+ panel, which is bright, vivid, and sharp enough for daily tasks, content streaming, or gaming.
- Brightness: With 800 nits (HBM), outdoor readability is pretty solid — sunlight won’t wash out your screen easily.
- Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth, whether you’re flipping through Instagram, browsing Chrome, or gaming.
- Vision Booster: Samsung’s Vision Booster technology enhances color and contrast under harsh sunlight for better visibility.
- Waterdrop Notch: The notch is small and doesn’t feel distracting — it blends in nicely with the tall aspect ratio.
If you consume a lot of content on Netflix, YouTube, or even Reels — this display won’t disappoint.
Performance: Reliable for Daily Use
Inside the Galaxy M36 sits Samsung’s own Exynos 1380 chipset — an efficient mid-range SoC that strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency. With an AnTuTu score of around 600,000, you’re covered for day-to-day tasks like social media, web browsing, light gaming, and multitasking.
Paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the M36 ensures smooth app launches and decent read/write speeds.
You get three memory configurations to choose from:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage
For most users, the 8GB RAM variant should be future-proof enough for 2-3 years. The hybrid SIM slot also allows you to expand storage if you run out of space.
Thermals: Vapour Cooling for Longer Sessions
Samsung has also included a vapour cooling chamber — which is a nice bonus at this price. This means longer gaming or video recording sessions without the phone heating up too quickly.
Camera Setup: Versatile, But Don’t Expect Magic
The camera setup is practical, covering the basics well:
- 50MP main camera with OIS: Good daylight shots, stable low-light photos, and steady video.
- 8MP ultra-wide: Wide landscapes or big group shots are a breeze.
- 2MP macro: For close-ups, though it’s more of a gimmick — don’t expect flagship-level macro shots.
Selfie lovers get a 13MP front camera, which holds up well for video calls and selfies. Both front and rear cameras can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, which is impressive in this range — great for vlogging or casual YouTube content.
AI does some heavy lifting too — from scene optimization to the handy features below.
Smart AI Features: Small Touches That Add Up
Samsung’s software experience stands out with some clever AI tools:
- Circle to Search: Instantly search for anything on your screen with a simple circle gesture.
- Object Erase: Remove unwanted people or things from your photos with a tap.
- Smart Select & Image Clipper: Easily cut out objects or text.
- Gemini Live: Samsung’s new live AI assistant — good for on-device tasks and smart suggestions.
- Samsung Wallet, Knox Security, Secure Folder: Keeps your private files, passwords, and payments safe — an edge over many other brands.
Battery Life & Charging
A 5000mAh battery keeps the M36 going comfortably through a full day of mixed usage — calls, social media, YouTube, and light gaming shouldn’t drain it before bedtime.
When you do run out of juice, it supports 25W fast charging. While this isn’t the fastest in the segment, it’s reasonable and safe — you can expect 50% charge in around 30-35 minutes.
Connectivity: Ready for the Future
No major compromises here — you get:
- 12 5G bands for reliable future-proof coverage
- Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more stable internet connections
- Bluetooth 5.3 for a solid connection with your earbuds, smartwatches, or car audio.
Software Support: Longest in Its Class
One of the biggest selling points: the M36 runs One UI 7 on Android 15, with a promise of 6 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches. In a world where many brands drop support after 2-3 years, this is a huge win for buyers who plan to keep their phone for the long haul.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M36?
The Samsung Galaxy M36 is not trying to be the most powerful phone in its Under 20,000 segment — but it does tick all the right boxes for someone who wants a balanced, reliable, and durable phone with guaranteed updates for years.
The highlights?
✔️ Smooth AMOLED+ display with 120Hz refresh rate
✔️ Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
✔️ Practical camera setup with 4K recording
✔️ Useful AI tools and security features
✔️ IP65 splash resistance
✔️ 6 years of updates — a huge plus
Sure, you won’t get flagship-level gaming performance or the fastest charging out there — but for the price, the M36 offers peace of mind, solid day-to-day performance, and a trusted Samsung experience.