Samsung Galaxy M36 Review: My Honest Verdict After a Surprisingly Impressive Amazon Buy

Introduction: The Samsung Galaxy M36 Goes Under the Lens

Here’s a unique thrill in unboxing a brand-new smartphone—especially when it’s the Samsung Galaxy M36, a device that’s been generating buzz in India’s mid-range 5G segment. After purchasing the Samsung Galaxy M36 from Amazon and using it extensively in my daily routine, I decided to write this hands-on, user-focused review. Whether you’re torn between the Galaxy M36, its predecessor (Galaxy M35), or a similarly priced A-series model, this blog post offers a deep dive into specs, features, strengths, and areas where the Samsung Galaxy M36 could improve.

What follows is a fully SEO-optimized, user-friendly breakdown of the Samsung Galaxy M36—including detailed spec tables, feature explanations, side-by-side comparisons, and pros and cons. I’ve also included personal reflections and insights from top user reviews and tech experts to give you a well-rounded verdict. Let’s jump right in—the Samsung Galaxy M36 has plenty of story to tell.

Samsung Galaxy M36 At a Glance

he Samsung Galaxy M36 marks a noticeable shift in Samsung’s M-series strategy. While earlier models focused on practicality and battery life, the Galaxy M36 blends sleek design, a vibrant display, and AI-powered features. Its standout specs include a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, a 50MP OIS camera system, the Exynos 1380 chipset, Android 15 with One UI 7, long-term software support, a 5,000mAh battery, and on-device AI tools for editing and productivity.

Samsung clearly aims to deliver a well-rounded experience with the Samsung Galaxy M36, all under ₹18,000. But how does it perform beyond the spec sheet? That’s exactly what I explored through real-world usage.

Samsung Galaxy M36 Specifications & Features

To make the technical story easy to digest, here’s a concise table summarizing the Galaxy M36’s official specs as confirmed by Samsung, Amazon, and multiple tech publications35.

Let’s translate these raw specs into daily life and see how the Galaxy M36 actually feels, functions, and fares.

Design & Build Quality: Slimmer, Prettier, and Surprisingly Functional

When you first pick up the Samsung Galaxy M36, the shift from previous chunkier M-series models is instantly noticeable. The Galaxy M36 feels sleek and modern, thanks to its 7.7mm thickness and well-balanced frame. My Serene Green variant adds understated elegance, while Orange Haze offers a bold, standout look. The pill-shaped rear camera module—accentuated by a color-matched strip—feels cohesive and refined. Samsung’s flush button design adds to the premium feel.

The polycarbonate back of the Samsung Galaxy M36 is smooth to the touch but tends to attract smudges, especially in darker shades. While it offers durability and lightness, it doesn’t match the premium feel of glass or metal builds seen in pricier A-series models. However, the inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the display is a major win, offering superior scratch and drop resistance—Samsung claims up to a 2-meter drop safety net, which adds peace of mind.

Ergonomically, the Samsung Galaxy M36 feels well-balanced in hand. Button placement is intuitive, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. While there’s no official IP rating, the build feels sturdy enough for everyday use. Overall, the Galaxy M36 delivers a refined mid-range aesthetic that aligns with 2025 design trends while keeping comfort and practicality intact.

Display: Super AMOLED Shines, But Notch Shows Its Age

Samsung rarely disappoints with its displays, and the Samsung Galaxy M36 continues that legacy. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel is vibrant, crisp, and immersive. Whether you’re browsing, watching Netflix, or scrolling through social media, the Galaxy M36 delivers a visually delightful experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes interactions fluid and responsive—especially noticeable if you’re upgrading from a 60Hz device.

Peak brightness reaches up to 1073 nits, making the Samsung Galaxy M36 readable even under harsh sunlight. The Vision Booster feature dynamically adjusts contrast for outdoor visibility, and it genuinely works—details remain clear even under the Delhi sun.

However, a few drawbacks remain:

• Infinity-U Notch: The waterdrop notch feels outdated in 2025, especially when competitors offer punch-hole designs.
• Bottom Bezel: The chin is thicker than expected, slightly reducing the immersive feel.
• YouTube HDR Bug: Some users report HDR playback dropping to 480p. While I didn’t face this often, it’s worth noting.

Despite these quirks, the Samsung Galaxy M36 offers one of the best displays under ₹20,000—ideal for media lovers.

In summary: This is a display that outshines most rivals under ₹20,000 and makes media consumption a highlight—if you can overlook the older notch design.

Performance & Software Experience: Exynos 1380 in Everyday Life

Processing Power

The Samsung Galaxy M36 runs on the Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a 5nm process. Paired with 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the Galaxy M36 is designed for multitasking, casual gaming, and smooth daily use.

In my month-long usage, the Samsung Galaxy M36 performed consistently well. App launches were snappy, animations fluid, and multitasking—like split-screen and background apps—was seamless. My typical workflow (camera, Instagram, YouTube, Slack, and BGMI) ran without hiccups.

Benchmarks vs. Reality:

• AnTuTu Score: ~597,495
• Geekbench: 767 (Single-core), 2,704 (Multi-core)

While not flagship-level, these scores are competitive for the segment. The Samsung Galaxy M36 trails slightly behind Realme P3 but meets everyday expectations.

Heavy Lifting: When I pushed it with 20+ Chrome tabs, power-hungry games, or 4K video editing, occasional stutters crept in. Don’t expect flagship-grade gaming or rendering if you’re a power user. The vapor chamber cooling does help, but some heat buildup is noticeable with prolonged gaming.

Software: One UI 7 + Android 15

The Samsung Galaxy M36 ships with One UI 7 on Android 15, offering a clean, intuitive interface. Features like the Now Bar, customizable widgets, and Knox Vault security elevate the experience. AI tools such as Circle to Search and Object Eraser are genuinely useful—removing photo-bombers or identifying products with a simple gesture feels futuristic.

Samsung promises six years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy M36, making it one of the most futureproof devices in its price range.

Long-Term Support: The promise of SIX years of OS and security updates is unmatched in this price band and a huge futureproofing bonus for budget-minded users.

The Not-So-Good: As is common with Samsung, the phone ships with several (over 50) pre-installed apps. Most can be uninstalled, but it’s a minor annoyance on a fresh device. No Always-On Display option is a bummer for fans of glanceable info.

Bottom Line: If you want a reliable, snappy, day-to-day experience with the comfort of regular updates and a robust security suite, the Galaxy M36 absolutely delivers.

Camera Features: 50MP OIS on a Budget—How Good Is It?

Samsung’s marketing pushes the “Monster Camera System,” and honestly, the M36 delivers above its price when you know what to expect.

Daylight & General Photography

In good lighting, main camera photos are crisp, showcase natural (not oversaturated) color science, and retain plenty of detail. Dynamic range is solid, with only occasional over-bright highlights. Ultra-wide shots, while softer than the main, are serviceable for landscapes and group shots—colors mostly match the main sensor, minimizing the jarring color contrast that plagues some budget phones. Macro shots are decent in strong light for simple close-ups.

Portraits & Selfies

Edge detection is impressively accurate (not always, but most of the time), with pleasing, realistic background blur—that “bokeh” look every Instagram fan wants. Where the M36 occasionally slips is in skin tone accuracy, which may trend cool in complex lighting. The 13MP selfie camera is reliable in daylight—sharp, detailed, and accurate for casual snaps and video calls.

Low Light & Nightography

Here’s where the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) shines. Night shots with “Nightography” mode reveal greater detail and less blur compared to older budget phones—it genuinely surpasses many competitors in this bracket. Still, be aware: subtle grain creeps into very low-light scenes, with some loss of ultra-fine detail. If you’re shooting beyond street-lit areas, expect more aggressive softening and noise.

Video

Having 4K@30fps video recording on both front and back cameras is rare below ₹20,000 and a genuine selling point. Stabilization is good, though not flagship-level; it smooths out minor shakes and is quite acceptable for casual vlogging or family clips.

Special Features

AI enhancements—such as Object Eraser, AI Clipper, depth mapping, and multi-frame synthesis—make post-shot editing fun and effective for social sharing. Circle to Search lets you instantly identify places/products in captured scenes.

What’s the catch? Ultra-wide and macro shots remain basic, and pro photographers will find low-light performance a bit behind the very best. But for daily use, online content, and social memories, the M36 is impressively capable—especially if you keep your expectations price-appropriate.

Battery Performance: Can 5,000mAh Still Be “Monster”?

Battery capacity has always been a headline feature of the M-series, but the M36 dials things back to a 5,000mAh cell (down from last year’s 6,000mAh on the M35).

Real-World Usage

For daily, mixed-use (calls, browsing, some gaming, YouTube), the battery smoothly lasts a full day and a half—approximately 6–7 hours of screen-on time on 5G networks. For heavier users (a couple of gaming hours plus streaming), a single day is safe, but expect to plug in at night8.

• PCMark Battery Test: 8h 43m (lower than M35 and several rivals)
• Comparable devices (M35, OPPO K13, Realme P3): Range from 12–24 hours in the same test8
• Charging: 25W fast charging gets you from 20%–100% in about an hour and ten minutes (not the fastest, but reasonable). The charger is often sold separately.

Personal impression: There’s little battery anxiety unless you routinely max out brightness, play lots of games, or live on location-based apps like Maps. The reduction from 6,000mAh is a tradeoff for slimmer design. For most users, it’s “good enough,” not “endless.”

Audio & Multimedia: Mono Slip

This is one clear place where the cost-saving is felt. The M36 ships with a single mono speaker. Audio output is decently loud and sufficient for podcasts or catching up on news videos, but it lacks stereo separation, richness, and bass punch1. Music feels flat, and Netflix nights are much better with earphones or Bluetooth speakers. At this price, some competitors already offer stereo—an upgrade Samsung should prioritize next time.

There’s also no physical headphone jack, following the flagship trend. For those with legacy wired earphones, that’s a downgrade—USB-C or Bluetooth is your friend here.

Connectivity, Security & Extras

• 5G Support: Delivers fast, reliable connection speeds with full compatibility on Indian and most global bands.
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC: Advanced wireless support not always found at this price.
• Samsung Knox Vault: Hardware-based security, Secure Folder, and Auto Blocker options are peace-of-mind features.
• Samsung Wallet & Tap to Pay: Seamless, safe payments.
• Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Fast, consistent, and conveniently placed.

A few features (Always-On Display, IP water/dust rating) are missing. Also, depending on the region, not all models have NFC enabled.

Samsung Galaxy M36 vs. M35 vs. A-Series Models

Comparison is everything—especially in the fiercely competitive Android mid-range space. Here, let’s detail the differences in table form before I share what those specs mean for you as a would-be user.

Specifications Comparison: M36 vs M35 vs A-Series (A35/A36)4

Analysis & User Impact

• Display Quality: The M36 edges out rivals in screen size and vividness but is held back by a dated notch design.
• Battery Life: M35 stands out for battery beasts; the M36 is slimmer but less enduring. A36 matches on capacity but adds faster charging.
• Performance: The A36’s Snapdragon chip generally outperforms the Exynos in demanding apps/games.
• Build & Durability: The A36 feels more “flagship,” owing to the glass build and IP67 rating; the M36 focuses on a value-and-sturdiness compromise.
• Software Support: M36 and A36 both offer 6 years—a huge plus at any price.
• Photography: While specs are close, the A36 offers a higher-res macro cam and possibly better processing; the M36 is strong in daylight, with OIS giving it an edge in low light over the M35.
• Audio: Only the M35/A36 provide true stereo sound.
• Portability: The M36 is much lighter and thinner than the chunky M35 and close to the glassy, lighter A36.

In summary: The M36 is targeted at users who want latest Samsung features and software longevity in a svelte, everyday device—without flagship-level gaming or photography ambitions. The M35 is still the better bet for longest battery, while the A-series, though pricier, is suited for those chasing premium polish, best-in-class cameras, and water resistance.

Pros and Cons Table

Here’s an at-a-glance look at what makes the Galaxy M36 worth considering—and what may make you hesitate:

Explaining the Pros and Cons in Practice:

The display is truly the show-stealer—bright, sharp, and a pleasure for video or gaming. The design feels fresh, and holding a phone this light and robust for under ₹18K is a genuine delight. Six years of updates isn’t just a technical stat—it means your phone won’t feel outdated or unprotected in 2–3 years.

But, the single speaker left me reaching for Bluetooth buds more often than I’d like, and the battery, while decent, simply doesn’t reach the “monster” heights older M-series models did. Samsung’s UI bloat is a recurring frustration, but it’s manageable once you uninstall what you can. The lack of water resistance won’t matter for most, but is a confidence-sapping omission when competitors tick that box.

Why These Matter

The Samsung Galaxy M36 excels in display and battery life, making it ideal for media consumption. However, the absence of 5G and premium build materials may deter some users.

Real Amazon User Reviews: What Are People Saying?

With over 600 reviews and an average rating around 3.8–3.9/5, Amazon feedback paints a multi-faceted picture that largely mirrors my own daily experience:

Commonly Praised:

• Display Quality: “Absolutely blown away… vivid, punchy colors, great for streaming and social media.”
• Performance for the Price: “Seamless multitasking, handles all daily apps with ease.”
• Camera: “50MP OIS cam produces crisp photos, especially in broad daylight.” “Night mode genuinely useful for an affordable phone.”
• Software Commitment: “Six years of updates? That’s why I buy Samsung.”

Mixed or Negative:

• Battery Life: “Lasts a day, but not the 1.5–2 days Samsung used to offer.”
• Audio: “Mono speaker disappoints—music fans will want earbuds.”
• Heating During Intensive Use: “Gets warm after long gaming sessions.”
• Value Perception: “Good for the price, but wish the charging was faster and camera was stronger in low light.”

A Couple of One-Star Gripes:

• “Plastic back feels cheap compared to last phone. No headphone jack—why?”
• “Too many bloatware apps at start. Had to delete half of them.”

My Verdict After Living With the M36: I found myself nodding along with many of these reviews. Everyday strengths like the display, smooth UI, and “it just works” reliability stand out. But music lovers, rural gamers, or all-day Netflix addicts may want more battery and audio horsepower—the “all-rounder” title fits, but with some noted asterisks.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement: Personal Perspective

Having used the Samsung Galaxy M36 as my daily driver, let me share the real-world strengths and the places where I hope future models improve:

Where the M36 Really Shines

• Display is Class-Leading: Among the best you can get in the segment. Bright, immersive, and genuinely delightful for everything from social to binge-watching.
• Modern, Lightweight Feel: A phone that’s comfortable for all-day carrying—far from the brick-like mid-rangers of old.
• Reliable Day-to-Day Performance: Handles any non-pro task: messaging, browsing, photo editing, light gaming. I never missed my costlier flagship.
• Futureproof Software: Samsung’s six-year update promise is rare at any price.
• Photography Per Pound: OIS, decent night mode, and 4K video make this a real “content creator” phone if you know its limits.
• Practical AI Tools: “AI Circle to Search” became my go-to for identifying products or info in photos and videos; photo editing features are fun, not just fluff.

Where the M36 Could Improve

• Speaker & Audio: Most disappointing part—needs stereo, especially when competitors offer it for less. I use headphones for any serious listening.
• Battery Shrink: 5,000mAh is “normal,” but M35’s 6,000mAh spoiled me. Users who need “two days, no charging” will be let down.
• Front Design Language: In 2025, a waterdrop notch on a midranger isn’t on trend. Samsung must shift to punch-hole for universal appeal.
• Charging: 25W is passable, but some phones now hit 33W (or higher) at similar prices.
• Preloaded Apps: The number of unneeded extras can overwhelm new users; thankfully, most uninstall.
• No Water Resistance: One accidental drop in water away from disaster—IP67/68 is overdue, and rivals are catching on.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M36?

If you’re searching for a mid-range phone with a reliable brand, a stunning display, solid camera, long-term software support, and a sleek in-hand feel, the Galaxy M36 stands out as a safe, enjoyable bet at ₹17,499.

Buy It If:

• You value screen quality and up-to-date Android/One UI support.
• You want a Samsung without breaking the bank.
• AI features and day-to-day camera sharpness matter to you.
• Light weight and robust build trump “big battery” chunkiness.

Consider Alternatives If:

• You need best-in-class battery (consider M35) or fastest charging.
• Audio quality (stereo speakers, headphone jack) is a deal-breaker.
• You crave flagship-level gaming, camera processing, or want premium materials at any cost (look to A36).

The M36 is all about balance—it’s the Android equivalent of a “reliable daily commuter.” It isn’t trying to be flashy, but it consistently gets the job done with enough style and smarts to remind you of its value. As a long-time Samsung fan using this as my everyday smartphone, I’m happy—but clear-eyed about its trade-offs.

Suggestions for Samsung: Give us true stereo speakers, a slightly bigger battery, faster charging, a punch-hole display, and keep the six-year promise—then this series will be untouchable.

If you’ve made it to the end, congrats! Hope this helped you decide if the Galaxy M36 is your next smartphone. Feel free to drop your own experiences or questions in the comments—would love to offer even more real-world insight.

Disclaimer

This blog reflects my personal experience and opinions about the Samsung Galaxy M36. All specifications, features, and comparisons are accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources before making any purchase decisions. I am not liable for any outcomes, technical issues, or decisions made based on this content. For any queries, please reach us via our Contact Page