Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Affordable 120Hz AMOLED Phone
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a mid-range Android smartphone featuring a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 256GB storage, 50MP main camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.
This international unlocked version also offers Dual SIM support and IP67 water resistance, making it a practical option for everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 × 1080 FHD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP with OIS |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP |
| Macro | 5MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Video | Up to 4K 30fps |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | Up to 45W |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
| SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 195g |
| OS at Launch | Android 15 / One UI 7 |
Samsung officially lists 256GB versions with Dual SIM support, although RAM and SIM/eSIM configuration vary by region.
Performance
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 provides good everyday performance for:
- Social media
- Web browsing
- YouTube and Netflix
- Messaging
- Photo editing
- Multitasking
- Casual gaming
Performance is smooth for normal daily use, although demanding gaming is not its strongest area. Independent testing also found gaming performance more limited than flagship-class phones.
6.7-Inch AMOLED Display
The Galaxy A36 features a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The high refresh rate provides smooth scrolling, animations and gaming, while AMOLED technology delivers strong contrast and deep blacks.
It is particularly good for:
- Movies
- YouTube
- Social media
- Gaming
- Web browsing
Camera
The rear camera system includes:
50MP Main Camera with OIS
8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
5MP Macro Camera
The front camera uses a 12MP sensor. Samsung also supports 4K video recording at 30fps.
The 50MP main camera performs well for everyday photography, particularly in good lighting.
The absence of a dedicated telephoto camera is one of the main differences compared with more expensive Galaxy S-series phones.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A36 has a large 5,000mAh battery.
Samsung rates the phone for up to 29 hours of video playback, while independent testing has also shown strong battery endurance.
The phone supports up to 45W wired charging, a major improvement over older Galaxy A-series models.
256GB Storage
This version includes 256GB of internal storage.
Samsung lists approximately 233GB available before additional apps and user files on several international 256GB variants.
That is plenty for:
- Apps
- Photos
- Videos
- Music
- Offline content
For most users, 256GB is a much more practical choice than 128GB.
Dual SIM & International Model
This listing is for an international factory-unlocked version.
Depending on the exact regional model, Samsung offers combinations including:
- Dual Nano-SIM
- Nano-SIM + eSIM
- Dual eSIM
Some international versions instead use two physical Nano-SIM slots.
Buyers in Canada should verify the exact model number, supported carrier bands, VoLTE/5G compatibility and warranty coverage before purchasing an imported version.
IP67 Water Resistance
The Galaxy A36 includes IP67 water and dust resistance, giving it better protection than many budget smartphones.
It also has a slim body measuring about 7.4mm thick and weighs approximately 195g.
Software Support
Samsung launched the Galaxy A36 with Android 15 and provides long-term software support.
Samsung lists security support through March 2031 for the Galaxy A36 5G.
That makes long software support one of the phone’s strongest advantages.
Pros
✓ Large 6.7-inch AMOLED display
✓ Smooth 120Hz refresh rate
✓ 256GB storage
✓ 50MP main camera with OIS
✓ Large 5,000mAh battery
✓ 45W fast charging
✓ IP67 water resistance
✓ Dual SIM support
✓ Long software support
✓ Factory unlocked
Cons
✗ No dedicated telephoto camera
✗ Gaming performance is only mid-range
✗ Macro camera has limited usefulness
✗ No wireless charging
✗ International-model warranty may differ
✗ Exact RAM/SIM configuration varies by region
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Rating
Performance: 8.2/10
Display: 9.1/10
Camera: 8.3/10
Battery: 9.2/10
Design: 8.8/10
Features: 8.6/10
Value: 8.9/10
Overall: 8.7/10
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a well-balanced mid-range smartphone for users who prioritize a large AMOLED display, battery life, storage and long-term software support.
Its 120Hz screen, 50MP OIS camera, 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging and 256GB storage provide a strong everyday package.
The biggest drawbacks are the lack of a telephoto camera and flagship-level gaming performance.
For an international unlocked phone, buyers should also verify carrier compatibility and warranty coverage before purchasing.
