The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G has arrived, and it’s making waves in the budget smartphone market with its sleek design, AI-powered features, and vibrant performance. Priced starting at ₹17,499 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant in the stunning Serene Green, this phone aims to deliver premium features without breaking the bank. After spending some quality time with this device, I’m excited to share why the Galaxy M36 5G is a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for style and substance. Let’s dive into the details!
Design and Build: Slim, Stylish, and Sturdy
Rating: 8.5/10
At just 7.7mm thick, the SamsungGalaxy M36 5G feels impressively slim and lightweight, making it a joy to hold. The Serene Green colorway, alongside Velvet Black and Orange Haze, exudes a modern, premium vibe with its dual-tone matte finish and silver sides. The polycarbonate frame and back have a metallic sheen that elevates its look beyond typical budget phones. The triple-camera module blends seamlessly into the back, avoiding the bulky humps seen on some rivals.
However, the Infinity-U notch and slightly thicker bottom bezel feel like a step back compared to punch-hole displays on competitors like the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite. Still, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection is a standout feature, offering durability that’s rare in this price range. It’s tough enough to handle accidental drops and scratches, making it ideal for everyday use.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
Rating: 8.8/10
Samsung Galaxy M36 5G display prowess shines through with the samsung galaxy M36 5G’s 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel. With a 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology, the screen delivers buttery-smooth scrolling and vibrant colors that pop, whether you’re streaming videos or gaming. The 1080 x 2340 resolution ensures sharp visuals, and the display holds up well under direct sunlight, with deep blacks and excellent contrast.
Compared to the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which also sports an AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ gives it an edge in durability. However, the notch design feels dated next to the sleeker punch-hole displays of some competitors. Overall, it’s a delightful screen for media consumption and casual gaming.
Performance: Snappy for Everyday Use
Rating: 8/10
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a 5nm process, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G handles daily tasks with ease. Paired with 6GB of RAM and a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, it offers smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and decent gaming performance for titles like BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile. The inclusion of a vapor chamber cooling system keeps thermals in check during extended use.
When pitted against the Oppo K13 5G, which uses a Snapdragon 750G, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G’s performance is comparable but benefits from Samsung’s optimized One UI 7.0, based on Android 15. However, it’s not a powerhouse for high-end gaming, where a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in pricier models like the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite pulls ahead. For most users, though, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G delivers a lag-free experience.
Camera: AI-Powered Photography
Rating: 8.2/10
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G’s triple-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The main camera captures crisp, vibrant photos in daylight, with natural colors and sharp details. The AI-enhanced features, like Object Eraser and Image Clipper, make editing a breeze, while the Nightography mode excels in low-light conditions, reducing noise and preserving details.
Portrait shots stand out with precise edge detection and a natural bokeh effect, rivaling the Motorola Moto G96 5G’s camera performance. The 13MP front camera is reliable for selfies but lacks 4K video recording, a feature offered by some competitors. Compared to the Redmi Note 14, the M36 5G’s low-light performance is slightly better, but the macro lens feels like an afterthought.
AI Features: Smart and Seamless
Rating: 9/10
Samsung’s push to democratize AI shines with the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G. Circle to Search with Google lets you instantly search for text, images, or music by circling them on the screen, and it’s as smooth as on flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Gemini Live adds conversational AI assistance, making tasks like setting reminders or searching maps effortless. Features like AI Clipper and Edit Suggestions enhance photo editing, giving the M36 5G a premium feel.
Compared to the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite, which lacks such advanced AI integration, the M36 5G feels futuristic. These features are intuitive and genuinely useful, setting it apart in the sub-₹20,000 segment.
Battery and Charging: Reliable but Not the Fastest
Rating: 7.8/10
The 5,000mAh battery lasts a day and a half with moderate use, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. Heavy users can expect a full day of usage, with One UI 7’s optimizations ensuring efficient power management. However, the 25W fast charging feels sluggish compared to the 45W charging on the Oppo K13 5G. Plus, there’s no charger in the box, which is a minor inconvenience.
Against the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which also has a 5,000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G’s battery life is on par, but its charging speed lags. Still, for most users, the battery performance is dependable.
Software and Updates: Future-Proof
Rating: 9.2/10
Running One UI 7.0 on Android 15, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G offers a polished and intuitive user experience. The interface is clean, with customizable widgets and a handy Now Bar for lock screen updates. Samsung’s promise of six years of Android upgrades and security updates is unmatched in this segment, ensuring the phone stays relevant until 2031.
Compared to the Motorola Moto G96 5G, which offers fewer years of updates, the Samsung galaxy M36 5G’s long-term software support is a major advantage. The only downside is the Glance lock screen ads, which can’t be disabled, a minor annoyance in an otherwise stellar software package.
Connectivity and Extras
Rating: 8/10
The M36 5G supports 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and USB-C, with an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security. However, it lacks NFC in India due to regional preferences, which might disappoint users wanting contactless payments. The single bottom-firing speaker is a weak point, distorting at high volumes, unlike the stereo speakers on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite.
Verdict: A Value-Packed Contender
Overall Rating: 8.4/10
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that punches above its price tag. Its vibrant AMOLED display, AI-powered features, and long-term software support make it a standout in the sub-₹20,000 segment. While the notch design and slower charging are minor drawbacks, the sleek build, capable performance, and impressive camera make it a strong contender.
Comparison with Similar Products
- OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite: Offers a punch-hole display and faster 45W charging but lacks the M36 5G’s AI features and Gorilla Glass Victus+. Performance is slightly better for gaming, but software support is shorter.
- Oppo K13 5G: Features a Snapdragon 750G and faster charging, but its display and software updates don’t match the M36 5G’s quality or longevity.
- Motorola Moto G96 5G: Has a similar camera setup but falls short in AI features and software support, though it offers stereo speakers.
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re after a stylish, future-proof smartphone with a great display and innovative AI features, the Galaxy M36 5G is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone seeking value without sacrificing quality. For photography enthusiasts or gamers needing top-tier performance, you might want to explore pricier options.
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is available on Samsung’s official website, Amazon, and select offline retailers starting at ₹16,499 during promotional sales. Grab it in Serene Green for a blend of elegance and performance that’s hard to beat!
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of July 13, 2025, and may vary based on promotions or retailers.
