Key highlights
- 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz; 1,200 nits HBM, up to ~1,900 nits peak (market-dependent).
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 • One UI 8 (Android 16 rolling), 6 OS + 6 years security updates.
- 50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro; 12 MP selfie with Video HDR.
- 5,000 mAh battery • 45W wired fast charging.
- IP67 water/dust resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus+ (front), glass back.
- India pricing snapshot: launch from ₹32,999 (8/128); street deals often ₹28.5k–33.5k. US street ~$399–$449.
Tip: Use crisp bullets for Featured Snippets.
Latest update
October 2025
- One UI 8 (Android 16) rollout is live/expanding in multiple regions (India schedule updated Oct 7).
- US (Verizon): Android 16 OTA landed early October with the September 2025 security patch.
- General notes: performance polish, UI refinements, security fixes, “Awesome Intelligence” additions.
Update timeline
- Oct 2025: One UI 8 rollout called out on Samsung support pages.
- Early Oct 2025: Verizon A36 Android 16 (One UI 8) released.
- Mar 2025: Shipped with One UI 7 (Android 15); 6 OS / 6 yrs security policy announced.
How we test (Methodology)
- Display: color accuracy, brightness, HDR, PWM, sunlight legibility.
- Performance: repeatable benchmarks + sustained runs; thermals.
- Battery & charging: mixed-use script, idle drain, 45W timing.
- Cameras: day/night, portrait/ultra/macro consistency, video HDR, stabilization.
- Networks & audio: Wi-Fi, 5G throughput, mic/speaker loudness.
- Software & updates: features, bug-fix cadence, monthly patch stamps.
We test retail/loaner units in real-world conditions.
Network
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
|---|---|
| SIM Type | Dual SIM (nano) or nano + eSIM (dual eSIM support varies by region) |
| 5G | Sub-6; carrier aggregation |
| VoLTE / VoWiFi | Yes / Yes |
Launch
| Announced | March 1, 2025 (global); India on March 3, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Status | Available 2025 |
Body
| Dimensions | 162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~195 g |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back; frame plastic/metal mix (market-dependent) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (up to 1 m for 30 min) |
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome Lavender, Awesome White, Awesome Lime (varies by region) |
Display
| Type | Super AMOLED |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1080 × 2340) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Brightness | HBM 1,200 nits; peak up to ~1,900 nits (claim; may vary) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Extras | Vision Booster; enhanced outdoor visibility |
Platform
| OS | Android 16 (rolling) / One UI 8 • Launch: Android 15 / One UI 7 |
|---|---|
| Update Policy | 6 Android versions / 6 years security |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| CPU / GPU | Octa-core up to 2.4 GHz / Adreno 710 |
| Cooling | ~15% larger vapor chamber vs previous gen |
| DRM | Widevine L1 |
Memory
| Card Slot | No microSD |
|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Storage Type | UFS 2.2 |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4X/5 (varies) |
Main Camera
| Wide | 50 MP, OIS, f/1.8 |
|---|---|
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, 123° |
| Macro | 5 MP |
| Video | Up to 4K@30; 1080p@60 with stabilization |
| Modes | Night, Portrait, Pro, Fun, Super Steady, Video HDR |
Selfie Camera
| Sensor | 12 MP |
|---|---|
| Features | HDR / Video HDR, Portrait, Night |
| Video | Up to 4K@30 |
| Stabilization | EIS |
Sound
| Loudspeaker | Stereo speakers |
|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| Spatial/Enhancements | Dolby Atmos (profile support varies) |
Comms
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), dual-band |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS (region-dependent) |
| NFC | Yes (market-dependent) |
| USB | USB-C 2.0, OTG |
Features
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color temp |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint | Under-display (optical) |
| Face Unlock | Yes (2D) |
| AI features | Circle to Search, Object Eraser, transcript/translate tools (Awesome Intelligence) |
Battery
| Type | Li-ion (non-removable) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired (charger sold separately in most regions) |
| Wireless | No |
Misc
| Models | SM-A366B/DS (EU/UK), SM-A366U (US), SM-A366E/DS (APAC/ME) — regional suffixes vary |
|---|---|
| Price (India) | Launch: ₹32,999 (8/128) • ₹35,999 (8/256) • ₹38,999 (12/256); current deals ~₹28.5k–₹33.5k |
| Price (US) | Typically $399–$449; recent promos as low as ~$349.99 |
Tests
| Geekbench 6 | ~980 / ~2,900 (typical Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 range) |
|---|---|
| 3DMark WL | Scores align with S6G3 midrange class |
| Battery Life | All-day + (mixed use); ~70–80 min 0→100% with 45W charger |
Numbers vary by firmware, region, and thermal conditions.
In the Box
Phone, USB-C to C cable, SIM ejector, quick start guide. (No charger in many regions.)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clean 120Hz AMOLED with strong outdoor visibility
- Reliable 50 MP OIS main camera; Video HDR & solid selfies
- 5,000 mAh + 45W fast charging endurance
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 efficiency & cooler thermals
- IP67 + Gorilla Glass Victus+
- 6 OS / 6 years security updates
Cons
- No microSD slot; base storage 128 GB
- No wireless charging
- USB speed is 2.0 on most variants
- Ultrawide/macro are basic; 4K limited to 30 fps
Comparison
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ 120 Hz | 6.6″ FHD+ 120 Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1380 |
| Main Camera | 50+8+5 MP (OIS) | 50+8+5 MP (OIS) |
| Selfie | 12 MP (Video HDR) | 13 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 45 W | 25 W |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Updates policy | 6 OS / 6 yrs | 4–5 OS / 5 yrs |
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A56 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ 120 Hz | 6.7″ FHD+ 120 Hz (brighter) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 |
| Camera | 50+8+5 MP | 50+12+5 MP |
| Charging | 45 W | 45 W |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (region) | Wi-Fi 6E/7 (region) |
| Price (IN) | ~₹28.5k–33.5k (deal) | Higher midrange |
| Updates policy | 6 OS / 6 yrs | 6 OS / 6 yrs |
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front/back, IP67 | Aluminum frame, IP67 |
| Display | 6.7″ 120 Hz | 6.6″ 120 Hz |
| Chipset | S6G3 (4 nm) | Exynos 1480 |
| Charging | 45 W | 25 W |
| Cameras | 50+8+5 MP | 50+12+5 MP |
| Software support | 6 OS / 6 yrs | 4–5 OS / 5 yrs |
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A34 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ 120 Hz | 6.6″ FHD+ 120 Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Dimensity 1080 |
| Charging | 45 W | 25 W |
| Design | Glass back, IP67 | Plastic back, IP67 |
| Updates policy | 6 OS / 6 yrs | 4 OS / 5 yrs |
FAQs
- Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 good for gaming?
- Yes for casual/competitive titles; Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 sustains stable fps better than A35’s Exynos 1380 when the phone heats up.
- Does Samsung Galaxy A36 have expandable storage?
- No microSD slot — heavy users should pick the 256 GB (or 12/256) variant.
- Is Samsung Galaxy A36 waterproof?
- It’s IP67 dust/water resistant (splashes and accidental drops in fresh water up to 1 m for 30 minutes).
- What’s new vs Galaxy A35?
- Bigger 6.7″ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, faster 45W charging, improved thermals, 6 OS + 6 years security, and a Video HDR selfie.
- What is the price of Samsung Galaxy A36 in India?
- Launch MRP started at ₹32,999 (8/128). Festive and bank offers usually bring street prices to ~₹28.5k–₹33.5k depending on RAM/storage.
- Will Sasmung Galaxy A36 get Android 16 / One UI 8?
- Yes — Android 16 with One UI 8 is rolling in October 2025 in multiple regions; India wave is listed on Samsung’s schedule.
- Do we get a charger in the box?
- No. Box contents are phone, USB-C to C cable, SIM ejector, and quick start guide. Use a 45W PPS charger for best speeds.
- How fast does it charge with 45W?
- Typical timings are ~70–80 minutes for 0→100% with a genuine 45W PPS adapter and good cable; 15–50% comes up relatively quick.
- Does it support 5G on both SIMs and eSIM?
- Dual-SIM options vary by region. Many variants offer 5G dual-standby with VoLTE/VoWiFi; eSIM availability depends on market/carrier.
- What about Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB specs?
- Wi-Fi 6 dual-band, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C 2.0 with OTG. (USB data speeds are USB 2.0 on most variants.)
- Camera quality — what to expect?
- 50 MP main with OIS delivers reliable daylight and steady low-light shots; ultrawide/macro are basic. Video up to 4K@30; 1080p@60 is well-stabilised. Selfie is 12 MP with Video HDR.
- Display brightness and protection?
- 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED 120 Hz. HBM ~1,200 nits; peak up to ~1,900 nits (claimed; varies by region/firmware). Front glass is Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- Software update policy?
- Samsung promises 6 Android version upgrades and 6 years of security updates for the A36.
- Does it have call recording and spam protection in India?
- Yes, One UI in India supports native call recording (feature availability can vary by carrier/region) plus Smart Call spam and caller ID.
- Warranty, SAR, and service?
- Standard Samsung India warranty: 1 year on device and 6 months on in-box accessories; Samsung Care+ add-ons are available. SAR values comply with BIS limits and are printed on the retail box/user guide.
Official & External links
Availability & features vary by region/carrier.
Editor’s Note
Sasmung Galaxy A36 upgrades the A-series sweet spot: bigger 120Hz screen, cooler Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 45W charging, and Samsung’s 6-year update promise. Cameras are reliable though ultrawide/macro remain basic.
Sources: official spec sheets, carrier changelogs, and launch coverage.