Just a few months after unveiling its premium Galaxy S-series lineup, Samsung is back with a refresh of its A-series devices. The Galaxy A36 5G is here, promising solid performance, AI-driven software, and a premium feel without breaking the bank. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive in.

Price:

Galaxy A36: 6GB+128GB – N460,000
Galaxy A36: 8GB+256GB – N536,000

Design & Display

At first glance, the Galaxy A36 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor, the A35. The biggest visual change? A new vertically stacked pill-shaped camera module, giving the phone a fresh identity. While this design tweak helps it stand apart from previous models, it does cause a bit of wobbling when placed on a flat surface—nothing a good case (sold separately) won’t fix.

The phone retains its IP67 water and dust resistance, which is great, though some competitors are pushing higher ratings. In hand, the A36 feels comfortable and is slightly lighter than its predecessor. It also comes in some eye-catching colors—I got the Awesome Lavender, which has a subtle gradient that catches the light beautifully.

Moving to the display, Samsung continues to lead in this segment. The A36 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080p), a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+ support. As expected, the screen delivers rich colors, deep blacks, and sharp details. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching YouTube, or gaming, the display holds up beautifully. Even under direct sunlight, visibility remains solid. Bonus: the in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable.

Cameras

Samsung sticks to a familiar camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro shooter. The only notable change? The selfie camera drops from 13MP to 12MP—not a huge downgrade, but still something to note. Also, no telephoto lens, which some mid-range competitors now offer.

In good lighting, the A36’s cameras shine. Photos are vibrant, detailed, and well-balanced. Portraits come out particularly well, with sharp subject separation. However, the ultra-wide lens struggles with detail, sometimes producing fuzzy shots. AI-powered tools like Object Eraser (for removing unwanted objects) and Custom Filters (for replicating a specific color tone) are fun additions that enhance the photography experience. They work well, though Object Eraser may require a few tries for precision.

Performance & Software

One of the biggest upgrades comes under the hood: the Galaxy A36 ditches Exynos for the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, Samsung has oddly removed expandable storage, which is a letdown for those who rely on microSD cards.

Performance-wise, the A36 holds its own. It handles everyday tasks—browsing, texting, video calls, and even light gaming—without breaking a sweat. It can run moderately demanding titles like COD: Mobile and BGMI smoothly, though don’t expect flagship-level performance.

Software is where Samsung truly excels. The A36 runs One UI 7 based on Android 15, delivering a smooth and refined experience. The interface feels lightweight, with minimal pre-installed apps, making it feel almost premium. AI-powered features like Circle to Search and AI Select make finding information easier, while Samsung Pay and Knox Security add extra functionality. One drawback? The lock screen Glance feature can push personalized ads, though you can tweak these settings.

Perhaps the best part? Samsung’s commitment to software support. With six years of OS and security updates, the A36 outshines most competitors in long-term value.

Battery & Charging

Samsung plays it safe with a 5,000mAh battery—same as last year—but boosts charging speeds to 45W. The downside? No charger in the box. If you don’t already own a fast charger, you’ll need to buy one separately.

While some brands are introducing 6,000mAh+ silicon-carbon batteries, Samsung sticks to a conservative approach. As a result, battery life is solid but not class-leading. That said, the faster charging is a welcome upgrade, taking just over an hour to go from 20% to 100%. It’s good but still a step behind some rivals with bigger batteries and even faster charging speeds.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy A36?

The Galaxy A36 starts at   for the 8GB+128GB model, with the 12GB+256GB version priced at. For what it offers, it’s a strong contender in the mid-range market.

Who is it for? If you prioritize a polished, AI-enhanced software experience, a gorgeous display, and a premium design, the A36 is a great pick. Its cameras are reliable (though not groundbreaking), and as expected from Samsung, the multimedia experience is top-notch.

The biggest advantage? Longevity. With six years of software support, the A36 is built to last, making it a future-proof investment. If expandable storage and ultra-fast charging are must-haves, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for an all-rounder with premium software and strong long-term value, the Galaxy A36 is a solid buy.

Full Specifications