Samsung Galaxy M36 5G: The Budget Powerhouse with Monster Battery and AI Smarts

Samsung’s new Galaxy M36 5G brings flagship-level innovations—such as AI-powered features, a massive battery, and OIS-enabled camera—to the mid-range segment at under ₹20,000. Aimed squarely at young consumers who crave reliable performance, smart tech, and modern design, the M36 raises the bar for budget smartphones in 2025. Here’s a deep dive into why it’s one of the most exciting launches this year.

Sleek Design That Feels Premium

The Galaxy M36 sports a sleek matte plastic back available in Orange Haze, Velvet Black, and Serene Green, with slim bezels and a modern punch-hole front camera or waterdrop notch depending on the region. At just 7.7 mm thick and lightweight, it’s slim and easy to hold. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring durability against scratches and drops.

Display Brilliance: Immerse Yourself

The 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED display delivers rich contrasts, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. With a 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 800 nits, the screen handles bright outdoor lighting with ease and offers buttery-smooth scrolling and gaming visuals. The slim bezel design further enhances the immersive experience.

Performance & Software: Engineered for Everyday

Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset built on a 5-nm process, the M36 delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Standard configurations include 6 GB or 8 GB RAM and up to 256 GB expandable storage, with virtual RAM expansion and a vapor cooling chamber for heat management.
It ships with Android 15 and Samsung’s refreshed One UI 7.0, and Samsung promises 6 years of security updates and 4 years of OS upgrades, ensuring long-term software support.

Galaxy AI: Smarter Than Ever

You don’t often see AI features in this price segment, but the M36 changes that with Galaxy AI tools previously exclusive to flagship Samsung devices. The phone includes Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit, AI Summarizer, and Battery AI Optimizer, bringing smart, contextual features to everyday usage.

Camera Setup: OIS on a Budget

The M36 offers a rare sight at its price point: a 50 MP main camera with OIS, paired with an 8 MP ultra-wide and a 2 MP macro sensor. Night and portrait modes are AI-enhanced for better image quality, and both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording—a standout feature for vloggers or content creators.

Battery Life: The Real Monster

The Galaxy M36 packs a 6,000 mAh battery, delivering nearly two full days of use under moderate activity—streaming, social media, and calls. It also supports 25 W fast charging, reaching full charge in around 90 minutes.

Connectivity & Extras

The device supports dual 5G SIMs, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It also includes Samsung Knox security, Quick Share, SmartThings, and AI features like live translation—all bundled into a device built for everyday use.

Where It Shines & What to Consider

Pros

• Stunning 120 Hz AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass Victus+
• Massive 6,000 mAh battery with fast charging
• Versatile camera setup including OIS and 4K video
• Exynos 1380 performance tuned for efficiency
• Long-term software support with AI tools included
• Durable, sleek design with slim profile

Areas for Consideration

• Macro lens remains a simple 2 MP sensor
• 25 W fast charging is good but not top-tier
• No IP water resistance rating mentioned

Real User Impressions

Early hands-on reviews highlight the M36’s strong battery and display. Some report slight sluggishness in heavy gaming or multitasking—likely tied to the Exynos chip—but overall users praise the device’s balance of features and affordability. The AI features, especially “Circle to Search,” are noted as standout additions not commonly found under ₹20K.

Final Verdict

Samsung Galaxy M36 5G delivers on its promise of “Monster Power” in a mid-range device. It combines software intelligence, a long-lasting battery, a high-refresh AMOLED screen, and a camera system with OIS and 4K recording—all while remaining under the ₹20,000 mark. This phone isn’t just about specs—it reflects Samsung’s growing ambition to bring flagship-level features and long-term updates to budget categories.

For students, young professionals, content creators, or anyone seeking a reliable, future-proof device with thoughtful software and hardware, the Galaxy M36 5G is a standout choice in 2025.