Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Affordable Smartphone with Impressive Features

Choosing a budget Android phone typically involves navigating through numerous product pages and comparing specifications. A simpler approach is to utilize The Verge’s handy guide to the best cheap phones. However, we aim to make your decision even easier with a great discounted option. The 128GB version of Samsung’s Galaxy A36 5G is currently available for $349.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. This $50 discount brings the smartphone, which launched in early 2025, down to its lowest price ever. Importantly, this phone comes unlocked, allowing you to activate it on your carrier of choice.

Specifications and Features

The A36 5G is the successor to the A35 5G. While it shares many similarities with its predecessor, it includes some minor enhancements. For example, its OLED screen is slightly larger at 6.7 inches (compared to 6.6 inches), while maintaining the same FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The A36 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which is expected to deliver improved performance compared to the previous generation.

The smartphone retains the A35 5G’s IP67 durability rating, meaning it is resistant to dust and water, and can withstand submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. One notable change is the removal of the microSD slot in favor of a second SIM card slot, which means users will not be able to expand storage. Samsung offers the smartphone with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, but only the entry-level model is currently on sale.

Software and Updates

One of the significant advantages of this affordable phone is its software; Samsung has committed to providing new operating system and security updates for six years, ensuring that the A36 5G remains a modern device long after purchase.

Camera and Biometric Features

The A36 5G features a three-lens rear camera system, which includes a 50-megapixel main sensor capable of recording 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. The phone’s 12-megapixel front-facing camera can also record 4K video at the same frame rate. In terms of biometric features, the A36 5G supports face unlock and includes an under-display fingerprint reader. While the A36 5G does not support wireless charging, it offers an impressive maximum wired charging speed of 45W.

Conclusion

Samsung has incorporated a wealth of features into this smartphone, some of which are not available in Apple’s budget smartphone, the iPhone 16E.. The Galaxy A36 5G stands out as a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device without exceeding their budget.