Samsung has raised the bar yet again in the budget segment with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G in India on 27th June 2025. This device promises a premium experience without burning a hole in your pocket, making it one of the best phones under ₹20,000. From a striking design to powerful performance, the Galaxy M36 5G delivers a balance that’s hard to beat for its price range.
Before diving deep into its details, here’s a quick overview of its features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 198g |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back |
| Display | 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Colors | Orange Haze, Velvet Black, Serene Green |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB (UFS 2.2) |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 25W wired |
| Software | One UI 7, Android 15 (up to 6 major upgrades) |
| Price | ₹17,499 (base variant) |
Design and Display: Premium Look, Comfortable Grip
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G stands out in the budget segment with its premium design. At 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.7 mm and weighing 198 grams, it feels well-balanced in hand. The glass front is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, which adds durability against scratches and drops (tested for up to 2 meters). The frame is made of high-quality plastic, while the back features a glossy glass finish, giving it a flagship-like vibe.
The bezels are slim, providing an immersive viewing experience on its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution in a 19.5:9 ratio, the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and fluid. Available in Orange Haze, Velvet Black, and Serene Green, the phone caters to different style preferences. While it doesn’t carry an official IP rating, the build still feels sturdy for everyday use.
Camera: Sharp, Stable, and Social Media Ready
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50MP primary camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), delivering sharp and stable shots even in low light. The 8MP ultrawide lens captures expansive landscapes, and the 2MP macro helps with close-up details. Camera features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR ensure versatile shooting options.
For selfies, the 13MP front camera offers good color reproduction and detail, perfect for social media uploads or video calls. While it might not match flagship camera systems, for the price, the performance is more than satisfying.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
The Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset powers the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G, delivering a strong Antutu score of 597,495. Paired with the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, the phone handles multitasking, casual gaming, and media consumption with ease.
Running One UI 7 on top of Android 15, Samsung offers up to 6 major Android upgrades, making this phone a future-proof choice. You can choose between two variants: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB storage, both using UFS 2.2 storage technology. While it’s not the fastest storage technology available, it still offers quick app launches and decent read/write speeds for everyday use.
Sensors and Special Features
Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, compass, and virtual proximity sensing. An interesting addition is Circle to Search, a handy AI-powered feature for quick information retrieval.
Battery and Charging
With a 5000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G comfortably lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage. The 25W wired charging ensures decent refill times via the USB Type-C to Type-C cable. However, note that the charger is not included in the box, which means you might need to purchase one separately if you don’t already own a compatible adapter.
Pricing and Value
The base 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at ₹17,499, making it a competitive choice in its category. With occasional bank offers and discounts, you can get it for even less, making the Galaxy M36 5G a real steal for those looking for a premium feel without the premium price tag.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G strikes the perfect balance between looks, performance, and affordability. It delivers a premium in-hand feel, vibrant display, capable cameras, solid performance, and long software support — all under ₹20,000. While the lack of an official IP rating and bundled charger might be drawbacks for some, the overall package is impressive for the price.
If you’re looking for a phone that feels like a flagship but costs like a budget device, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is worth serious consideration.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available specifications and features of the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G at the time of writing. Actual product experience may vary depending on usage patterns, software updates, and market variations.