Samsung Galaxy F36 5G: Mid-Range King Arrives in India
Introduction
Samsung has officially unveiled its latest mid-range contender in India, the Galaxy F36 5G. Positioned to capture the competitive sub-Rs. 20,000 segment, this device offers a compelling package of a premium display, capable performance, and an unprecedented software support promise. The phone is set to go on sale from July 29, 2025, via Flipkart and the Samsung India online store.
Display and Design
The Galaxy F36 5G features a large 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U Display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. For enhanced durability, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, a feature typically reserved for flagship phones. The display also includes Vision Booster technology to improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
In terms of design, the phone has a slim 7.7mm profile and a sophisticated leather-textured back finish. It is available in three colors: Luxe Violet, Coral Red, and Onyx Black.
Performance and Hardware
Driving the device is the octa-core Exynos 1380 processor, built on an efficient 5nm process. To ensure stable performance during intensive tasks like gaming, the phone is equipped with a vapor cooling chamber.
It comes in several memory and storage variants:
6GB RAM + 128GB storage
8GB RAM + 128GB storage
8GB RAM + 256GB storage
Storage can be expanded up to 2TB using a microSD card in the hybrid SIM slot.
A Leap Forward: Improvements Over the Galaxy F34
The Galaxy F36 5G brings several key upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy F34 5G:
Processor: An upgrade to the more powerful Exynos 1380 from the Exynos 1280.
Display: A larger 6.7-inch screen with superior Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
Design: A significantly slimmer and lighter build with a premium leather-textured finish.
AI Features: Introduction of modern AI tools like Circle to Search and Gemini Live.
Camera System
The phone is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear:
50MP Primary Sensor: Features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and smoother videos.
8MP Ultra-Wide Camera: For capturing wider scenes.
2MP Macro Camera: For detailed close-up shots.
The 13MP front camera is ideal for high-quality selfies. A notable feature for a mid-range device is that both the front and rear cameras support 4K video recording.
Software, AI, and Security
The Galaxy F36 5G runs on One UI 7, based on Android 15. Its biggest selling point is Samsung's promise of six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, offering exceptional longevity.
It also integrates AI features like Object Eraser and Image Clipper, bringing flagship-level functionality to the mid-range. For security, the device includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Samsung’s hardware-based Knox Vault platform to protect sensitive data.
Market Position and Early Impressions
The Galaxy F36 5G enters a crowded market segment, competing with devices from Motorola, OnePlus, and Infinix. Its key differentiators are the superior Super AMOLED 120Hz display with Victus+ protection, the OIS-enabled main camera, and its unmatched long-term software support.
Early impressions highlight these strengths, with experts praising the inclusion of premium features and long-term value. However, the absence of a charger in the box is noted as a potential drawback for some buyers.
Battery and Pricing
A 5,000 mAh battery powers the phone, offering all-day use, and it supports 25W fast charging.
The device is priced in India as follows:
6GB + 128GB: Rs. 17,499
8GB + 128GB: Rs. 18,999
8GB + 256GB: Rs. 21,999
Launch offers can reduce the effective starting price to Rs. 15,999, making it an even more attractive option.