Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Review: Samsung Exynos 1380 performance & 120Hz Super AMOLED display

Samsung has expanded its lineup with the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G, a phone built around a 120 refresh rate on a Super AMOLED panel that makes scrolling feel buttery smooth. Designed for media & streaming, everyday use, it brings 5G connectivity, a large 5000mAh battery, a smooth 120Hz display, and the Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset into one well-rounded package.

The phone sits at a competitive price in the Indian market. It doesn't try to compete with premium flagships — instead it focuses on delivering a balanced everyday experience, and in that mission it largely succeeds.

The phone sits at a competitive price in the Indian market in the Indian market. It doesn't try to compete with premium flagships — instead it focuses on delivering a balanced everyday experience, and in that mission it largely succeeds.

Design & Build Quality

At 197g, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G feels solid and sturdy to hold. There is no official IP rating here, so treat it carefully around water. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor unlocks the phone quickly and reliably. Storage can be expanded via microSD, which media-heavy users will appreciate.

Design Rating: 7/10

Display

The phone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2340 resolution. Scrolling through apps, social media and websites feels noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz displays. With 1900 nits of peak brightness, it stays perfectly readable even outdoors. The ~385 PPI density keeps text sharp and crisp. Deep blacks and punchy colours make it excellent for OTT streaming and YouTube.

Display Rating: 9.4/10

Performance

Powering the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is the Samsung Exynos 1380. Daily tasks such as browsing, video streaming, online classes, messaging and social media all run smoothly. It scores around 6,10,000 on AnTuTu, which is solid for this segment — casual games and multitasking are handled without major issues.

It runs Android 15 with One UI 7 on top out of the box. The interface is clean, well-optimised and easy to live with day to day.

Performance Rating: 6.3/10

Camera Performance

The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G comes with a 50MP main camera along with additional sensors for depth and wide-angle shots. In daylight, the primary camera captures detailed photos with natural colours and good dynamic range. The Samsung ISOCELL 50MP Sensor (OIS) sensor helps keep low-light shots usable. Video recording goes up to 4K, which is genuinely rare at this price point. Selfies come from a 13MP front camera — good enough for video calls and social posts.

Camera Rating: 6.7/10

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the biggest strengths of the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G. The 5000mAh battery comfortably gets you through a full day of use. The 25W fast charging is reliable, though not the fastest in the segment.

Battery Rating: 5.7/10

Software Experience

The phone ships with Android 15 and One UI 7 on top. It comes with the usual preloaded apps, most of which can be disabled. For everyday use the software feels smooth and stable, and it stays that way over the long term.

Software Rating: 6.8/10

Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G?

If you're looking for a phone for media & streaming and everyday use, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is a strong option. Samsung Exynos 1380 performance and 120Hz Super AMOLED display are its standout strengths. It's not perfect though — no wireless charging and no 3.5mm headphone jack may bother some buyers. For students, office users and families looking for a dependable device in this budget, it is an easy recommendation.