Samsung Galaxy F36 5G brings Exynos 1380, 6.7″ 120 Hz AMOLED, 50 MP OIS camera, 5,000 mAh battery, six OS upgrades, and AI tools—all under ₹20,000. Full review & verdict.
📱 What Is the Galaxy F36 5G?
Samsung’s latest mid-range phone launched July 19, 2025 in India, joining the F-series as a rebadged Galaxy M36 with refined design. Priced from ₹17,499 (6+128 GB) to ₹18,999 (8+128 GB), it’s sold via Flipkart and Samsung’s online store. SamMobile+15SamMobile+15Gizmochina+15Notebookcheck+1Indiatimes+1
💎 Key Features & Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh, Gorilla Glass Victus+ Notebookcheck+11SamMobile+11SamMobile+11 |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 (2023 chip from Galaxy A54), paired with Mali-G68 MP5 GPU FoneArena |
| Memory & Storage | 6/8 GB RAM, 128 GB eMMC + microSD slot (up to 2 TB) FoneArena |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP OIS primary, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro; 4K video on rear/front FoneArena |
| Front Camera | 13 MP, 4K selfie video FoneArena |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000 mAh, 25 W wired charging (charger not included) FoneArena |
| OS & Updates | Android 15 with One UI 7; guaranteed 6 OS upgrades + 6 years security updates Notebookcheck |
| Design & Build | 7.7 mm thin, 197 g, IP67 water resistance, vegan leather back in 3 colors NotebookcheckFoneArena |
| Biometric & Ports | Side-mounted fingerprint, USB-C, dual-SIM, Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC FoneArenaNotebookcheck |
🔍 Standout Highlights
- Display: 120 Hz AMOLED with Gorilla Glass Victus+ ensures smooth visuals and strong outdoor legibility.
- Cameras: 50 MP OIS sensor plus ultrawide/bokeh versatility; capable of 4K capture.
- Software Longevity: Six years of OS and security updates is rare in this segment and boosts future-proofing.
- AI Tools: Features like Circle to Search, Gemini Live, Image Clipper, and Edit Suggestions enhance usability. The Times of India+14SamMobile+14Gizmochina+14PhoneBunch+12Notebookcheck+12Samsung us+12
🎮 Performance & Usage
- The Exynos 1380, though two years old, delivers smooth daily performance and decent gaming.
- Thermal management includes a vapor chamber—keeps performance stable.
- Large battery + moderate software demands yield a full day’s life, with fast charging topping up quickly.
💬 What Users Will Love
- Premium look and feel with leather finish and IP67 rating.
- Long-term peace-of-mind from Samsung’s update promise.
- AI-powered camera and search features add smart utility.
- Strong display and decent performance for multimedia and gaming.
⚠️ Considerations
- Processor age: More recent chipsets (e.g., Snapdragon 7 Gen 3) still outperform it.
- No charger in the box, which can be inconvenient.
- Macro camera is just 2 MP, so not very useful.
- Leather back may show wear differently than plastic/glass back panels.
Final Verdict
At ₹17,499, Galaxy F36 5G offers excellent value with high-refresh AMOLED, compelling camera setup with OIS, long-term software support, and AI features. Despite using an older chipset and missing an in-box charger, its build quality, display, and future-proof updates make it one of the strongest mid-range options under ₹20k currently.
Verdict: A smart buy for users focused on display quality, long-term software longevity, and solid camera performance. If raw performance is your priority, there are faster alternatives—but none offer its full package at this price
❓ FAQs
Q1. How is the Exynos 1380 chipset?
It’s a capable 2023 mid-range SoC with balanced CPU/GPU performance, but not as fast as today’s Snapdragon 7 Gen or Dimensity 8000 series.
Q2. Does it support 5G?
Yes, it supports 5G (SA/NSA), along with NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi‑Fi 5. Tom’s Guide+11FoneArena+11Kimovil.com+11
Q3. How long is software support?
Samsung promises six OS upgrades (up to Android 21) and six years of security updates. FoneArena+5SamMobile+5Notebookcheck+5
Q4. Is the leather back durable?
It offers premium feel and grip. It’s likely to be durable, though long-term wear patterns differ from glass/plastic.
Q5. Is it waterproof?
Yes, IP67 rating provides protection from dust and immersion in up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes. Wikipedia
