If you’re a gamer or a mobile photography enthusiast, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “Is Samsung Galaxy M36 5G worth it for gaming and photography?”
As someone who’s spent weeks with this phone in hand—testing it in both real-life and hardcore gaming situations—I’m ready to give you the no-fluff, experience-based verdict.
Samsung has been on a roll with their mid-range 5G lineup, and the Galaxy M36 5G is their latest attempt to blend performance, camera quality, and affordability. But does it actually deliver? Let’s dive deep.
Table of Contents
First Impressions – Sleek, Modern, and Gamer-Friendly
When I unboxed the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G, the first thing I noticed was the premium matte finish. My review unit came in the “Velvet Black” variant, which looks subtle yet stylish under any lighting.
The phone feels solid in hand, weighing just enough to feel premium without being a wrist workout during long gaming sessions.
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380
- RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM + 128GB/256GB storage options
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 25W fast charging
- Cameras: 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP telephoto, 13MP front camera
- Software: Android 15 with One UI 7.0
The specs already hint that this could be a gaming beast and a mobile photographer’s dream, but let’s not judge it on paper—real usage matters.
Gaming Performance – Does It Keep Up With the Pros?
I tested the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G across PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Asphalt 9—all on max settings.
Gaming Observations:
- Smooth Gameplay: The 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling made movements feel incredibly responsive.
- No Heating Issues: Even after 2 hours of continuous Genshin Impact, the temperature stayed below 42°C—impressive for a mid-range phone.
- Stable FPS: PUBG stayed locked at 90FPS, and even Genshin hovered between 58–60FPS.
- Battery Endurance: A full PUBG session for 3 hours drained only around 28% battery.
Verdict for Gamers: If your main concern is lag-free, smooth performance and long battery life, the M36 5G absolutely delivers. You can even plug it in and keep playing without it overheating.
Photography – A Surprise Package
I honestly didn’t expect Samsung to pack this level of camera performance in a phone under ₹30,000. With its Night Mode, the 50MP primary sensor works surprisingly well in low light and captures breathtaking detail in the daytime.
Camera Testing Highlights:
- Daylight Shots: Rich colors, great HDR, and true-to-life skin tones.
- Low-Light: Night mode pulls in just enough light without making photos look artificial.
- Zoom: 8MP telephoto gives you a decent 3x optical zoom with minimal quality loss.
- Ultra-Wide: 8MP captures wide landscapes with minimal distortion.
- Selfies: The 13MP front camera is sharp and skin tones stay natural even without beauty mode.
Pro Tip: If you’re into mobile photography, use the “Pro Mode” for more control over ISO, shutter speed, and focus—it’s where the Galaxy M36 5G truly shines.
Battery & Charging – All-Day Performer
With a 5000mAh battery, I easily got through a day of heavy use—gaming, photography, streaming, and social media—with about 20% left at bedtime.
The 25W fast charging takes the phone from 0 to 50% in about 40 minutes and a full charge in under an hour.
Software & User Experience
Running Android 15 with One UI 7.0, everything feels smooth. Samsung’s One UI is clean, customizable, and packed with useful features like Game Booster and Battery Protection Mode.
Plus, Samsung promises 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches, which is a huge win for longevity.
Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Pros and Cons – The Honest Truth
✅ Pros
- Top-notch performance for gaming in this price range
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Versatile camera setup with great low-light performance
- Premium build quality despite being mid-range
- Long software support for future-proofing
❌ Cons
- No wireless charging (would have been a nice touch)
- Slightly bulky for small hands
- No official IP rating for water resistance
- Limited color options compared to competitors
Comparison – How It Stacks Against Rivals
To make this review fair, I compared it with similarly priced models like the iQOO Neo 10, OnePlus Nord 5, and Xiaomi 11T Pro.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M36 5G | iQOO Neo 10 | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED 120Hz | 6.78″ AMOLED 144Hz | 6.74″ AMOLED 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 25W | 5000mAh, 120W | 5000mAh, 80W |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP |
| Software Updates | 4+5 years | 2+3 years | 3+4 years |
Although the iQOO Neo 10 is superior in terms of raw gaming capability, the M36 5G is a safer long-term investment due to its extended software support and better camera adaptability.
Final Verdict – Is Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Worth It for Gaming and Photography?
After weeks of testing, my answer is yes—the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G is worth it if you want a balanced phone that excels in both gaming and photography without costing flagship-level prices.
It’s perfect for:
- Gamers who need long battery life + stable FPS
- Photography lovers who want 50MP detail + great low-light shots
- Users who plan to keep their phone for 4+ years without feeling outdated
If you want the fastest gaming phone possible, you might lean toward iQOO Neo 10 or Nord 5. But if you value a perfect blend of performance, camera quality, and durability, the M36 5G is a no-brainer in 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Is Samsung Galaxy M36 5G good for heavy gaming?
Yes, it handles PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty on high settings without frame drops.
Q2: How is Samsung Galaxy M36 5G camera quality compared to the Galaxy A series?
It’s superior in both daylight and low light, thanks to the 50MP main sensor.
Q3: Does Galaxy M36 5G support 5G in India?
Yes, for seamless connectivity, it supports several 5G bands.
Q4: Can I shoot 4K videos with Galaxy M36 5G?
Yes, 4K shooting at 60 frames per second is supported by both the primary and selfie cameras.
Q5: Is Samsung Galaxy M36 5G worth it for gaming and photography in 2025?
Absolutely—especially if you want a phone that will last for years with top-tier performance in both areas.
Read More
2025’s Best Gaming Keyboards for New Gamers – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Top Gaming Controller for PC in 2025: EvoFox Elite X Wired Gaming Controller for PC Under ₹999
How to Use Credit Cards for Cashback on Gaming Gadgets in India – 2025 Guide
Vivek Verma is a seasoned tech and gaming writer with over eight years of professional content creation experience. As the voice behind FunPay.in, he delivers in-depth gaming gear reviews and tech insights that empower readers to make confident, well-informed decisions. Known for combining technical expertise with actionable, real-world advice, Vivek’s work is trusted by gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.