Samsung is back with its latest mid-range device, the Galaxy M36, which is being marketed as the ‘Monster’ phone. But if you’re expecting a massive upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy M35, you might be in for a surprise.
Despite the hype, the M36 doesn’t pack a bigger punch in terms of battery power or groundbreaking features.
When Samsung first introduced the M35, the 6,000 mAh battery was enough to earn it the ‘Monster’ label, making it stand out in the crowded mid-range market. However, with more brands now offering phones with 6,000 mAh or larger batteries, that big battery doesn’t feel as special anymore. In fact, the Galaxy M36 comes with a smaller 5,000 mAh battery, a curious decision considering the M35’s success.
But don’t be too quick to judge, as the M36 does bring some improvements. It’s 15% slimmer than the M35, measuring just 7.7mm thick compared to the M35’s 9.1mm. For those who prefer sleeker phones, this is a notable upgrade. The M36 also gets a slightly larger 6.7-inch display (compared to the M35’s 6.6-inch) with a 120 Hz refresh rate, though the display size difference is almost negligible. The biggest design change is the shift from the M35’s punch-hole camera to a waterdrop notch on the M36, a decision that some might find outdated.
Spec-wise, both devices are quite similar. The M36 features a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP macro lens. The front camera gets a slight upgrade to 13 MP from the M35’s 8 MP. The phone is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset and offers up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy M36 will be available in Velvet Black, Serene Green, and Orange Haze colors, and it will be priced at Rs 22,999 ($270) for the base 6 GB RAM variant. However, there’s a limited-time offer bringing the price down to Rs 16,499 ($195), which could make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Sales will begin on July 12 via Samsung’s website and Amazon.
In terms of competition, the M36 finds itself in an already saturated mid-range market. Not only does it face rivals from other brands, but it directly competes with its own predecessor, the Galaxy M35. With a lower price and a bigger battery, the M35 could be a better option for those seeking value for money. If you’re in the market for a solid mid-range phone, now might be a good time to grab the M35 before it gets phased out.
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