Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Flagship Features for Half the Price

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Flagship Features for Half the Price

The Galaxy A36 has the same rear cameras as the A35: a 50MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera.

Samsung Galaxy A36 rear camera closeup

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Colors and details are somewhat inconsistent between the main and ultra-wide cameras of the A36. They still produce the classic Samsung look, with colors that tend to be oversaturated and brighter than reality.

The A36’s main camera takes 12.5MP images by default using pixel binning, though you can shoot in full resolution if you wish. As expected, 50MP images retain a greater level of detail compared with 12.5MP shots.

Samsung Galaxy A36 photo sample, main camera, 12.5MP

Main camera, 12.5MP (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Samsung Galaxy A36 photo sample, main camera, 50MP

Main camera, 50MP (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

In this ultra-wide shot below, you can see different green coloration in the trees compared with images from the main camera (above). It’s not a huge difference, but it is noticeable.

Samsung Galaxy A36 photo sample, ultra-wide camera, 8MP

Ultra-wide camera, 8MP (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

The 5MP macro lens takes fine photos. It captures small details like scratches on this watch, but the images look dark compared with those of the other cameras.

Samsung Galaxy A36 photo sample, macro camera, 5MP

Macro camera, 5MP (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

The A36 moves to a 12MP f/1.8 selfie camera instead of the 13MP f/2.2 camera in the A35. The new selfie camera captures details well and features the same Samsung processing. Portrait mode does a good job separating hair from the background, but had trouble with my glasses.

Samsung Galaxy A36 photo sample, front-facing camera, 12MP

Left to right: Selfie, Portrait (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

For video, both front and rear cameras top out at a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 30fps. They capture good color and detail, though the footage appears brighter than what your eyes see in real life. There is no optical image stabilization, so you may want to invest in a gimbal if you plan to shoot action video.

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