The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G has caused quite a stir since its UK launch. With flagship-adjacent specifications at a mid-range price, many are calling it the best value smartphone of 2025. But does it really live up to the hype? We've put it through its paces — here's our full UK review.
Design & Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G features a slim, flat-edged design with a premium matte finish. IP67 water and dust resistance — rare at this price — adds real-world durability. Available in Black, Lime, and Lavender, there's a colour to suit every taste. At 198g, it's solid without feeling heavy.
Display
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ panel with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate is simply stunning for the price. Colours are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz adaptive refresh makes scrolling and gaming feel silky smooth. Samsung has delivered a near-flagship display experience in a mid-range device.
Performance
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset with 6GB RAM delivers strong sustained performance, better thermal management, and superior 5G modem efficiency compared to previous A-series devices. In daily use, the A36 5G is fast, responsive, and handles multitasking effortlessly. For a phone at £229.99, the performance is nothing short of impressive.
Camera
The triple rear camera system is a genuine highlight. The 50MP main camera with OIS produces sharp, detailed photos with excellent dynamic range — optical image stabilisation keeps shots steady even in lower light. The 12MP ultrawide delivers cleaner wide-angle shots than previous A-series models, and the night mode improvements are genuinely impressive for this price tier.
Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery delivers excellent longevity — easily lasting a full day of mixed use. The 45W super-fast charging is a significant upgrade: from flat, you'll hit around 65% in just 30 minutes. This alone makes the A36 5G stand out from the competition at this price.
Software & Updates
Ships with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7. Samsung has committed to four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning this phone will be supported well into the late 2020s. Excellent long-term value.
5G Connectivity in the UK
The Snapdragon modem handles UK 5G connectivity efficiently. Tested across Manchester, speeds were significantly faster than 4G — perfect for streaming, gaming, and downloads on the go across EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three networks.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is, without question, one of the best value smartphones available in the UK in 2025. At £229.99 from AZ Electronics, you're getting a Snapdragon processor, Super AMOLED 120Hz display, IP67 water resistance, 45W charging, and a four-year software commitment — a package that cannot be beaten at this price.
Rating: 9/10 — Outstanding value. Our top recommendation for 2025.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G brand new and unlocked from AZ Electronics. Free UK delivery on orders over £50, 12-month warranty, 30-day returns.