Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK :  June 27 – Samsung India is set to launch its latest mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy M36 5G, tonight, aiming to offer younger consumers a powerful, AI-enhanced device priced under ₹20,000. This launch continues Samsung’s strategic push to deepen its presence in India’s rapidly expanding budget 5G segment.

Designed for younger, tech-savvy users, the Galaxy M36 brings together polished design and enhanced smart features. The phone will be available in vibrant hues like Orange Haze, Serene Green, and Velvet Black, featuring a slim 7.7 mm metal frame with flat edges for a modern aesthetic. 

Samsung is emphasising its inclusion of “Circle to Search”, in partnership with Google, alongside Samsung’s own Galaxy AI toolkit—bringing smarter search and automated workflows to consumers. 

The Galaxy M36 showcases a 6.7‑inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, offering stunning visuals. This premium-grade screen is further hardened with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring resilience against everyday wear and scratches. 

Photography receives an upgrade with a 50 MP triple rear camera, complete with optical image stabilization (OIS)—a significant addition for crisp imaging. The front camera is a 12 MP sensor capable of capturing 4K video, matching many higher-tier smartphones.

Powering the device is Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 chipset, backed by at least 6 GB of RAM and a Mali G68 GPU—offering reliable multitasking performance and solid benchmarks (Geekbench scores of ~1004 single-core and ~2886 multi-core).

The Galaxy M36 runs on Android 15 via One UI 7, aligning with Samsung’s commitment to software up-to-date user interfaces.

Samsung retains a high-capacity 5,000 mAh battery in this model, supporting fast 45 W wired charging—a crucial feature for uninterrupted usage in a mid-tier device.

Samsung confirms that the Galaxy M36 5G will be priced below ₹20,000, positioning it as a viable alternative to rivals like the CMF Phone 2 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite.

It will be available via Amazon, Samsung India’s online store, and through offline retail channels. A dedicated Amazon microsite has already teased its arrival. 

Samsung's budget-friendly yet premium-spec strategy contrasts with the likes of Realme, Redmi, and OnePlus, which also offer compelling 5G mid-rangers. By integrating AI features and OIS, Samsung differentiates itself, offering value-packed performance in the under-₹20,000 space.

• Launch & first impressions: Full specs, live performance, and camera previews will be available tonight.

• Offers & discounts: Potential early-bird deals during launch sales—worth watching.

• Market impact: Widened Samsung M-series lineup could sway consumers seeking durable, feature-rich budget devices.

With its blend of Galaxy AI features, 120 Hz AMOLED display, OIS-enhanced camera, robust Exynos 1380 chipset, and fast charging, the Samsung Galaxy M36 5G emerges as a formidable challenger in India’s vibrant mid-range market. Its aggressive sub‑₹20,000 pricing and focused youth-centric design could redefine value expectations—especially as 5G adoption increases among young consumers. Expect a strong debut tonight and rapid adoption if preorders and first impressions hold true.