Samsung just Launched New budget Phone: the Galaxy F36. Priced aggressively at ₹20,000, the headline grabber is its promise of genuine AI features – something still relatively novel at this price point in mid-2025. This isn’t just another spec bump; it feels like Samsung is pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from a ₹20k phone.
First Imp| ressions: Design & Build
The Galaxy F36 sticks to a familiar F-series formula but refines it. You get a sleek, modern design with a glossy plastic back (available in appealing gradient finishes) and a flat-edge frame that feels surprisingly solid in hand. The 6.6-inch Full HD+ display dominates the front. While it’s an LCD panel (not AMOLED, a common compromise here), Samsung promises good brightness levels and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. That refresh rate makes scrolling and everyday interactions feel noticeably more fluid than standard 60Hz rivals. The waterdrop notch houses the front camera, keeping things clean.
The AI Angle: More Than Just Hype?
This is where the F36 aims to stand out. Samsung isn’t just slapping “AI” on the box; they’ve integrated specific, useful features powered by it. The camera system benefits most. Expect AI-powered scene optimization that actively adjusts settings for better photos of food, landscapes, pets, or people. Nightography gets a boost too, with AI noise reduction promising clearer low-light shots. Beyond the camera, features like AI-powered battery optimization learn your usage patterns to extend endurance, and subtle AI enhancements in the Gallery app help with organization. For ₹20k, having these AI tools feels like a significant value add.
Performance & Daily Grind
Under the hood, the F36 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM. This is a known quantity in the budget-mid-range space. It handles everyday tasks – social media, browsing, streaming, messaging – smoothly. Multitasking is decent thanks to the RAM boost. Gaming is possible, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact will require lower settings. Storage starts at 128GB, expandable via microSD. The real star here might be the massive 6000mAh battery. Combined with the efficient chipset and AI optimizations, expect truly exceptional battery life – easily stretching into two days for moderate users. 25W fast charging is included, a welcome upgrade from slower charging seen in older F-series models.
Software & Longevity
The F36 launches with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1 right out of the box. This is a huge plus. One UI remains one of the most polished and feature-rich Android skins, offering excellent customization and usability. Crucially, Samsung commits to 4 years of security updates for the F series. This promise of longevity is vital for buyers planning to keep their phone for several years, providing peace of mind regarding security and potential feature drops down the line.
Final Verdict: Should You Consider the Galaxy F36?
At ₹20,000, the Samsung Galaxy F36 presents a genuinely compelling package. Its biggest strengths are undeniably the inclusion of practical AI features, the massive 6000mAh battery with 25W charging, the clean Android 15 experience with long-term update support, and the smooth 90Hz display. The Exynos 1280 provides reliable, if not class-leading, performance for the price.
The compromises? The plastic build, while decent, lacks premium feel. The LCD display, though smooth, won’t match AMOLED for contrast and vibrancy. Camera performance in tricky lighting will still struggle compared to more expensive phones, despite AI help.
Who is it for? If you prioritize battery life that lasts, want a taste of useful AI tools on a budget, value clean software with long-term updates, and appreciate Samsung’s reliability, the F36 is an excellent choice. It faces stiff competition from Xiaomi and Realme in raw power or camera hardware at this price, but Samsung counters with unique AI integration, stellar battery, and strong software support. If those resonate more with you than benchmark scores, the F36 is definitely worth your consideration.
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.