Ultimate Guide: Samsung Galaxy M36 vs F36

Samsung’s Galaxy M36 and Galaxy F36 are two value-packed mid-range phones in India’s ₹20,000 segment that share core hardware but diverge on design, storage options, and retail channels—making the choice less obvious than it looks. Both deliver a smooth 120Hz Super AMOLED display, the efficient Exynos 1380 chipset, long battery life, and multi-year updates, while differing subtly in aesthetics and configurations that matter day-to-day. Below is a detailed, practical comparison to help decide which one fits specific needs best.

Table of Content

Quick Specs Comparison

Design & Build

Both phones follow Samsung’s minimalist design language with a flat back and individual camera rings, but their finish and front layout create distinct personalities. The Galaxy M36 is typically shown with a waterdrop notch and a clean, functional look that appeals to those who prioritize straightforward practicality over flair, while the Galaxy F36 is positioned as the trendier sibling sold via Flipkart/Samsung channels with colors that pop and a modern face design in most marketing, making it feel fresher in 2025 storefronts. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both is a noteworthy upgrade in this segment for improved front glass durability against scratches and minor drops. Dimensions and weight are virtually identical at about 7.7mm and 197g, keeping in-hand comfort comparable across the two.

• Build confidence: Victus+ cover glass plus solid frame construction lend reassuring sturdiness for daily carry.
• Ergonomics: Slim profile and sub‑200g weight make one-handed use manageable for a 6.7-inch device class.
• Aesthetic split: M36 looks classic and understated; F36 leans stylish with attention-grabbing colors like Luxe Violet or Onyx Black as highlighted in launch coverage.

Preference check: Choose M36 for a timeless, clean aesthetic or F36 for a more contemporary vibe with bolder finishes that better match current mid-range design trends in India.

Display

Samsung equips both with a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED panel at 120Hz, delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and fluid scrolling in UI and apps. Gorilla Glass Victus+ adds resilience on top, which is rare at this price point and particularly beneficial given the large panel area. Brightness and HDR handling vary slightly across retailer spec cards, but consistent takeaways are strong contrast and smoothness for gaming, social feeds, and video streaming.

• Smoothness: 120Hz helps animations and feed scrolling feel responsive and premium.
• Durability: Victus+ front glass is a practical advantage for long-term clarity and fewer micro-scratches.
• Cutout style: Marketing shows F36 with a more modern front layout in most materials, whereas M36 is widely listed with a waterdrop notch; the difference is cosmetic but noticeable in day-to-day viewing.

Performance

At the heart of both is Samsung’s Exynos 1380—an 8‑core SoC with four performance Cortex‑A78 cores and four efficiency Cortex‑A55 cores, paired with Mali‑G68 MP5 graphics and on‑device AI capability, fabricated on a 5nm process for efficiency. In everyday use, that translates to brisk app launches, confident multitasking, and smooth UI navigation, while keeping thermals and battery drain in check for a balanced mid-range experience. Gaming at medium settings is comfortable on popular titles; sustained loads benefit from the chip’s efficiency, though flagship-grade frame rates and high-end ray-traced effects are out of scope for this tier.

• CPU/GPU makeup: 4×2.4GHz Cortex‑A78 + 4×2.0GHz Cortex‑A55; Mali‑G68 MP5 up to around 950MHz class, optimized for power efficiency.
• AI & ISP: The 1380 platform supports on‑device AI features and high-resolution cameras, enabling enhanced image processing and smart features in camera and system apps.
• Thermals & efficiency: 5nm process and scheduler optimizations contribute to better sustained performance for long sessions relative to older 8nm designs.

Memory & storage: The M36 is widely available in 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB variants with microSD expansion (hybrid slot), which is excellent for users who need more internal headroom for apps and offline media. The F36 launched with 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB options per retail sources, also supporting microSD up to 2TB; availability may vary by sale round and channel. If future-proof storage matters, prioritize variants with 256GB internal storage regardless of model.

Camera

Both phones offer a practical triple-camera setup anchored by a 50MP main sensor with OIS for steadier low-light and handheld shots, an ultra-wide camera for landscapes or group photos, and a macro for close-ups. Video capture up to 4K30 is cited across listings, which is a welcome capability in this bracket for detailed clips, though stabilization and noise levels will still trail premium devices. The front camera is listed at 13MP in several F36 resources and around 12–13MP for M36 depending on the retailer, with support for Full HD and often 4K30 selfies in spec sheets—handy for creators who vlog or record reels on the go.

• Main sensor with OIS: Helps reduce blur in low light and improves clarity in quick point‑and‑shoot scenarios.
• Ultra‑wide versatility: Useful for architecture, travel, and group scenes without stepping back.
• 4K video: 4K30 on rear (and often front) expands creative flexibility, though expect best stability at 1080p60.

In practice, both will produce punchy daylight photos and competent indoor shots thanks to Samsung’s tuning and the 1380’s ISP, while low-light performance benefits from OIS and multi-frame processing—but temper expectations against higher-tier A‑series or S‑series phones with larger sensors.

Battery & Charging

Each device packs a 5,000mAh battery aimed at all‑day endurance under mixed use—social, camera, light gaming, and streaming—with the 5nm Exynos platform aiding efficiency. Charging support is consistently listed at 25W for the F36 across major outlets, while M36 listings vary between 25W and higher on certain retailer pages; Samsung’s official materials emphasize the 5,000mAh capacity and segment focus rather than headline charging speeds. Real‑world refills from single‑digit to 100% are typically within 80–100 minutes at 25W for similar Samsung devices; fast‑charge bricks may be sold separately depending on the channel.

• Endurance: All‑day battery life with balanced use; heavier gaming or 4K recording will shorten runtime as expected.
• Charging: Expect 25W class on F36; verify M36 bundle and specs at purchase since listings differ by retailer.

Software & Updates

Both phones ship with Android 15 and One UI 7, delivering Samsung’s familiar interface, robust customization, and tight integration with Galaxy services and Google features like Circle to Search; F36 launch materials also spotlighted Gemini Live and other AI additions in the stack. Retailer and media pages widely reference multi‑year OS and security support—often cited as up to six years in the F‑series refresh narrative—though specifics can vary by model and region; it’s prudent to confirm exact update policy on the product page at checkout [4][3]. Either way, buyers can expect better‑than‑average longevity relative to many sub‑₹20K Android phones, reducing the need to upgrade prematurely.

• Out of the box: Android 15 with One UI 7 for current features and theming parity.
• Longevity: Multi‑year OS/security support trend improves total cost of ownership and resale value; verify exact years per listing.

Extras

Core connectivity is well covered: 5G with broad band support, dual SIM (hybrid with microSD), Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS/GLONASS/Galileo class navigation, and USB‑C. Biometric unlock options include face unlock and a fingerprint reader; implementations vary across listings with some mentioning side-mounted and others indicating in-display in certain M36 spec sheets, so check the exact variant during purchase. NFC appears in F36 spec sheets from aggregators and may vary by region on M36—again, confirmed on the product page. Audio remains single-speaker plus USB‑C output; a 3.5mm jack is uncommon in this class and not prominent in launch coverage, so plan for USB‑C or wireless audio.

• Storage expansion: microSD up to 2TB provides safety for offline media libraries.
• Network readiness: 5G and Wi‑Fi 6 ensure future‑proof basics for the life of the phone.
• Biometrics: Fingerprint plus face unlock; verify side vs in‑display per SKU before buying.

Price Overview

As of their India launch windows, both phones start at ₹17,499 for the 6GB/128GB variant, with the 8GB/256GB tier often sitting around ₹18,999–₹21,999 depending on retailer and sale pricing. The Galaxy F36 was publicly positioned at ₹17,499 (6/128) and ₹18,999 (8/256) on Flipkart/Samsung channels, with open sales commencing in late July, while the Galaxy M36 has seen similar base pricing across Amazon/Samsung listings and price aggregators since its late‑June debut. Expect frequent bank offers, exchange bonuses, and limited‑time discounts during festival and sale events that can alter the value equation week to week.

• Galaxy M36 typical street: ₹17,499 (6/128), higher for 8/128 and 8/256; watch Amazon and Samsung Shop for coupons.
• Galaxy F36 typical street: ₹17,499 (6/128), ₹18,999 (8/256) per Flipkart launch coverage; check Flipkart/Samsung for bank offers [4].

Which One Should You Buy?

For style-forward buyers: Pick the Galaxy F36 if a modern front look and bolder colorways matter, and if 8/256 appears at a good sale price in your channel; its launch positioning emphasizes contemporary design cues without sacrificing the fundamentals that make the series popular.

For storage-focused users: Choose the Galaxy M36 if local availability favors the 256GB variant at competitive pricing or if Amazon/Samsung Shop bundles fit better; the broader spread of M36 configurations makes it easier to land on a high‑storage SKU for long-term use.

• Get the Galaxy F36 if you: Prefer a more up-to-date front design and vibrant finishes, and buy mainly via Flipkart/Samsung channels during sale periods.
• Get the Galaxy M36 if you: Want simpler, classic styling, prioritize internal storage options, and often shop via Amazon/Samsung Shop where 256GB deals can appear.

Bottom line: There’s no wrong pick—both share the same core platform, bright 120Hz AMOLED, OIS main camera, and large battery backed by Android 15 with One UI 7—so let price on the day, preferred finish, and the exact RAM/storage variant decide. If pricing is identical, lean F36 for looks or M36 for wider storage availability in market listings.

Related Post: Best Mobiles to Buy Under ₹25,000 in India (August 2025)

What’s Your Choice?

For the best value, track bank offers and exchange bonuses during Flipkart and Amazon sales, and verify specific details like charging wattage, fingerprint placement, and included accessories on the product page before checkout since these can vary by seller and batch.

Tip: If shooting many photos/videos and installing big games, prioritize 8GB RAM and 256GB storage on either model for a smoother multi‑year experience, then add a microSD card for media overflow.