This is why I keep downgrading my phones - Samsung A36
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Check out the CORSAIR Platform:4 Elevate Desk at: lmg.gg Linus checks out Samsung’s new Galaxy A36 to find out just how much you’re really giving up by choosing a $400 budget phone instead of a flagship. Spoiler: it’s not as much as you might think. With a 120Hz OLED display, solid cameras, premium materials, and even 6 years of updates, the A36 delivers a lot for the price — but there are still a few compromises you should know about. Buy a Samsung A36 5G: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Why Even Buy a Flagship? 0:37 Build Quality and Design Overview 2:29 Performance and LABS test results 3:04 Sponsor – Corsair Platform:4 3:30 LABS Display and Battery Life test results 4:43 Display and camera impressions 6:43 Speaker impressions and flex test 7:28 Misc features and Final Thoughts 8:48 Outro
The video opens by laying out the central question: why would someone downgrade from a flagship or mid-range phone to a budget device like the Samsung Galaxy A36, and what exactly is being sacrificed in the process? The host revisits his prior device challenges, including the iPhone 16 Plus and Google Pixel 9a, to frame a comparison that centers on real-world usage rather than spec sheets. He emphasizes value, noting that for around $400 the A36 offers a premium-feeling build with materials like Gorilla Glass on the back and Victus glass front, a 6.7 inch 120 Hz OLED display, and notable longevity with six years of software updates. The first impressions also touch on practical considerations, such as the device's plastic chassis, a lack of microSD expansion, a USB 2.0 port, and an integrated under-display fingerprint sensor that feels surprisingly premium for the price. He candidly discusses the processor limitations, explaining that the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 delivers far less gaming performance compared to flagship chips, yet for everyday tasks and media consumption the difference might not be a dealbreaker. The narrative then shifts to performance tests and viewing experiences, detailing battery life results that are adequate but not class-leading, and praising the brightness and HDR performance of the display. Despite some compromises in haptics and storage, the host suggests that the A36 presents a compelling package for its price point, especially when considering the diminishing returns of chasing flagships. The host concludes that budget phones like the A36 can feel feature-rich and sufficient for many users, challenging the notion that only high-end devices are worth pursuing. In closing, the video reinforces the broader message: for many buyers, a budget option can deliver substantial value without the need to chase top-tier hardware, inviting viewers to weigh their priorities and consider how much they truly gain from flagship devices.
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