The Samsung Galaxy A36 sound experience marks a significant point in the evolution of Samsung’s mid-range smartphones. When selecting a new device, audio quality is essential for media consumption and daily communication. This comprehensive review examines the Galaxy A36 5G’s speaker performance, wired and wireless connectivity, and overall sound fidelity. We explore how this device balances advanced features with its mid-range price tag. We look at whether the stereo setup truly elevates the user experience.
The Galaxy A36 is positioned as a powerful, feature-rich contender in the competitive mid-range sector. It brings premium design elements and solid performance to a broader audience. Sound performance is often a subtle yet crucial factor in user satisfaction. We will analyze every facet of the A36’s sound capabilities to help consumers make an informed decision. This guide is suitable for both casual users and discerning audiophiles.
The Audio Hardware Setup
The sound architecture of the Galaxy A36 5G relies on two primary features. These are the inclusion of a stereo speaker system and the exclusion of the traditional 3.5mm audio jack. These specifications immediately define the user experience for sound playback. Samsung has opted for a contemporary audio setup focused on digital and wireless connectivity.
The Power of Stereo Speakers
The most impactful audio upgrade in the A-series over its older, entry-level siblings is the presence of stereo speakers. Stereo sound uses two separate channels—left and right—to create an immersive soundstage. This setup significantly improves immersion compared to a mono speaker configuration.
In the Galaxy A36, the stereo setup is hybrid. One dedicated speaker is located on the bottom edge of the phone. The second speaker is the earpiece, which doubles as the left channel. This creates a wider, more balanced sound distribution. When watching videos or playing games in landscape mode, sound effects and music can travel across the screen. This makes content feel more dynamic and realistic. The stereo effect adds crucial depth to the audio landscape.
Driver and Tuning Philosophy
Samsung generally tunes its mid-range speakers for clarity in the mid-range and highs. This ensures that voices in podcasts, dialogue in movies, and notification sounds are clear and crisp. The drivers themselves are often optimized for efficiency rather than raw power. This helps preserve battery life while maintaining adequate loudness.
The Galaxy A36 speakers are powered by software optimization, including Dolby Atmos support. This technology is not a hardware feature but a virtual surround sound layer. It processes the audio output to create a spatial, three-dimensional effect, particularly noticeable when listening to Dolby-optimized content. This tuning philosophy targets the everyday user who streams content and takes calls. It aims to provide a pleasant and clear audio experience without the expectation of deep, booming bass.
Loudspeaker Performance Review
Evaluating loudspeaker performance involves looking at several key metrics. These include maximum volume, frequency response (bass, mids, and highs), and the ability to handle complex audio without distortion. The Galaxy A36 performs consistently with its mid-range positioning.
Volume and Peak Loudness
The maximum volume of the Samsung Galaxy A36 is robust and satisfactory for most environments. Due to the stereo setup, the perceived loudness is higher and more distributed than on previous mono-speaker models. This makes the phone suitable for playing music in a small room or watching a movie outdoors.
However, like most smartphones, pushing the volume to its absolute maximum may introduce minor artifacts. Distortion can sometimes creep in when the phone is pushed to 90% or 100% volume, especially with bass-heavy tracks. For typical listening, keeping the volume between 60% and 80% offers the best balance of loudness and fidelity. The overall loudness is competitive with other devices in its class, offering enough power for casual listening.
Clarity, Mid-Range, and Highs
The clarity of the A36 speakers is a major strength. The phone handles the mid-range—where most human voices and primary musical instruments reside—with precision. Dialogue in videos remains easy to understand, even against background noise or music. This focus on vocal clarity is a hallmark of Samsung’s general tuning strategy.
High frequencies (treble) are well-represented, contributing to the perceived “sparkle” in music. Cymbals and string instruments sound sharp without being overly harsh or tinny. This balance prevents listener fatigue over longer periods. The effective management of the mid-range and highs is crucial for an enjoyable streaming experience on platforms like Netflix or YouTube.
Bass Response and Depth
Bass performance is the typical limitation for mid-range smartphone speakers. The Galaxy A36, while employing stereo sound, still relies on small, compact drivers. These cannot move enough air to produce deep, resonant sub-bass frequencies.
The bass response is present but mostly focused on the upper-bass and lower-mid frequencies. You hear the rhythm and punch of a bass line, but you do not feel the deep rumble. Compared to flagship phones with larger acoustic chambers, the A36 sounds slightly thinner in the low-end. The Dolby Atmos processing helps create a sense of fullness, but it cannot overcome the physical constraints of the speaker size. For rich, deep bass, users must rely on external headphones or a dedicated Bluetooth speaker.
Specialized Comparison: A36 vs. A35
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is the successor to the highly popular Galaxy A35. Both phones feature stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The primary difference lies in subtle refinements.
The A35 speakers were praised for being loud and clear, but some reviewers noted a slightly muffled quality at max volume. The A36 appears to have improved the calibration and driver efficiency. This leads to cleaner overall audio, particularly in the mid-high range. While the hardware design remains similar (hybrid stereo), the tuning on the A36, backed by the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, provides a minor but noticeable enhancement in artifact reduction and spatial separation. This makes the A36 a consistent step forward in sound fidelity within the A-series line.
Wired Audio Experience: The Missing 3.5mm Jack
The biggest point of contention for many traditional users is the absence of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The Samsung Galaxy A36 joins the trend set by most modern smartphones, including many in Samsung’s own A-series from the A34 onwards. This decision forces users to adapt their listening habits.
The Transition to USB-C Audio
All wired audio input and output is channeled through the device’s single USB Type-C 2.0 port. This move is driven by several factors. It allows manufacturers to achieve thinner designs and improve the device’s IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Removing the jack frees up valuable internal space that Samsung uses for components like the large 5,000mAh battery.
To use traditional wired headphones, the user must purchase a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (often called a dongle). This adapter must contain an integrated Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Since the A36 does not have a dedicated internal DAC chip for the 3.5mm port, the adapter handles the digital-to-analog conversion. This is a crucial point for potential buyers.
Impact on Audiophiles and Casual Listeners
For the casual listener, the change is a minor inconvenience that requires carrying an adapter. They can easily purchase an affordable third-party or genuine Samsung adapter.
For audiophiles, the change is more complex. The audio quality is now highly dependent on the quality of the external DAC/adapter used. A high-quality USB-C DAC can potentially deliver better audio fidelity than an internal 3.5mm jack. This is because the DAC is external to the phone’s internal noise and interference. However, using a cheap, low-quality adapter can lead to poor sound quality, lower volume, and connectivity issues. Audiophiles gain flexibility but lose the immediate convenience of a standard port. They must invest in a quality adapter or USB-C headphones.
Comparison: The Predecessor (A34) vs. A36
The Galaxy A34 marked a turning point in the A-series for audio connectivity. It was one of the first in its direct line to drop the headphone jack, following the lead of the flagship S-series. The A36 continues this strategy, firmly establishing USB-C and wireless as the standard.
Users upgrading from older models, such as the Galaxy A33 which retained the jack in some markets, will feel the lack of the port most acutely. Users upgrading from the A34 or A35 will find the wired experience to be identical. The focus remains on leveraging the USB-C port’s versatility. The consistency in this design choice across recent generations indicates a permanent shift for Samsung’s core mid-range line.
Wireless Audio Connectivity
Wireless listening has become the dominant method for audio consumption. The Samsung Galaxy A36 supports modern Bluetooth standards to ensure a high-quality, stable connection with earbuds and headphones.
Bluetooth Codec Support
The Galaxy A36 5G features Bluetooth 5.4. This is a very recent and high-performance standard, ensuring excellent stability and lower power consumption. More importantly, the phone supports several key audio codecs.
Samsung prioritizes its proprietary Scalable Codec for use with Galaxy Buds. This codec dynamically adjusts the bitrate to maintain a stable, high-quality connection, especially in congested wireless environments. For third-party devices, the A36 supports standard codecs like SBC and AAC. AAC offers good quality for Apple and many general-purpose wireless devices. Depending on the regional model and software updates, the A36 may also support high-resolution codecs like LDAC. High-resolution codecs are necessary for transmitting lossless or near-lossless audio data wirelessly. This is a key feature for audiophiles who prefer wireless freedom.
Wireless Latency and Stability
Bluetooth 5.4 is highly effective at minimizing audio latency. Latency is the delay between a sound being generated on the phone and the user hearing it through their wireless device. Low latency is critical for competitive gaming and watching videos. Significant lag can break immersion and ruin the experience.
The A36 performs well in this regard. When paired with low-latency earbuds, the audio syncs seamlessly with video content, especially for gaming. The stability of the connection is strong, thanks to the efficiency of Bluetooth 5.4 and the robust processing power of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. This ensures fewer dropouts and a reliable connection, even when the phone is in a pocket or bag.
Call Quality and Microphones
A smartphone’s primary function remains communication. The audio system extends beyond media playback to encompass microphone quality and voice clarity during calls. The Galaxy A36 features a multi-microphone array. The phone uses two microphones on the bottom and one on the top.
Voice Clarity and Noise Suppression
The multi-microphone setup allows the A36 to implement effective noise suppression technology. During phone calls, these microphones work together to isolate the user’s voice. They actively filter out ambient background noise such as traffic, wind, or conversation.
This results in clear, crisp voice transmission for the person on the other end of the line. The quality is reliable for both standard voice calls and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) calls. For video conferencing and voice recording, the clarity is professional and suitable for general use. The internal processing minimizes common artifacts like echo and excessive plosives (loud P and T sounds).
Recording Quality for Content Creators
For users who record voice notes, interviews, or short videos, the microphone performance is important. The A36 provides solid quality for mobile recording. The phone accurately captures the user’s voice without excessive compression. While it does not replace a dedicated external microphone, the built-in array is highly capable for casual content creation. Its ability to capture 4K video is complemented by clean audio recording at 30fps.
Software Enhancements: Dolby Atmos and EQ
Samsung’s One UI operating system provides several crucial software enhancements for the A36’s audio experience. These tools allow users to personalize the sound output.
The Dolby Atmos Experience
Dolby Atmos is enabled by default in the A36 and can be applied to both loudspeaker and headphone audio. When enabled, it widens the soundstage and adds a sense of verticality to the audio. This creates a fuller, more enveloping sound.
While the effect is limited by the hardware, it significantly improves the immersion for cinematic content. Users should experiment with the different Dolby Atmos modes offered by Samsung. These typically include options for Movie, Music, and Voice. The Movie mode generally provides the most dramatic, spatial effect.
Adapt Sound and Equalizer Customization
The A36 includes a comprehensive equalizer (EQ) interface. This allows users to manually adjust frequency bands to suit their musical preferences. Users can boost the bass, emphasize the mids for vocals, or heighten the treble.
Furthermore, Samsung offers an “Adapt Sound” feature. This is a hearing optimization tool. It runs a quick test or asks for the user’s age to tune the audio profile specifically to their hearing sensitivity. This personalization is a powerful feature for ensuring optimal audio clarity for every individual user. It helps mitigate age-related high-frequency loss by subtly boosting specific tones. This level of customization ensures the A36 delivers a tailored listening experience.
Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy A36 Audio
Understanding the trade-offs is key to assessing the A36’s suitability. The audio experience offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
The inclusion of stereo speakers is a major advantage. It provides a truly immersive sound experience for movies and gaming. Loudness levels are more than adequate for most daily scenarios. The audio remains clear and crisp, even at high volumes. Mid-range and vocal clarity are excellent. This ensures easy comprehension during calls and content streaming. Bluetooth 5.4 support is another key positive. It guarantees strong, stable wireless performance with low latency for modern wireless accessories. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and the custom equalizer tools allows for deep audio personalization. This helps optimize sound for individual hearing preferences and content types.
Cons
The most significant drawback is the absence of the 3.5mm headphone jack. This forces users to rely on adapters or wireless headphones. It is an added cost and inconvenience for users with existing wired headphones. Bass response is adequate but lacks the true depth and rumble found in premium flagships. This is an unavoidable limitation of the mid-range form factor. The audio quality from the USB-C port is dependent on the external DAC quality of the adapter. This means a user must invest in a quality adapter to match or exceed the performance of a high-end dedicated jack.
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know
A potential buyer should weigh the A36’s audio setup against their specific needs. The A36 is a strong all-around performer, but certain user profiles will feel the compromises more than others.
Assessing Your Audio Needs
If you primarily use wireless earbuds (like Samsung Galaxy Buds) for listening, the A36 is an excellent choice. The robust Bluetooth 5.4 and Samsung’s own codecs ensure a seamless, high-quality experience. If you mostly watch videos, social media, or play casual games using the built-in speakers, the stereo quality and clarity will impress you.
However, if you own expensive, high-impedance wired headphones, you must factor in the cost and potential inconvenience of a quality external USB-C DAC. The experience will be functional, but carrying a dongle will be necessary. Understand that the shift to digital wired audio requires a small but definite change in user habits.
Cost of the 3.5mm Adapter
The cost of a suitable USB-C to 3.5mm adapter varies. Genuine Samsung adapters are recommended for guaranteed compatibility and can cost a moderate amount. Cheaper alternatives are available but may suffer from poor audio quality or intermittent connection issues. Budget for this accessory if you intend to use wired headphones. Consider investing in a high-quality adapter to get the most out of your premium headphones. The phone itself supports high-fidelity audio output through the USB-C port, provided the conversion hardware is capable.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G delivers a strong, contemporary audio experience tailored for the modern user. The inclusion of stereo speakers is a crucial, game-changing feature for media consumption, providing clarity, good volume, and excellent stereo separation. This makes the A36 one of the most immersive devices in its class for watching content without headphones.
However, the permanent removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack firmly establishes the A36’s wireless-first identity. This is a calculated compromise. It allows for a slimmer, more water-resistant design and encourages the use of Bluetooth accessories. The trade-off is the loss of universal plug-and-play simplicity for wired listeners.
Ultimately, the A36 provides an excellent loudspeaker experience, far surpassing older mono-speaker models. Its wireless connectivity is robust and future-proof. Buyers embracing the wireless trend will find the audio quality to be a significant highlight of the device. Those clinging to the analog jack must be prepared to invest in a quality adapter. The A36 sound system is well-tuned, competitive, and represents a premium feature set in the mid-range segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Samsung Galaxy A36 have a 3.5mm headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy A36 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. You must use wireless headphones or connect wired headphones via a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
What kind of speakers does the Galaxy A36 use?
The Galaxy A36 uses a stereo speaker setup. It combines a dedicated speaker on the bottom edge with the earpiece speaker on the top to deliver two distinct audio channels.
Is the sound quality on the Galaxy A36 good for gaming?
Yes, the sound quality is good for gaming. The stereo speakers provide necessary directional audio cues, and the Bluetooth 5.4 ensures low latency for responsive gameplay with compatible wireless accessories.
Does the Galaxy A36 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A36 supports Dolby Atmos technology. This is a software feature that enhances audio to create a more spatial and immersive virtual surround sound effect.
Can I use my old wired headphones with the Galaxy A36?
You can use your old wired headphones, but you will need to purchase a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter. This adapter requires a built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to work correctly with the phone.
