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Stop Buying Expensive Phones. I Tested This $400 Samsung Galaxy That Nails the Basics

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CNET's key takeaways

The Galaxy A36 is one of Samsung's three midrange phones and costs $400.

The phone packs a generous 5,000-mAh battery, as well as 45-watt fast charging.

The A36 has a slightly larger display than its predecessor, which is nice and bright, even in direct sunlight.

A 50-megapixel main camera captures punchy photos, especially in portrait mode.

The camera compromises on sharpness and detail.

The A36's bezels are pretty noticeable.

There's also a slight lag when launching apps like the camera or rotating the phone.

As a friend and I stroll along the Chicago River on a sunny, sweltering summer day, I pause and reach for the phone in my pocket.

"Hold on," I say, "We need to take a basic picture of our drinks with the city in the background for my article."

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