Samsung Galaxy A56 Review: Great Value with Some Trade-offs

Samsung’s timing for launching the Galaxy A56 wasn’t ideal, given the growing competition in the $400-600 price range. However, despite the crowded market, this new budget-friendly Samsung device offers a lot to consider.

With a spacious display, ample storage, AI-driven features borrowed from flagship models, and a stable price, the Galaxy A56 is a compelling choice. However, those seeking top-tier performance or superior camera quality might have reservations.

Design and Display

Unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy A56 ditches the Galaxy S-style design in favor of a unique look shared with the Ax6 series.

The phone has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, which lags behind the IP68 protection found in flagship models. The front and back panels feature Victus Plus glass, offering solid durability, though not as robust as the latest Gorilla Armor or Victus 2 glass.

One minor drawback is the glossy rear panel, which easily picks up fingerprints. The color options include classic Graphite and Light Gray, along with more vibrant Olive and Pink choices.

The 6.7-inch FHD display retains the size of its predecessors but features slimmer bezels than the Galaxy A55. While the screen is bright and colorful, it isn’t as premium as the “Actua” display on the Pixel 8a. Samsung promises a 1200-nit high brightness mode and a 1900-nit peak brightness, though these claims are yet to be tested.

Cameras

Samsung has carried over the camera setup from the Galaxy A55: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The front camera is now 12MP instead of 32MP, but Samsung claims improved low-light performance and HDR video support.

When compared to the Pixel 8a, the Galaxy A56 sometimes produces duller images. Its macro camera is a nice addition but lacks the detail that Pixel’s digital zoom can achieve. Still, for those who enjoy close-up shots, having a dedicated macro lens could be useful.

Performance

The Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset with 8GB of RAM. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer top-tier performance. While it outperforms the A55 and Nothing Phone 3a Pro, it lags behind the Pixel 8a and iPhone 16e. Video processing, in particular, was notably slow in testing.

One positive aspect is the inclusion of vapor chamber cooling-previously seen only in Samsung’s flagship models. While the A56 struggles with demanding games like Genshin Impact at max settings, it remains cool under pressure.

The A56 comes with 256GB of storage but lacks a microSD slot. This is double the base storage of its competitors, but Samsung no longer offers expandable storage or a cheaper 128GB variant.

Battery and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery remains the same as previous models but delivers noticeably better efficiency. In a three-hour YouTube streaming test over Wi-Fi, the Galaxy A56 lost just 14% of its battery, compared to 18% for the Pixel 8a and 22% for the A55.

A welcome upgrade is 45W wired charging, a feature previously reserved for flagship models like the Galaxy S25 Plus. However, no charger is included in the box, and Samsung’s official 45W adapter costs $49.

Software and AI Features

The Galaxy A56 introduces Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” suite, which shares similarities with Galaxy AI. Features include Circle to Search, Object Eraser for photo editing, and Best Face for optimizing group selfies.

Other notable tools include a filter creator, which lets users apply one image’s color profile to another, and Auto Trim, which assembles selected video clips into a montage.

However, Samsung’s DeX desktop mode is still missing from the A-series. On the bright side, the Galaxy A56 now gets six years of Android and security updates-just behind Google’s seven-year promise but ahead of most competitors.

One downside is the presence of AppCloud, Samsung’s built-in app recommendation system, which can’t be removed-only disabled.

Verdict

The Galaxy A56 is a well-rounded device that delivers good battery life, AI-powered camera features, ample storage, and long-term software support.

However, if performance is a priority, the Pixel 9a or iPhone 16e might be better choices. For those looking for a stylish design with a telephoto camera, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a strong contender.

Ultimately, the Galaxy A56 is ideal for those who value balance over specialization. If you prefer a jack-of-all-trades smartphone, this device will serve you well.