Last year witnessed the significant popularity of the Samsung Galaxy A55, raising the pivotal question of whether its successor, the Samsung Galaxy A56, will also secure a coveted position on our esteemed list of the best budget-friendly smartphones. The answer, as the review meticulously unveils, lies in a thorough examination of its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 presents a compelling array of photographic capabilities, headlined by a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera boasting a 1/1.56” sensor, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This is complemented by a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera with a 1/3.06” sensor and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera for close-up shots. For selfies, the device features a 12MP f/2.2 front-facing camera without autofocus. Video recording capabilities extend to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.
The visual experience is delivered through a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, achieving an impressive peak brightness of 1900 nits and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. Powering the device is a 5000 mAh battery with fast charging support, although wireless charging is not included.
On the software front, the Galaxy A56 runs on Android 15 and is slated to receive up to six major operating system updates, ensuring longevity and continued software support.
Priced at £499 for the model with 256GB of internal storage, the A56 positions itself as a highly competitive offering against its closest rivals. It directly competes with the iPhone 16e (starting at $599/£599 for a 128GB variant, escalating to $699/£699 for the 256GB option) and the Google Pixel 9a (similarly priced at $499/£499 for 128GB, with the 256GB version costing $599/£599).
Initial impressions suggest a strong value proposition, prompting a deeper exploration into the additional features and capabilities offered for the price.
The photographic arsenal of the Samsung A56 is noteworthy, featuring a triple-lens setup. This configuration surpasses the single-lens system of the iPhone 16e and the dual-lens arrangement of the Pixel 9a in sheer number. While the inclusion of a third lens provides a numerical advantage over the iPhone 16e, it's crucial to acknowledge that this third lens is a lower-resolution macro lens, whose performance often falls short of expectations.
The primary 50MP f/1.8 camera stands out as a respectable offering within the mid-range price segment, effectively competing with the main cameras of both the iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a. It is accompanied by a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, inherently offering broader perspective capture than the iPhone 16e (which lacks an ultrawide) and slightly trailing the 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide of the Pixel 9a (a marginal difference unlikely to yield significant real-world impact).
The 5MP macro lens presents a somewhat peculiar inclusion. While it enables close-up photography, its lower resolution, smaller sensor, and narrower aperture might limit its overall effectiveness. This lens occupies the space where a telephoto lens might be found on some other models (though telephoto lenses are scarce at this price point), meaning users seeking optical zoom will need to rely on digital zoom, offering up to 10x magnification.
On the front of the device, the 12MP f/2.2 selfie camera aligns with the standard specifications for mid-range and even some high-end smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung and Apple. The absence of autofocus (AF) is noted, but this is not uncommon even in many flagship devices.
Considering the widespread popularity of its predecessor, the Galaxy A55, the review addresses the key innovations introduced in the A56. While the camera specifications appear largely identical (or at least share the same resolutions and triple-lens configuration), the primary distinctions lie in the body design. The A56 boasts a slightly lighter and slimmer profile compared to the A55, despite featuring a marginally larger body and screen (6.7 inches versus 6.6 inches). Both devices share the same screen resolution and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, but the newer A56 offers significantly enhanced brightness, reaching a peak of 1900 nits compared to the A55's 1000 nits. The review suggests that existing A55 users might find little compelling reason to upgrade, but for those transitioning from older or different models, the A56 represents a superior choice.
The review methodology emphasizes evaluating smartphones from a photographic and camera performance perspective. This involves a thorough assessment of the phone's photographic and video features, with particular attention paid to the output quality from each lens, photo editing capabilities, and the overall performance of the camera system. Additional factors such as screen quality and battery life are also considered integral to the overall user experience.
The review highlights that the differences between the preceding A55 model and the latest A56 iteration are not substantial. The A56 features a slightly larger display (6.7 inches versus 6.6 inches), but both utilize Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and possess an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Despite its larger screen, the A56 is marginally lighter.
In terms of camera hardware, both models employ a triple-lens setup comprising a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera. Interestingly, the selfie camera resolution on the A56 has been reduced from 32MP to 12MP.
Another notable omission in the A56 is the MicroSD card slot, a feature present in the A55. However, the A56 introduces improvements such as faster charging capabilities and a faster processor.
The review concludes that for existing A55 owners, the upgrade to the A56 might not be compelling, and they might even consider seeking out deals on the older model, especially if a memory card slot is a priority. In some aspects, the A56 is characterized as a potential downgrade for users who value expandable storage.
Compared to competitors in its price range, such as the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 9a, the Samsung Galaxy A56 boasts a large 6.7-inch screen, placing it in the realm of some flagship models, a significant advantage at a mid-range price point. Furthermore, the inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ is impressive and should provide robust protection against scratches and scrapes. The screen's peak brightness of 1900 nits is commendable for its class, contributing to good visibility and vibrant display of photos and videos with seemingly accurate color reproduction.
The A56 features IP67 water and dust proofing. While not as robust as the IP68 rating found on the iPhone 16e, it still offers substantial protection, capable of withstanding submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, providing ample resilience against accidental spills or exposure to rain.
Aesthetically, the A56 is described as somewhat understated, a common characteristic in this price segment. The review unit was the "Graphite" color, with "Pink" and "Olive" options offering more vibrant alternatives. The phone features rounded corners and a flat screen, exhibiting a design reminiscent of iPhones, a matter of personal preference. A small cutout for the selfie camera contributes to a good screen-to-body ratio, although the bezels are noted as being fairly prominent.
The rear camera arrangement consists of three lenses aligned vertically, a design deemed unexciting but typical for major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google, contrasting with the more distinctive designs often adopted by cheaper Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Tecno, or Oppo.
For a mid-range smartphone, the A56 offers a good selection of different shooting modes within its native camera application, a common expectation for Android models in this price bracket.
The standard "Photo" mode provides access to the 0.5x and 1x lenses, along with quick tap options for 2x, 4x, and the maximum 10x digital zoom. Pinch-to-zoom functionality is also available.
In low-light conditions, a Night mode is designed to activate automatically, but users can also manually select it from the "More" tab. The A56's third lens is a macro lens, activated either by the phone suggesting macro mode when close to a subject or by manual selection from the "More" tab.
Additional options within the "Photo" setting include applying digital filters, choosing to shoot at the full 50MP resolution (with the 1x lens), toggling the flash, and adjusting the aspect ratio. Exposure compensation is also adjustable in this mode. Further settings, accessible via a cog icon, allow users to toggle the "Scene Optimiser" (which automatically adjusts colors), add watermarks, and change the file format of captured images.
Other shooting modes within the native camera app include Portrait mode, offering 1x or 2x shooting options, adjustable blur effects, and aspect ratio changes. A Pro mode is also available, enabling manual adjustments of ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, metering, and shutter speed, although RAW format shooting is not supported.
For video recording, the "Video" mode offers resolutions up to 4K at 30fps, with an option to enable "Super Steady" image stabilization (limited to 1080p at 30fps). Additional video modes such as Pro Video, Slow Motion, and Hyperlapse can be found under the "More" tab.
Reflecting a growing trend, the A56 incorporates a suite of AI editing tools, including options to erase shadows, reflections, and other objects within the frame. This functionality is described as useful for quick and simple edits, performing well with uncomplicated backgrounds and subjects, provided the finished results are not scrutinized too closely.
The review asserts that the A56 is capable of producing lovely imagery with overall detailed shots and pleasing colors. However, it notes that there doesn't appear to be a significant leap in image quality compared to its predecessor.
As anticipated, the best results are achieved with the 1x primary lens. Images are typically output at 12MP, with an option to shoot at the full 50MP resolution. The 12MP images exhibit a good level of detail, particularly in well-lit conditions.
Color reproduction is described as very bright, a characteristic often associated with Samsung devices. The A56 generally produces more vivid results compared to similarly priced models like the Google Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e. The preferred color rendition is subjective, with some users appreciating the bold look while others might favor a more muted and realistic aesthetic.
The ultrawide lens performs adequately, but there is a noticeable drop in image quality compared to the main 1x lens when viewing images on a large screen. The reviewer suggests that this might not be a frequent use case, as the images appear very good on the A56's own screen and would likely be suitable for social media display.
The absence of a telephoto lens means that zooming relies on digital magnification up to 10x. The review suggests that only the 2x digital zoom produces reasonably good results, with significant smudging and loss of detail becoming apparent at 4x and beyond, making it a less desirable option unless absolutely necessary.
The 5MP macro lens, in place of a telephoto, yields results that are described as "OK," but the reviewer suggests that better results can often be achieved by simply shooting with the 1x lens. For personal use, the macro option is deemed likely to be rarely utilized, with a preference expressed for a dedicated telephoto lens. The review suggests that users sharing this preference might consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Portrait images are generally well-rendered, particularly with uncluttered backgrounds and subjects with relatively smooth outlines. Close scrutiny might reveal some outlining artifacts around the subject, but they appear pleasing on an average phone screen.
The selfie camera also performs decently despite its relatively lower resolution, offering the ability to apply a blurred background effect.
In low-light conditions, the 1x primary lens produces some usable results with a good amount of detail retention and well-balanced highlights and shadows. The ultrawide lens's performance deteriorates significantly in low light, making it less reliable in such conditions. As expected, any zoom beyond 1x relies on digital magnification, with even 2x showing a noticeable lack of detail.
The initial price of the A56 might seem relatively high compared to its predecessor, the A55. However, the review notes that the A55's price has significantly decreased since its launch, where its original recommended retail price (RRP) was very close to the A56's current RRP. At launch, the A55 was priced at £439 for the 128GB version and £489 for the 256GB version, only £10 cheaper than the A56's sole 256GB offering (£499).
Currently, the A55 can be acquired for around £250-£350, depending on the desired storage capacity. Given the identical camera hardware and similar design, potential buyers might prefer the A55 at its current lower price point rather than waiting for the A56 to undergo a similar price reduction.
The review also draws attention to the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE as a competitor within Samsung's own lineup. While slightly more expensive (starting at £549 for 128GB, up to £599 for 256GB), the S24 FE offers a superior screen (AMOLED versus OLED, although size and brightness are similar) and a more versatile 8MP telephoto lens compared to the A56's macro lens.
Compared to mid-range models from other brands, the A56 is deemed to offer good value. It is priced lower than its nearest Android competitor with equivalent storage, as the £499 asking price for the A56 with 256GB of storage only buys a Google Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage; the 256GB Pixel 9a costs an additional £100. The A56 is also significantly cheaper than the overpriced iPhone 16e, which is likely to maintain its higher price point. The iPhone 16e costs £599 for the 128GB version and a substantial £699 for the 256GB variant, a full £200 more than the A56, while offering only a third of the number of camera lenses and a much smaller screen.
At the time of writing, the A56 is not yet available for purchase in the US. The preceding A55 was also not released in the US, reportedly due to Samsung's strategy to avoid cannibalizing sales of its other budget-friendly models, notably the S23 FE. While the S24 FE directly competes with the A56, the A56 is expected to make its debut in the US market at a later date, providing more options for consumers.
The budget smartphone category is currently highly competitive, with models like the A56 demonstrating that excellent performance can be achieved without exceeding the $1000/£1000 price threshold.
Overall, the A56 produces good-quality images characterized by bold and vibrant colors, with the 1x primary lens capturing a commendable level of detail. The ultrawide lens, while not as strong as the main lens, still delivers pleasing results. The macro lens is deemed less useful, potentially included primarily for marketing purposes to highlight a triple-lens system compared to rivals with fewer lenses.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 stands out as one of the best-priced mid-range phones currently available, undercutting the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 9a for equivalent storage capacity. However, it is acknowledged that the A56 does not represent a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Existing A55 owners are advised to either keep their current device or consider seeking out deals on the older model while it is still available.
In conclusion, the A56 is presented as an excellent choice for numerous reasons, primarily its compelling price. For users upgrading from older or different models, it will undoubtedly offer an improvement. However, those prioritizing a good telephoto lens and having some budgetary flexibility are advised to consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE or potentially the Oppo Reno 13 Pro if brand loyalty to Samsung is not a primary concern.
