Samsung Galaxy A56 Review: A $499 Misstep in a Competitive Mid-Range Market
In a time when mid-range smartphones are evolving and setting new standards for value, Samsung’s latest device—the Galaxy A56—seems to be a regression. With a price tag of $499, the A56 enters a highly competitive space where feature-rich options from Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others reign. Regrettably, Samsung’s latest mid-tier device offers only slight improvements over the previous model, raising significant doubts regarding its value.
A Familiar Design with Minor Tweaks
Upon initial observation, the Galaxy A56 looks like a polished iteration of the A55. It features a new elongated camera setup and maintains an upscale touch with a metal mid-frame and glass back. The device is IP67-rated for protection against dust and water and includes Samsung Knox for enhanced security. While these features are appreciated, they do not provide sufficient justification for the price, particularly when competitors deliver similar or superior build quality and protection for less.
Underwhelming Performance
A major drawback of the Galaxy A56 is its performance. Equipped with Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1580 chipset, this phone struggles to match the speed of its competitors. In practical use, the A56 shows evident lag and stuttering, especially during gaming or multitasking. Even with the optimized One UI 7 software, it feels less responsive than competitively priced phones like the OnePlus 13R or Google Pixel 9a.
On the other hand, devices like the POCO X7 Pro and Nothing Phone 3a Pro provide significantly improved performance at more affordable prices, owing to more efficient chipsets and superior thermal management.
Display: Bright, But Not the Brightest
Samsung has a long-standing reputation for outstanding display technology, and the A56 somewhat upholds that legacy. The AMOLED display is colorful and supports HDR content, but it does not reach the brightness levels seen in competitors like the OnePlus Nord 4 and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. This gap becomes particularly apparent in outdoor scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging: A Step Back
Despite being equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A56 falls short in battery endurance. It can manage a full day under moderate usage, but intensive tasks—such as gaming or video streaming—deplete the battery rapidly. Even more disappointing is the device’s 45W charging speed, one of the slowest in its category, requiring over 75 minutes for a complete charge. This is especially disheartening as other mid-range phones adopt faster charging technologies, including silicon-carbide battery advancements.
Camera System: Inconsistent and Outdated
The A56 features a 50MP main camera and a decent front camera, but the results are hit or miss. Photos captured in good lighting are acceptable, but its low-light capabilities are lacking. The additional cameras contribute little to the overall experience, and the absence of autofocus on the front camera is a missed chance. In contrast, the Pixel 9a provides a noticeably better camera experience with reliable image quality and advanced computational photography.
AI Features: A Limited Offering
Samsung has heavily invested in AI capabilities across its Galaxy lineup, but the A56 only features a diluted version. Functions such as Best Face, Instant Slo-mo, and auto-trim are included, but the complete Galaxy AI suite remains exclusive to the flagship S25 series. Meanwhile, Google has effectively integrated most of its AI features into the Pixel 9a, making it a more attractive option for users seeking AI-powered photography and productivity.
Software and Updates
Samsung continues to excel in software support. The A56 runs One UI 7 based on Android 14 and is projected to receive several years of updates. However, even this edge is being challenged by Google, which provides extended update periods for its Pixel devices.
The Competition Is Fierce—and Better
The primary issue with the Galaxy A56 isn’t merely its deficiencies—it’s the formidable competition. Devices such as the Google Pixel 9a, OnePlus 13R, POCO X7 Pro, and Nothing Phone 3a Pro offer enhanced performance, better cameras, faster charging, and more extensive AI features at the same or lower price points.
Final Verdict: Look Elsewhere
Samsung’s Galaxy A56 exemplifies a brand relying on its past successes. With limited enhancements, lackluster performance, and a premium price, it cannot justify its position in the mid-range market of 2025. While dedicated Samsung fans might be drawn to the recognizable software and design, a wiser decision would be to consider alternatives that provide greater value and innovation.
If you are searching for a mid-range phone in 2025, bypass the Galaxy A56. Your investment is better allocated to devices like the Pixel 9a or OnePlus 13R—phones that truly fulfill their promises.
