Choosing between the Galaxy A36 vs. Galaxy A56? Samsung’s latest mid-range smartphones aim to bring flagship-like features without the premium price tag. Both devices boast a sleek design, vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED displays, and impressive AI-powered software. While they may look nearly identical at first glance, key differences set them apart, from performance to camera capabilities.
The Galaxy A36 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, while the Galaxy A56 steps up with Samsung’s own Exynos 1580, making it the better choice for gaming and multitasking. Battery life is solid on both, thanks to a 5,000mAh capacity, but fast charging has been upgraded to 45W for quicker top-ups.
Camera enthusiasts will find a 50MP main sensor with OIS on both models, but the A56 offers a higher-resolution ultrawide lens for better versatility. Plus, Samsung is bringing AI-powered photo editing and productivity tools, making these devices even smarter. With six years of software updates, both phones are built to last. But which one is right for you? Let’s break it all down.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 look nearly identical. Samsung has gone for a sleek and modern design with both models, featuring flat edges and a matte finish. However, there is a key difference:
- The Galaxy A56 has a metal frame, which gives it a slightly more premium feel.
- The Galaxy A36 uses a plastic frame, making it a lighter and more affordable option.
Both devices come with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front and back, ensuring decent durability. However, like most glass-backed phones, using a case is highly recommended to prevent scratches.
In terms of water and dust resistance, both phones boast an IP67 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is a welcome feature for mid-range devices, offering protection against accidental spills and rain.
Color options also vary slightly:
- Galaxy A56: Awesome Graphite, Awesome Pink, Awesome Olive, and Awesome Light Gray.
- Galaxy A36: Black, White, Lime, and Lavender.
While the A36 is slightly lighter, the A56’s metal frame and overall sturdier build make it feel like a more premium device in hand.
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Display Specs & Features
Both devices feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, ensuring vivid colors, sharp contrast, and deep blacks—perfect for streaming, gaming, and everyday use.
The main difference lies in brightness levels:
- Galaxy A56: Peak brightness of 1,200 nits with Vision Booster support.
- Galaxy A36: Slightly lower peak brightness, though still good enough for outdoor use.
Both phones include a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Whether you’re browsing social media, gaming, or watching videos, both displays deliver a flagship-like experience.
Samsung has also doubled the storage on both devices, offering 256GB as standard—a feature even some flagship phones like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 lack. Plus, both phones support microSD expansion, making storage concerns a thing of the past.
Performance & Chipsets
Here’s where things get interesting. Samsung has equipped these two phones with different chipsets:
- Galaxy A36: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 – A decent mid-range processor, but not the fastest.
- Galaxy A56: Samsung Exynos 1580 – A newer, more powerful chipset built on 4nm technology.
In real-world usage, the Galaxy A56 feels noticeably snappier. App switching is smoother, camera processing is faster, and even basic tasks like navigating the UI feel more fluid compared to the A36.
For gaming, both devices handle casual titles like Call of Duty Mobile just fine. However, if you’re into more demanding games like Genshin Impact, the Galaxy A56 is the better choice.
Software, AI Features & Updates
Both the Galaxy A36 and A56 run Samsung’s One UI 7 on top of Android 15. The biggest advantage? Samsung promises 6 years of software updates and security patches, ensuring your phone stays relevant and secure for years to come.
Samsung has also packed a ton of AI features into these phones, including:
- Circle to Search – Quickly look up anything by circling it on your screen.
- AI Wallpaper Generator – Turn any image into a custom wallpaper.
- AI Object Eraser – Remove unwanted objects from photos instantly.
However, the Galaxy A56 has two exclusive AI features:
- Auto Trim: Automatically creates highlight reels of your videos.
- Best Face: Enhances group photos by selecting the best facial expressions.
While both phones offer a feature-rich software experience, the extra AI capabilities on the A56 give it the edge.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 both feature a triple-camera setup, but there are some key differences that set them apart. On both devices, the primary sensor is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharper photos and reduced motion blur, particularly in low-light conditions.
One of the main differences between the two phones is in the ultra-wide camera. The Galaxy A56 comes with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, while the A36 has an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. This means the A56 captures more detail and produces sharper ultra-wide shots with improved dynamic range. The wider field of view is perfect for landscapes, group shots, and architecture photography.
Both devices include a 5-megapixel macro camera, which is useful for close-up shots of objects like flowers, textures, or small details. However, as with most macro cameras on mid-range devices, the quality is not the best and requires good lighting to get decent results.
When it comes to portrait photography, the A56 has a slight edge, thanks to improved skin tone processing and better background separation. Samsung has introduced AI-based portrait enhancements, allowing for more natural-looking photos with enhanced details in hair, skin, and background blur. The A36 still delivers solid portrait shots, but the bokeh effect can sometimes look artificial compared to the A56’s refined processing.
Low-light photography is another area where the A56 pulls ahead. Samsung has introduced a new low-noise mode exclusive to the A56, improving night shots by reducing grain and improving brightness. The A36 still performs decently in low-light, but photos may appear slightly darker with more noise, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
For video recording, both phones support up to 4K at 30fps. The OIS on the primary sensor ensures smoother video footage, making these phones good options for casual vlogging or capturing moments on the go. However, the ultra-wide video quality is noticeably better on the A56, thanks to the higher resolution sensor.
On the front, both devices sport a 12-megapixel selfie camera, which delivers detailed and natural-looking selfies. Both phones also support Samsung’s AI-driven beauty mode and portrait selfie features, allowing users to fine-tune skin smoothness, lighting, and facial contours.
Overall, while both devices offer solid camera performance for mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A56 has the clear advantage, particularly in ultra-wide shots, low-light performance, and portrait photography. If camera quality is a priority, the A56 is the better choice, but the A36 still holds up well for everyday photography needs.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
When it comes to battery life, both the Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 pack a 5,000mAh battery, which is a standard but reliable capacity for mid-range smartphones. This ensures all-day battery life, even with moderate to heavy usage. Whether you’re streaming videos, gaming, or using social media, you can expect a full day’s worth of use without needing to reach for the charger.
However, the chipset differences between the two models slightly affect battery efficiency. The Exynos 1580 in the A56 is more power-efficient, which helps it last slightly longer under heavy usage compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the A36. While the difference isn’t massive, users who prioritize battery longevity may notice that the A56 holds up a little better over time.
In our real-world battery tests, both phones lasted approximately 7–8 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive for mid-range devices. The A56 maintained around 12-15% more battery at the end of the day, likely due to the more efficient chipset and slightly better software optimization.
One of the biggest upgrades this year is the improved fast charging speed. Both phones now support 45W fast charging, a major jump from last year’s 25W charging limit. Samsung claims that this allows both the A36 and A56 to charge from 0 to 100% in around 68 minutes—a much-needed upgrade that makes topping up your battery significantly faster.
Unfortunately, neither device supports wireless charging, a feature that is still largely reserved for flagship models. However, given that most mid-range competitors also lack wireless charging, this isn’t a huge drawback.
Samsung does not include a charger in the box, so users will need to purchase a 45W adapter separately to take advantage of the fast charging speeds. If you use a lower-wattage charger, your charging times will be significantly slower.
Overall, battery performance is solid on both devices, with fast wired charging making a noticeable difference in everyday use. The A56 has a slight edge in battery efficiency, but both phones should easily last a full day without any issues.
Galaxy A36 vs. Galaxy A56 Price & Value:
- Galaxy A36: $400
- Galaxy A56: $499
For an extra $100, you get:
- A faster Exynos 1580 chipset.
- A better ultrawide camera.
- Exclusive AI features.
- A sturdier metal frame.
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the Galaxy A36 is still a solid choice. However, if you want better performance, cameras, and extra AI perks, the Galaxy A56 is worth the upgrade.
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Pros of the Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56
- Premium Design with Durability – Both phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus+ and IP67 water and dust resistance, making them durable for everyday use. The Galaxy A56 also has a metal frame, giving it a more premium feel.
- Vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED Display – Both models have a Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling, bright colors, and deep contrast for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Long-Lasting Battery with Fast Charging – 5,000mAh battery on both devices ensures all-day usage, and 45W fast charging means quicker top-ups compared to previous A-series models.
- AI-Powered Features – Samsung’s AI tools, such as Circle to Search, AI Object Eraser, and Auto Trim, enhance usability, with even more AI perks on the Galaxy A56.
- Improved Camera Performance – Both phones feature a 50MP main camera with OIS, but the A56 has a better 12MP ultrawide camera, improved low-light shots, and AI-enhanced portrait photography.
- Long-Term Software Support – Samsung guarantees 6 years of software updates, ensuring longevity and security for both devices.
Cons of the Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56
- Processor Performance Gap – The Galaxy A36 uses the weaker Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, making it slower compared to the A56, which features Samsung’s more powerful Exynos 1580.
- No Wireless Charging – Despite having flagship-level features, neither the A36 nor A56 supports wireless charging, which some competitors offer in this price range.
- No Significant Camera Upgrades – While the A56 improves ultrawide shots, the overall camera setup remains very similar to last year’s models, making it less appealing for photography enthusiasts.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 both offer strong mid-range performance, but choosing between them depends on your priorities. The A56 takes the lead with its metal frame, better ultra-wide camera, faster chipset, and improved AI features, making it the better choice for those who want a more premium experience. Meanwhile, the A36 is a solid option for budget-conscious buyers, still delivering a capable camera system, smooth performance, and long-term software support.
Both devices come with Samsung’s One UI 7, AI enhancements, and a 6-year update promise, ensuring longevity. Battery life is excellent on both, but the 45W fast charging is a welcome upgrade. If you want a phone that feels more premium and handles demanding tasks better, go for the A56. But if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable phone that still covers the basics well, the A36 won’t disappoint.
Galaxy A36 vs. Galaxy A56 Quick Overview:
| Feature | Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A56 |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Plastic Frame | Metal Frame |
| Display | Same 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | Same 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Performance | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 |
| Software & AI | AI Features | More AI Features |
| Cameras | 8MP Ultrawide | 12MP Ultrawide |
| Battery & Charging | Same 5,000mAh & 45W | Same 5,000mAh & 45W |
| Price | $399 | $499 |
Go for the Galaxy A36 if:
- You want a cheaper mid-range phone with solid performance.
- You don’t need extra AI features.
Go for the Galaxy A56 if:
- You want better performance for gaming and daily use.
- You prefer a metal frame and better cameras.
- You want extra AI camera tools.
Either way, both phones offer great value for money and are among the best mid-range smartphones of 2025.
Common Questions People Ask About the Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56
What is the main difference between the Galaxy A36 vs. A56?
- The biggest differences are in performance and camera quality. The Galaxy A56 features a more powerful Exynos 1580 chipset, making it faster and better for gaming. It also has a 12MP ultrawide camera compared to the A36’s 8MP ultrawide lens, leading to better image quality. Additionally, the A56 has extra AI camera tools that the A36 lacks.
Does the Galaxy A36 or A56 support 5G?
- Yes, both the Galaxy A36 and A56 support 5G connectivity, ensuring faster mobile data speeds and future-proof network compatibility.
How long will Samsung provide updates for the A36 and A56?
- Samsung promises 6 years of software updates and security patches for both devices, meaning they will receive Android OS upgrades and security fixes until 2031.
Is the Galaxy A56 worth the extra £100 over the A36?
- If you prioritize better performance, a sturdier metal build, and improved cameras, the Galaxy A56 is worth the extra cost. However, if you’re on a budget and just need a reliable daily driver, the Galaxy A36 still offers excellent value.
Do the Galaxy A36 and A56 have expandable storage?
- Yes, both models support microSD cards, allowing you to expand storage beyond the built-in 256GB.
Which phone is better for gaming: the Galaxy A36 or A56?
- The Galaxy A56 is the better gaming phone due to its faster Exynos 1580 processor. It handles high-end games like Genshin Impact more smoothly compared to the A36, which struggles with heavier tasks.
Do these phones come with a charger in the box?
- No, Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box. You will need to purchase a 45W fast charger separately to take full advantage of the fast charging speeds.
Is the Galaxy A36 or A56 waterproof?
- Both phones have IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, they are not designed for swimming or prolonged exposure to water.
Does the Galaxy A36 or A56 have a headphone jack?
- No, neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need to use USB-C or Bluetooth headphones for audio.
Which phone should I buy if I want better battery life?
- Both the A36 and A56 have the same 5,000mAh battery, so they offer similar battery life. However, the A56’s Exynos chip is more power-efficient, meaning it might last slightly longer under heavy use.
