The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy A56 in the mid-range lineup marks Samsung’s continued effort to refine its Galaxy A series. This device not only introduces a refreshed design and display but also delivers more stable performance—while maintaining the practical and functional character that has long defined the A series. Let’s take a closer look at each aspect, from its design and display to audio, camera, features, and everyday performance.
Specification Table of Samsung Galaxy A56
Design Samsung Galaxy A56
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy A56 retains the distinctive character of its predecessors, yet it now incorporates several subtle refinements that lend it a more modern and refined appearance. These changes may not be immediately conspicuous but become evident when the device is held or examined closely.
Front
On the front, the Galaxy A56 features thinner display bezels, resulting in a larger visible area without increasing the device’s overall size. A laminated Gorilla Glass Victus+ panel provides additional protection against scratches and gives the surface a smooth finish. The optical fingerprint sensor is positioned beneath the display, although slightly lower than the ideal location. When held, the front feels solid and precise, underscoring tidy build quality.
Rear
Moving to the rear, the design remains simple yet exudes an elegant impression. The camera module now appears more integrated with the body, creating a cleaner and more harmonious look. The glass back feels smooth, with a slight camera bump that is not particularly intrusive. Color options such as Pink, Olive, Graphite, and Light Gray offer soft, contemporary tones. The Light Gray variant, in particular, conveys a neutral and premium aesthetic when viewed directly.
Sides (Right and Left)
Along the sides, Samsung employs an aluminum frame with a brushed-metal finish that conveys both solidity and sophistication. The frame is flatter with sharper corners, following current smartphone design trends. While the flat edges may feel somewhat rigid to some users, they help provide a more secure grip. The power and volume buttons on the right are easy to reach and deliver satisfactory tactile feedback when pressed.
Top and Bottom
The top is kept minimal, featuring only an additional microphone. The bottom houses the USB-C port, speaker outlet, and primary microphone arranged symmetrically. This layout maintains a minimalist yet functional appearance, characteristic of Samsung’s mid-range devices.
In-Hand Impression
With a thickness of just 7.4 mm and a weight of approximately 198 grams, the Galaxy A56 feels well-balanced in the hand — not overly heavy, yet solid. The glass surface imparts a smooth, cool sensation to the touch, while the metal frame contributes to an overall sense of sturdiness. Overall, the phone is comfortable for daily use, although it is not the lightest device in its class.
Design Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A56 may not introduce sweeping changes compared to the previous generation, but its upgraded materials and refined details are meaningful. The design feels more mature, modern, and premium in hand. Although it retains an IP67 rating rather than the IP68 found on some competitors, the device still strikes a balance between elegant styling, durability, and everyday comfort.
Display
When we examined the display section, it appeared that the Samsung Galaxy A56 still follows a familiar formula from its predecessor. The panel used remains a Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. However, this time Samsung has introduced several refinements that deserve appreciation.
The most noticeable change lies in the display size, which now measures 6.7 inches. The bezels are thinner, giving the front a more spacious look without increasing the phone’s overall dimensions. With its sharp pixel density and the vivid color reproduction typical of AMOLED panels, the visual experience feels enjoyable whether you’re watching videos or browsing social media.
In addition, the most significant improvement comes from its peak brightness level. In manual mode, the A56’s display can reach around the mid-400 nits range, while in automatic mode it can exceed 1,200 nits. This makes the screen easier to read under direct sunlight—especially useful for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
GSMArena Lab Tests
Based on the analysis from the GSMArena testing team, the Galaxy A56’s display achieved a peak brightness of around 1,213 nits on a 75% white test pattern. This represents a clear improvement over the Galaxy A55, which recorded a lower value. In refresh rate testing, the Adaptive mode allows the screen to maintain 120Hz in most scenarios, while the Standard mode locks it at 60Hz for better power efficiency.
Interestingly, when playing certain games that support 120fps, the Galaxy A56’s screen delivers exceptionally smooth motion. Frame transitions feel fluid, resulting in a responsive and immersive gaming experience. However, when displaying static content or videos, the refresh rate automatically drops to 60Hz to conserve battery power.
From a hands-on perspective, the display provides a premium impression both in touch and visual response. The texture feels smooth, touch sensitivity is fast, and reflections on the glass surface are well-controlled. Overall, while it doesn’t bring a dramatic revolution, Samsung has successfully refined the visual experience in subtle yet tangible ways that make a real difference in everyday use.
Audio & Speaker Samsung Galaxy A56
After reviewing the audio test results conducted by the GSMArena team, we can conclude that the Samsung Galaxy A56 continues to use the familiar hybrid stereo speaker configuration commonly found in the mid-range lineup. One main speaker is positioned at the bottom of the phone, while the other doubles as an earpiece during calls. This combination produces a reasonably balanced stereo effect when watching videos or playing games.
In terms of loudness, test results show a score of around -26.2 LUFS, which falls under the “Good” category. However, what stands out more than the volume itself is the overall sound character. The Galaxy A56 delivers a slightly deeper and warmer audio profile compared to several competitors in the same price segment. High tones also sound cleaner with minimal distortion, even at higher volume levels.
In everyday use, the audio quality feels well-balanced. The bottom speaker does sound more dominant, yet the stereo effect remains clearly perceptible. When used for watching movies, the sound output provides a reasonably spacious sense of depth. While it doesn’t match the loudness of flagship models, the A56’s audio performance is sufficient for casual entertainment without the need for earphones.
When held, the body vibration is mild and unobtrusive, indicating that the acoustic system is well-tuned. Overall, the Galaxy A56 delivers a solid audio experience—nothing groundbreaking, but still pleasantly satisfying for a mid-range smartphone.
Camera
Samsung Galaxy A56 Camera
Behind its attractive camera design, the Samsung Galaxy A56 retains a configuration that is nearly identical to its predecessor. The device features a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP main lens (Sony IMX906, f/1.8, OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens (Sony IMX258, f/2.2, 123°), and a 5MP macro lens (f/2.4). For selfies, Samsung now includes a 12MP front camera (Samsung S5K3LC, f/2.2) capable of recording up to 4K at 30fps.
According to testing conducted by the GSMArena team, the Galaxy A56’s camera system delivers solid performance, even though it hasn’t changed much from the A55. The main camera continues to produce images with high detail and natural color reproduction, though highlights can sometimes appear slightly overexposed in bright areas.
Daylight Photography
Under bright lighting conditions, the main camera captures clear photos with Samsung’s characteristic color balance. Some images may appear slightly soft in certain areas, but the overall sharpness remains more than sufficient for daily use. The full-resolution 50MP mode does not bring a major improvement in fine details, making the default auto mode the most practical option.
The 12MP ultrawide camera produces good results, particularly for landscape shots. Colors and contrast are well balanced, although the dynamic range can be somewhat limited in bright regions. Meanwhile, the 5MP macro camera can deliver appealing close-up shots under good lighting, though its focus tends to be sensitive and may require multiple attempts to get right.
Selfie Camera
The front camera is one of the more notable upgrades on the Galaxy A56. The new 12MP sensor delivers sharper selfies with more natural skin tones. Based on the GSMArena team’s findings, the front camera now offers wider dynamic range and more stable performance under both bright and dim lighting conditions.
Low-Light Photography
In low-light environments, the Galaxy A56’s shots show slight improvement compared to the previous generation. The night mode doesn’t always activate automatically, but in certain situations, the standard mode actually produces more consistent results. According to GSMArena’s testing, sharpness and exposure are generally more stable in standard mode, while the night mode still struggles with slightly imbalanced white balance and a cooler color tone.
For the ultrawide camera, night photos appear softer and somewhat blurry, though noise levels remain fairly controlled. The night mode helps boost detail, but not significantly enough to alter the overall results.
Video Recording
The Galaxy A56 supports video recording of up to 4K at 30fps across all cameras, including the front one. Based on tests conducted by GSMArena, footage captured with the main camera delivers bright colors, sharp details, and a wide dynamic range. Even at night, the recordings remain clean with minimal noise.
The ultrawide camera is also impressive in video capture, thanks to its 12MP resolution, which surpasses that of many competitors. The inclusion of EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensures smoother footage with reduced shakes, even when recording in 4K resolution.
Overall, based on the testing results we reviewed, the Galaxy A56 offers a camera system that remains strong within its category. While improvements to the main and ultrawide cameras are not substantial, the addition of a new selfie camera adds meaningful value—particularly for users who frequently take selfies or create short-form video content.
Hardware & Performance Samsung Galaxy A56
In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers a significant improvement over its predecessor. It is powered by the new Exynos 1580 chipset, a successor to the well-regarded Exynos 1480 found in the Galaxy A55 series. This upgrade is not just about higher numbers — it also brings a more modern and efficient architecture, built on a new fabrication process with ARMv9 cores for enhanced power and efficiency.
The chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of 1×2.9 GHz Cortex-A720, 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A520 cores. Its GPU is based on the AMD RDNA 3 architecture with two Work Group Processors, branded as the Xclipse 540. Theoretically, this new GPU promises up to double the graphical performance compared to the previous generation.
Benchmark Results
According to test results observed from GSMArena, the Galaxy A56 shows a clear performance boost across several benchmarks. In Geekbench 6, the variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage scored 1364 points in single-core and 3899 points in multi-core performance. Meanwhile, in AnTuTu 10, it reached around 908,689 points.
The 3DMark Wild Life Extreme (2160p) GPU benchmark also delivered impressive results with a score of approximately 1332 points. Overall, the Exynos 1580 offers about a 17% improvement in CPU performance, 11% in mixed workloads, and up to 30% better GPU output compared to the Exynos 1480 — a meaningful generational leap.
Real-World Performance and Stability
In everyday use, the Galaxy A56 feels fast and responsive. App transitions are smooth, and popular games run comfortably on medium to high settings. However, its raw performance still falls slightly behind competitors in the same price segment such as the Xiaomi 14T and OnePlus Nord 4, which are powered by the Dimensity 8300 and Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, respectively.
That said, the sustained performance of the Galaxy A56 stands out as one of its strongest points. Based on GSMArena’s stress test, the Exynos 1580 maintained between 80–100% of its peak CPU capacity even during prolonged testing. GPU stress results were equally impressive, with stability above 99%, indicating excellent thermal efficiency and power management.
Memory and Storage
Samsung offers multiple memory configurations, ranging from 8GB/128GB to 12GB/256GB, using UFS 3.1 storage for faster data access and app installations. In our observation, the system runs smoothly even under heavy multitasking, showing strong optimization between hardware and the latest One UI software.
Overall, the Exynos 1580 brings a well-rounded performance upgrade — especially in efficiency and sustained stability. While it may not be the fastest in its class, the Galaxy A56 provides a consistently smooth and reliable experience for daily use.
Battery & Charging Samsung Galaxy A56
Battery and Charging Performance
Beneath its simple yet sturdy back design, the Samsung Galaxy A56 houses a large-capacity battery that continues the legacy of the Galaxy A series. The device retains a 5,000 mAh cell — now paired with the more efficient Exynos 1580 chipset — ensuring balanced power management even with its slightly larger display compared to its predecessor.
Battery Endurance
According to endurance and charging tests observed from GSMArena, the Galaxy A56 demonstrates consistent battery performance for a mid-range smartphone. The device achieved an Active Use Score of approximately 12 hours and 8 minutes. In separate tests, it lasted about 12 hours 27 minutes in web browsing, 5 hours 52 minutes during gaming, 34 hours of voice calls, and roughly 16 hours 22 minutes of video playback.
Although these results are slightly lower than the Galaxy A55, overall endurance remains solid for daily use. Under light to moderate workloads—such as social media browsing, streaming, or video calls—the battery can easily last an entire day without requiring a midday top-up.
Charging Speed
Based on GSMArena’s charging tests, the Galaxy A56 also shows improvement in charging performance. It now supports 45W fast charging with PPS-based Power Delivery technology. The tests recorded a full charge in 1 hour and 13 minutes from 0%, with 38% reached within the first 15 minutes and about 65% after 30 minutes.
Interestingly, while the total charge time is slightly longer than the A55, the initial charging speed is noticeably faster — making it convenient for quick top-ups. However, to achieve maximum charging speed, users must use a 5A USB-C cable compatible with Samsung’s 45W adapter, which is not included in the box.
Samsung has also added several software options to help preserve battery health. Within the settings menu, users can limit charging to 80% or disable fast charging entirely. These features are particularly useful for maintaining long-term battery longevity.
Overall, the results show that the Galaxy A56 delivers a balanced combination of large capacity, efficient power usage, and practical charging speed. For active users seeking an all-day phone with reliable battery life and quick recharging, the A56 remains a compelling choice in the mid-range category.
Connectivity & Network Samsung Galaxy A56
Network and SIM Support
When examining its network capabilities, the Galaxy A56 is confirmed to support 5G connectivity with extensive band coverage, including Sub-6 GHz frequencies for faster and more stable connections. Additionally, it remains compatible with 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G networks, ensuring seamless connectivity across different regions or countries without compatibility issues.
The SIM slot is designed with flexibility in mind. Samsung offers configurations of Dual Nano-SIM or SIM + eSIM, with certain market variants even supporting dual eSIM. These options allow users to conveniently manage both personal and work numbers on a single device.
Wireless Connectivity
For wireless communication, the Galaxy A56 comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), supporting dual-band operation and Wi-Fi Direct for faster data transfers and stable connections, especially in crowded networks.
The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 further enhances connectivity, offering lower power consumption and extended range. When paired with devices like Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watch, the connection remains smooth and virtually lag-free.
Additional Features and Navigation
The NFC feature is present for quick digital transactions and instant data sharing between compatible devices. For navigation, the Galaxy A56 provides comprehensive support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS, ensuring accurate location tracking even in areas with weak signal reception.
Ports and Ecosystem Compatibility
For wired connectivity, the device features a USB Type-C 2.0 port with USB On-The-Go support. Unfortunately, it lacks a 3.5 mm headphone jack and Samsung DeX functionality, but it still supports SmartThings integration for seamless connection with Samsung’s smart home ecosystem.
In addition, compatibility with wearable devices such as Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Fit, and Galaxy Watch remains a significant advantage for users already within Samsung’s ecosystem.
Quick Summary
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers modern connectivity that covers virtually all current user needs. With support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, it’s well-equipped to handle daily activities with ease. Although it omits the headphone jack and DeX support, its connectivity options remain comprehensive and efficient for a mid-range smartphone.
Features & Software Samsung Galaxy A56
User Interface and Software Experience
When exploring the interface of the Galaxy A56, it’s evident that Samsung aims to deliver a flagship-like experience within its mid-range lineup. The device runs on One UI 7.0 based on Android 15, presenting a cleaner and lighter design for everyday use. Samsung also promises six generations of OS updates along with six years of security patches, making it one of the longest-supported devices in its class.
AI Features and User Experience
Upon testing some of its functions, we found that AI-based technologies are starting to make their way into this series, although not yet as comprehensive as on the Galaxy S lineup. One standout addition is AI Select — an evolved version of the old Smart Select — which can now recognize on-screen objects and suggest relevant actions. For instance, when viewing a photo or screenshot, the AI can instantly extract text, crop objects, or even generate wallpapers automatically.
Another practical enhancement is the Circle to Search feature from Google. By pressing and circling any area on the screen, users can quickly access additional information online. It works efficiently and intuitively, though its AI capabilities remain slightly more limited compared to flagship models.
Other notable tools include the Read Aloud feature for web pages—available through Samsung’s default browser—and a simple Object Eraser in the Gallery app that helps remove unwanted elements from photos. While not as refined as the flagship version, it still offers a convenient option for quick edits.
Sensors and Supporting Hardware
On the hardware side, the Galaxy A56 is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, fingerprint sensor, ambient light sensor, and magnetometer. It also maintains compatibility with Samsung’s ecosystem accessories, including Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Fit, and the latest Galaxy Watch models, ensuring seamless integration across devices.
Quick Summary
Overall, the combination of One UI 7.0 and Android 15 delivers a smooth, feature-rich, and modern software experience. While not all advanced AI capabilities are available, the Galaxy A56 still provides a solid and reliable user experience — strengthened by Samsung’s long-term software support, which stands out as a key advantage in the mid-range segment.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is not a phone that seeks to stand out with bold statements, but rather one that excels in everyday reliability. With its solid design, stable performance, and long-term software support, it presents itself as a dependable choice that remains relevant amid the fast-changing smartphone trends.
Reference sources: GSMArena and Samsung.
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