Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy A56

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

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Galaxy A56
Galaxy A56
Starting at

Refurbished price:£274.00

Versus £422.50 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, released in September 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy A56, launched in March 2025, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's A-series. While the A05s offers a foundational smartphone experience, the A56, as a newer generation device, introduces several enhancements across its design, internal components, and camera capabilities. Both devices run on Android, but the A56 benefits from a more recent version and extended software support.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and physical resilience of a smartphone are key considerations for many users.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A05s, released in late 2023, launched with Android 13 and One UI Core 5.1. The Galaxy A56, introduced in early 2025, shipped with Android 15 and One UI 7.0, and is promised up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, with support extending until 2031. This provides the A56 with a significantly longer period of official software support and access to future Android features.
  • Build Materials and Protection: The Galaxy A05s features a plastic frame and back with a glass front, but lacks an official IP rating for dust and water resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy A56 boasts an aluminum frame and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, alongside an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a higher level of physical resilience against environmental elements.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary by region and independent assessments, the A56's more robust build materials and IP rating suggest a design focused on greater protection, which can indirectly influence its practical lifespan by reducing the likelihood of damage from everyday accidents.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The responsiveness and capability of a smartphone's internal hardware directly impact daily user experience, from app handling to multitasking.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A05s is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks and light applications smoothly. The Galaxy A56 features a more advanced processor, designed to offer a more fluid experience with demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games. This difference translates to quicker app loading times and more consistent performance under heavier workloads for the A56.
  • Memory and Storage: The A05s typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage via a microSDXC card. The A56 offers higher base configurations of 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, utilizing faster UFS 3.1 storage, though it does not support expandable storage. The increased RAM in the A56 allows for more applications to run simultaneously without slowdowns, enhancing multitasking efficiency.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. However, the A56 supports significantly faster 45W wired charging, allowing it to reach 65% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in just over an hour, compared to the A05s' 25W charging. This means less downtime for the A56 when a quick power boost is needed.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and its quality significantly influences the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A05s features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Galaxy A56 also has a 6.7-inch display, but it utilizes Super AMOLED technology with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The A05s provides a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. The A56 elevates this with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in even more fluid animations and a more responsive feel during navigation and gaming.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The A56's Super AMOLED display also boasts higher brightness levels, with up to 1200 nits in High Brightness Mode and a peak brightness of 1900 nits, making it significantly easier to view content clearly under direct sunlight compared to the A05s. The A56's display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

Camera systems and audio output are crucial for capturing memories and enjoying multimedia content.

  • Camera System Capabilities: Both phones feature a 50 MP main camera. The A05s includes a 2 MP macro and a 2 MP depth sensor. The A56 offers a more versatile setup with a 12 MP ultrawide lens and a 5 MP macro sensor, providing more options for different types of photography. The A56's main camera also benefits from Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharper images and smoother videos, a feature absent on the A05s.
  • Photography Performance: The A56's camera system, with OIS and more capable secondary lenses, generally delivers improved low-light performance and greater detail in everyday photography. It also incorporates AI features for enhanced photo editing.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The A05s supports video recording up to 1080p at 30/60fps. The A56 can record videos up to 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps, with gyro-EIS for better stabilization. The A56 features stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience, while the A05s retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Front camera

13 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, various practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy A05s supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac). The Galaxy A56 steps up to 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, offering faster mobile data speeds and more efficient wireless networking. Both include Bluetooth, with the A05s having Bluetooth 5.1 and the A56 featuring Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless accessory connections.
  • Port Types and Sensors: Both devices use a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The A05s includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is omitted on the A56. For security, the A05s has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the A56 integrates an under-display fingerprint sensor. The A56 also supports eSIM functionality.
  • Design and Handling: The A05s measures 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and weighs 194 grams. The A56 is slightly more compact and thinner at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm, with a weight of 198 grams. The A56's aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ contribute to a more premium feel and enhanced durability.

Weight

194 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.5

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A05s often highlights its large display and reliable battery life as strong points, making it a practical choice for essential smartphone functions. Criticisms sometimes point to its performance for more demanding tasks and the absence of an IP rating. The Galaxy A56, on the other hand, receives praise for its vibrant Super AMOLED display, robust build quality with IP67 water resistance, and significantly longer software support. Users appreciate its improved camera capabilities, faster charging, and smoother overall performance, though some note the removal of the microSD card slot and headphone jack as potential drawbacks.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software lifespan, enhanced durability, and a more refined multimedia experience, including better camera performance and a superior display, will find the Galaxy A56 well-suited to their needs. Its faster charging and more powerful processor also cater to those who engage in more intensive smartphone use. Conversely, individuals seeking a more budget-conscious option for everyday communication, web browsing, and media consumption, and who value a traditional headphone jack and expandable storage, might lean towards the Galaxy A05s. Both models offer a pathway to smartphone ownership, and a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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