Galaxy A36 Vs Galaxy A56

Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £369.00 new

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Galaxy A56
Galaxy A56
Starting at

Refurbished price:£274.00

Versus £422.50 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56, both released in March 2025, represent Samsung's mid-range smartphone offerings, designed to balance features and accessibility. While sharing the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, these devices cater to slightly different user priorities through distinctions in their internal components, build quality, and camera capabilities. This comparison aims to highlight the practical differences to help users make an informed decision.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. Both the Galaxy A36 and A56 are positioned to offer extended usability.

  • Release Timeline: Both devices were released in March 2025, placing them at the beginning of their lifecycle in early 2026. This means users can expect a long period of relevance before newer models significantly overshadow their capabilities. [8, 9, 16, 19, 23]
  • Software Support: Samsung has committed to providing six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates for both the Galaxy A36 and A56. This extended support ensures that the devices will receive new features and critical security patches for a considerable duration, enhancing their practical lifespan. [9, 16, 28]
  • Build Durability: The Galaxy A56 features a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, contributing to a more robust feel and enhanced scratch resistance. [3, 4, 7, 13] The Galaxy A36 also incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its back panel, and is noted for being slimmer and lighter, though its frame material may differ. [28] Both models are expected to carry an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against everyday elements. [2, 4, 6, 7]

Year of Release

2025

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the processor, RAM, and storage, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A56 is equipped with an Exynos 1580 processor, which is built on a 4nm process and features newer CPU cores, suggesting a noticeable improvement in overall processing capabilities compared to its predecessor's chipset. [9, 11, 12, 23, 28] The Galaxy A36 utilizes a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, also a 4nm chip, which offers solid performance for daily tasks and general usage. [8, 9, 12, 19, 23] The A56's processor is generally considered to offer more power, particularly for demanding applications and gaming. [9, 11]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A56 is available with up to 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and running numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns. [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11] The Galaxy A36 offers configurations with up to 12GB of RAM, with some variants starting at 6GB. [19, 23] Both devices come with storage options of 128GB or 256GB, and both support expandable storage via a microSD card, which is beneficial for users with large media libraries. [2, 3, 7, 13, 19, 24]
  • Battery Behavior: Both the Galaxy A36 and A56 are powered by a 5000mAh battery, which typically provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23] Both models also support 45W fast charging, allowing for quicker replenishment of battery life. [8, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23, 28]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy A36 and A56 offer vibrant viewing experiences with some subtle differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 19, 20, 24] They offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for text, images, and videos. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 19, 20, 24]
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both the A36 and A56 come with a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly in compatible applications and games. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 19, 20, 24] The displays are capable of reaching 1000 nits of peak brightness in High Brightness Mode (HBM), making them suitable for outdoor visibility even in bright conditions. [4, 6, 7]
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A36 is reported to feature a 6.7-inch display, offering a slightly larger viewing area. [8, 19] The Galaxy A56 typically features a 6.6-inch display. [2, 4, 5, 7, 11] This minor difference in size can influence the immersive quality for media consumption or the ease of one-handed use, depending on user preference.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A36 and A56 are designed to capture a range of photographic and video content, with some distinctions in their secondary lenses and front-facing cameras.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), which aids in capturing clear photos and stable videos, especially in challenging lighting. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19, 24] The Galaxy A56 includes a 12MP ultrawide camera, providing a broader field of view for landscapes and group shots. [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17, 24] The Galaxy A36, in contrast, features an 8MP ultrawide camera. [1, 6, 8, 9, 15, 17, 19, 24] Both also include a 5MP macro camera for close-up photography. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 17, 19, 24]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The 50MP main sensors on both devices are capable of producing detailed images in good lighting. The A56's larger ultrawide sensor may offer a slight advantage in capturing more detail in wider shots. Both main and front cameras on both models are capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. [3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 19]
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy A56 is equipped with a 32MP front-facing camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. [2, 3, 5, 7] The Galaxy A36 features a 12MP front camera. [8, 9, 19] Both devices are expected to offer stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption. [1, 4]

Front camera

12

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A36 and A56 support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections. [6, 7] For wired connections, both devices utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither model includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. [6, 7]
  • Security and Build: Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. [4, 8] The Galaxy A56 incorporates a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, providing a more premium feel and enhanced durability. [3, 4, 7, 13] The Galaxy A36 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its back panel and is noted for being lighter. [28] Both devices are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. [2, 4, 6, 7]
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy A36 has dimensions of approximately 162.6 x 77.9 x 7.4 mm and weighs around 195 grams. [19] The Galaxy A56 measures approximately 161.1 x 77.0 x 8.2 mm and weighs around 213 grams. [2, 3, 5, 7] The A36 is slightly thinner and lighter, which could contribute to a more comfortable grip for some users, while the A56's slightly greater weight might convey a sense of solidity.

Weight

195 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6,74

6.5

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56, both released in March 2025, offer compelling mid-range smartphone experiences, each with strengths catering to different user needs. Users often praise the A-series for its reliable battery life and vibrant AMOLED displays, which are consistent across both models. The extended software support of six years for OS updates and security patches is a significant advantage for both devices, ensuring long-term usability. [9, 16, 28]

Common feedback for the A-series sometimes points to the macro camera being less impactful than the main or ultrawide lenses, and while charging speeds have improved to 45W for both models, some users might still desire even faster options. The A56 is noted for its more powerful processor and a more robust build with a metal frame, along with a higher-resolution ultrawide and front camera. The A36, while still a strong performer, offers a slightly larger display and a lighter build.

Users prioritizing a more powerful processing experience for demanding applications or mobile gaming, along with a more premium build quality and higher-resolution secondary cameras, may find the Galaxy A56 better suited to their needs. Those who value a slightly larger screen, a lighter device, and solid everyday performance with excellent software longevity might lean toward the Galaxy A36. Both devices represent a quality-assured option for those seeking a reliable smartphone experience. For consumers considering these models, exploring refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on functionality.

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