Samsung Galaxy A56 Arrives, Outshining the A36 with Premium Touches

New Mid-Range Contenders Bring Design and Performance Upgrades

Samsung has unveiled its latest mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A56 and A36. Positioned as successors to the well-received A55 and A35, these new models aim to elevate the user experience in 2025, with the A56 offering a more refined package and the A36 serving as a more budget-conscious alternative.

Design and Build Quality Differentiate the Pair

Both devices boast a striking aesthetic, featuring a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a crisp 1080p resolution. Protection is robust, with Gorilla Glass Victus shielding both the front and back of each phone. However, the premium feel is more pronounced on the Galaxy A56, which sports a sophisticated brushed aluminum frame. In contrast, the Galaxy A36 utilizes plastic frames, though it still maintains a good level of durability.

Processor Power and RAM Allocation Set Performance Apart

Under the hood, the Galaxy A56 is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 1580 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. This combination reportedly delivers exceptionally smooth performance and efficient power management, avoiding common issues like overheating or sluggishness. The Galaxy A36, however, is equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and 6GB of RAM. While capable, this setup results in comparatively weaker performance, particularly when navigating the One UI 7 interface, demonstrating a noticeable slowdown.

Display Excellence Remains Consistent Across the Lineup

For display enthusiasts, the difference between the two models is minimal. Both phones provide a visually impressive experience with vibrant, saturated colors and high contrast ratios, characteristic of Samsung’s AMOLED technology. Users can expect an excellent viewing experience that punches above its weight class for this price segment.

Camera Upgrades for the A56, Standard Performance for A36

The Galaxy A56 sees notable improvements in its camera system over its predecessor. In good lighting conditions, photos captured are sharper and exhibit finer details. While the ultra-wide and macro lenses remain somewhat limited in their utility, they prove adequate for occasional use. The Galaxy A36’s camera performance, meanwhile, offers no significant leap forward, aligning with typical expectations for its competitive market segment.

Endurance and Charging Capabilities Match

Both the Galaxy A56 and A36 are equipped with substantial 5,000mAh batteries, supporting 45-watt charging. Real-world usage tests indicate that users can expect up to two days of moderate use on a single charge for both devices, ensuring reliable all-day power.

Software Commitment and AI Features

Samsung extends its commitment to longevity with One UI 7 support for both new models, promising six years of security and system updates. However, prominent Galaxy AI features are not yet a significant highlight for either device. The smoother overall operation of the A56, attributed to its superior hardware, translates to a more responsive interface compared to the A36.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Galaxy A56 is priced starting around $500, though promotional offers can bring it down to approximately $375. The Galaxy A36 is positioned more affordably, launching at around $400 and potentially dropping to $300 in some markets. For consumers seeking a superior build and enhanced performance, the A56 represents the better investment, particularly if the price difference remains under $100.

Conclusion: A Clear Winner for Those Seeking More

The Galaxy A56 clearly distinguishes itself through superior manufacturing quality, improved performance, and camera enhancements. While the Galaxy A36 remains a viable option, especially at a discounted price, its overall user experience is set to be more limited in the long term when compared to its more capable sibling.