Samsung’s Galaxy A56 is the latest addition to its mid-range lineup, bringing a few key upgrades over last year’s A55. With a refreshed chipset, some refinements to the display and cameras, and the usual promise of long-term software support, it aims to be a solid option for those looking for a balance between price and performance. But how much of an improvement is it in practice? Let’s start by unboxing the device and taking a first look at what’s changed.
What’s Inside the Box?
Samsung sticks to its minimalist, eco-friendly approach with the packaging. Inside, you’ll find:
- The Galaxy A56 smartphone
- A USB-C charging cable
- A 45W fast-charging adapter
- A SIM ejector tool
Once again, no headphones are included, following the industry trend of shifting toward wireless audio solutions.
Design and build
The Galaxy A56 builds upon the A55’s design, maintaining a sleek, glass-back look while refining its ergonomics. The 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display returns, now boasting higher peak brightness for improved outdoor visibility. The thin bezels and flat edges give it a modern aesthetic, while the available color choices, Olive Green and Graphite, add a touch of style.
In hand, the phone feels slightly lighter and more balanced compared to its predecessor, making it comfortable to use despite its large display size.
Performance and Hardware: Worth the Upgrade?
One of the most notable upgrades in the A56 is under the hood. Samsung has swapped last year’s Exynos 1480 for the new Exynos 1580 chipset, promising faster processing speeds, better energy efficiency, and improved AI capabilities. The 8GB RAM remains standard, while storage options of 128GB and 256GB ensure enough room for apps, media, and files.
Battery life is expected to be strong with the 5,000mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging. We’ll dive deeper into whether these spec upgrades translate into real-world performance improvements in our full review soon.
Camera System: Small but Smart Changes
The triple-lens camera setup remains, but Samsung has fine-tuned its image processing and AI software to deliver crisper and more vibrant shots. The rear cameras include:
- A 50MP main sensor with improved low-light capabilities
- A 12MP ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive shots
- A 5MP macro lens for close-up details
The 12MP front-facing camera introduces enhanced AI optimisation and Samsung’s “Best Face” feature, which automatically picks the most flattering frame in group shots. While these specs look great on paper, we’ll be testing how well they perform against last year’s model in different lighting conditions in our full review.
Software and Additional Features
Samsung’s One UI 7 (based on Android 15) brings subtle refinements, making navigation smoother and introducing more customisation options. The A56 continues Samsung’s impressive six-year update promise, ensuring security patches and software support for years to come. Other key features include:
- An in-display fingerprint sensor for seamless unlocking
- IP67 water and dust resistance for durability
- Stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience
Yay or nay?
On paper, the Galaxy A56 looks like a solid upgrade over last year’s model, bringing a more efficient chipset, better display brightness, and improved AI camera features. However, spec sheets don’t always tell the whole story—real-world performance is where the true test lies.
In our upcoming full review, we’ll compare the A56’s daily performance, gaming capabilities, and camera quality to its predecessor to see if the improvements are truly noticeable. Stay tuned for the deep dive!
