Samsung Galaxy A56 Review | Premium design, software longevity, and AI-driven features over sheer performance
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a great option for those looking for a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank. With its cutting-edge features and AI tools, you can enjoy a premium experience at a more affordable price point. The phone delivers impressive performance and a sleek design that rivals more expensive flagship models. If you're on a budget but still want a reliable and feature-packed device, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is worth considering. Its balance of quality and affordability makes it a solid choice for many consumers.
Samsung Galaxy A56 Review
Samsung has a unique way of addressing user needs, and the A series rightly delivers on this promise. If your budget is slightly constrained and you missed out on the flagship Galaxy S series, the latest Samsung Galaxy A56 offers cutting-edge features and AI tools at a more affordable price. However, unlike the S series, the A series continues with the Exynos processor. The new Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 SoC, and to explore its capabilities in detail, let’s dive right in.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy A56 retains the signature design language of its predecessor, the Galaxy A55, with a few subtle refinements. The most noticeable change is the new ‘Grouped Linear Floating Camera Island,’ replacing the individual camera rings with a sleek, pill-shaped module housing three sensors. This chrome-finished camera module creates a floating effect as it protrudes slightly from the back panel, though it does result in some wobbling when placed on a flat surface. Using a case can help balance this out. Available in three colour options—Awesome Olive (review variant), Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Light Gray—the Galaxy A56 exudes sophistication. The glossy glass back panel, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, resists fingerprints and adds durability. Further enhancing its build quality, the smartphone boasts an IP67 certification, making it dust- and water-resistant. I also liked how the new Galaxy A56 feels in hand - light and manageable (obviously not like the Galaxy S25). The phone features a “Key Island” design for the power and volume buttons, ensuring easy accessibility. At the bottom, there’s a USB Type-C port, accompanied by a speaker grille.
Display
Samsung is known for its top-notch displays, and the Galaxy A56 is no exception. The device features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. The central punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera allows for an immersive viewing experience. With a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, the screen remains visible even under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. The display produces vibrant and punchy colours, which can be fine-tuned to individual preferences through the settings. It offers excellent viewing angles and deep contrast, ensuring an engaging visual experience. Surprisingly, the phone lacks HDR support. However, it does feature Widevine L1 certification.
OS and AI
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs on One UI 7, layered atop Android 15. The software experience is smooth and intuitive, aligning closely with Samsung’s flagship lineup. One of its standout features is the inclusion of Galaxy AI tools, such as Circle to Search, which allows users to find relevant information instantly, and AI Select, which offers contextual options based on the content on the screen. Additionally, the smartphone supports Samsung Pay and Knox security, ensuring a secure and feature-rich experience. The best part? Samsung is offering six years of major OS and security updates, making the Galaxy A56 one of the most future-proof devices in its segment.
Performance
The latest Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 SoC, paired with up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The phone handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media scrolling, and video streaming effortlessly. Casual gaming is smooth, but graphics-intensive titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run at reduced settings, and the phone tends to heat up under prolonged gaming sessions. In Geekbench tests, the Galaxy A56 scored 1,370 in single-core and 3,906 in multi-core, while the GPU achieved 6,534. These numbers are decent but fall short when compared with the OnePlus 13R, which boasts a 2,214 single-core score, 6,597 multi-core score, and a GPU score of 14,578. For users prioritising raw performance, the OnePlus 13R emerges as the superior choice.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy A56 houses a triple-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50 MP primary sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro unit. On the front, there’s a 12 MP selfie shooter. Samsung has infused AI-powered features into the camera system, ensuring well-balanced and vibrant shots across different lighting conditions.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy A56 is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, providing reliable all-day usage. During my testing period, the phone lasted a day easily on moderate usage. Charging, however, isn’t the fastest. The device supports 45 W fast charging, but Samsung does not include a charger in the box. A full charge takes approximately an hour, which is reasonable but slower than some competitors.
Verdict
Starting at ₹41,999, the Samsung Galaxy A56 captures every aspect beautifully— it looks good, performs well at everyday tasks, and offers a solid set of specifications. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and AI-powered software features make it a strong contender in its segment. The long-term software support and IP67 rating further add to its appeal, ensuring durability and longevity. However, when it comes to raw performance, the OnePlus 13R has the edge with its more powerful chipset. That said, the Galaxy A56 prioritises a more balanced experience. If you value a premium design, software longevity, and AI-driven features over sheer performance, the Galaxy A56 stands as a compelling alternative in its segment.