March 3, 2025, 3:40 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Samsung may not have planned a major press conference at MWC 2025, but the South Korean manufacturer still had new smartphones in its luggage. We had the opportunity to take a closer look at the Galaxy A36 and A56 in Barcelona at the start of the trade fair.
The two smartphones are part of the popular A series, representing Samsung’s latest mid-range lineup. Compared to their predecessors, Samsung promises more powerful processors and improved camera functions in the Galaxy A36 and A56. But what are the differences between the two models, and for whom are they best suited? TECHBOOK has conducted an initial hands-on review of the devices.
Overview
Minimal Differences in Design
At first glance, the two new smartphones appear virtually identical. Only those who take a closer look will recognize minor differences in the design of the frame and the display bezel. The Galaxy A56 has slightly thinner display edges, but this is only noticeable in direct comparison. In addition, the frame of the Galaxy A36 is made of metal with a smooth surface, while the frame of the Galaxy A56 is made of brushed metal and, therefore, has a slightly more premium look. Both smartphones are comparatively large, and the frames are rather angular. This design may result in a less comfortable grip, particularly for those with smaller hands.
Both the Samsung Galaxy A36 and the Galaxy A56 have a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution. With a brightness reaching up to 1200 nits, both devices offer excellent readability in direct sunlight, as confirmed by our tests in sunny Barcelona. The refresh rate is 120 Hertz, which makes the display look smooth.
Overall, the design of both smartphones is elegant and modern, which is also due to the use of the aforementioned metal frame and the glass back. To shield the display from scratches and impacts, Samsung has incorporated Gorilla Glass Victus on the front. Additionally, both models boast IP67 certification, ensuring protection against dust and temporary submersion in water.
Samsung Galaxy A56 with Better Performance
Although both smartphones belong to the A-series, the Galaxy A36 and A56 belong to two different categories. Reflecting this, Samsung has chosen distinct processors for each model to cater to varying user requirements.
The Galaxy A36 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, a solid mid-range processor from Qualcomm that offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The Galaxy A56, on the other hand, relies on the more powerful Samsung Exynos 1580, which is better suited for more demanding applications and multitasking.
In terms of RAM, both models are available with 6 GB or 8 GB. The internal memory can also be selected with 128 GB or 256 GB. However, neither device includes a microSD card slot, precluding the option for additional memory expansion. If you need a lot of memory, you should, therefore, go straight for the larger version.
Camera — Ultra-Wide Angle Makes the Difference
The camera features have been revised compared to previous models. The Galaxy A36 has a 50-megapixel main camera with an aperture of f/1.8 and optical image stabilization. The setup is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a 5-megapixel macro camera for close-up shots. The front camera offers a resolution of 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy A56 also has a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, but it offers better quality for panoramic shots with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The macro camera remains the same at 5 megapixels, while the front camera has been equipped with improved HDR functions. This feature allows for selfies with higher contrast and greater detail, even under challenging lighting conditions.
Both models come equipped with a variety of AI-enhanced camera features. These include a night mode that enables clear and low-noise images even in low light. The so-called object eraser makes it possible to remove distracting elements from photos.
In a direct photo comparison, the colors in photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A56 appear stronger, and the contrast is higher. In addition, the white balance is somewhat more accurate here than on the Galaxy A36, as can be seen in the sample images:
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System and Battery
Samsung relies on Android 15 in combination with its own One UI 7 user interface for both models. One major advantage is the long-term update promise: Users receive software updates for four years and security updates for six years, which is particularly interesting for those who want to use their smartphone over a longer period of time. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the side of the power button on both devices and enables quick and secure unlocking, which worked without any problems in the hands-on review.
Both smartphones are also equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which should ensure a long battery life. Samsung assures that these devices can sustain a full day’s use without issue, even under heavy usage. A special feature is the fast charging function of up to 45 watts. This allows the batteries to be recharged in a short time. However, it’s important to note that the compatible fast charger is not included and must be acquired separately. Additionally, both models lack wireless charging capabilities.
Further features:
- Support for eSIM
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Samsung Knox for improved security