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Although anticipation was high for a glimpse of the Galaxy S25 Edge ahead of the Mobile World Congress, the spotlight at Samsung’s recent pre-show briefing was on a different offering: the Galaxy A56. Set to launch later this year, the A56 will retail for $499 in the U.S. and £499 in the UK, making it a more affordable alternative compared to the recently released Pixel 8a. Additionally, Samsung introduced two other models in the A series, the Galaxy A36 and A26, priced at $399 and $299, respectively.
The upgrades to the A series this year mirror some features from the upcoming S25. The A56 is now 7.4mm thick, a reduction from its 8.2mm predecessor, and features a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen. A notable change is the slimmer bezels, which enhance the overall visual aesthetics of the device, a significant shift from earlier A series models.
The design of the A56 has received subtle enhancements, including a brushed metal frame and a unique design element: a slight protruding section where the volume and power buttons are located. Handling the device, it felt quite comfortable for a smartphone of this size, surprising given the larger 6.7-inch display. This change may reflect Samsung’s ongoing efforts to improve user ergonomics.
Camera specifications present a mixed update for the A56. The front now has a 12-megapixel selfie camera, down from higher resolutions seen in some competitors. Meanwhile, the rear boasts a new setup that includes a 12MP ultrawide camera and a significant 50MP main sensor equipped with an f/1.8 lens and optical image stabilization. The inclusion of a 5MP macro lens rounds out the camera features, catering to a wide range of photographic needs.
Samsung’s latest enhancements in image processing are also incorporated into the A56’s cameras. Improvements in low-light performance and advanced AI features are set to enhance portrait modes and subject recognition for elements like sky and skin tones, which promise better bokeh effects for photography enthusiasts.
Additional AI-driven editing features include Object Eraser, video auto trim, and Create Filter, allowing users to transfer color and tone from one image to another. The Best Face feature enables selection of optimal expressions from motion photos, enhancing the overall photography experience. While these features are not novel to the smartphone landscape, their presence in the A56 aligns it closer to the capabilities of higher-end models like the Galaxy S25.
With One UI 7, the A56 also promises a user-friendly interface with enhancements to the home screen, notifications, and widget customization. Samsung guarantees six years of operating system updates and security patches, a clear commitment that outshines the previous promise of four updates for the A55.
In terms of battery life, the A56 retains the 5,000mAh battery from the A55, but it has upgraded charging capabilities to 45W, enabling a full charge in just over an hour. The device is powered by Samsung’s latest 4nm Exynos 1580 chip, delivering approximately 18% improved CPU performance. These refinements contribute to a more premium feel, distancing the A series from its midrange image.
As the midrange smartphone market heats up, the Galaxy A56 will compete directly with the newly launched iPhone 16e, while speculation surrounds the imminent unveiling of Google’s Pixel 9a.
The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26
Alongside the A56, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G, both featuring 6.7-inch displays capable of brightness up to 1,200 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. These models also run on One UI 7, incorporating features that were previously exclusive to more premium devices. Their camera system includes a 50MP primary sensor, although the ultrawide camera falls short at 8MP, less powerful than that of the A56. While some software capabilities like Best Face are unique to the A56, the updated Object Eraser and Filters are available on these models as well.
Both the A36 and A26 maintain the same IP67 water resistance rating and 5,000mAh battery as the A56, but they are limited to 6GB of RAM. The A36 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor instead of the Exynos chip found in the A56.
Galaxy A56 Price and Availability
The Galaxy A56 is set to be available for preorder in the UK starting March 2nd, with a launch date of March 19th. Customers can choose from four colors: Graphite, Olive, Pink, and Light Grey. While details regarding U.S. availability are still sparse, Samsung has confirmed that it will launch later this year.
Source
www.engadget.com