Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36: Premium Mid-Range Smartphones

Samsung’s Galaxy A-series has long embodied the perfect blend of premium allure and reasonable pricing. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, the South Korean tech giant takes this notion even further, providing stylish designs, impressive displays, and extensive software support for the average user. However, do these smartphones have what it takes to stand out in the crowded mid-range market?

Design: Classy Build with Subtle Distinctions

Samsung consistently delivers on design, and the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 are no exceptions. Both models feature Samsung’s elegant “linear floating” rear camera module, offering a unique and minimalist aesthetic. Crafted with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, these smartphones radiate a high-quality feel.

The Galaxy A56 takes it a step further with its robust metal frame, providing a more substantial grip and weight. In contrast, the A36 adopts a polycarbonate frame with a brushed-metal finish, still feeling solid and dependable. The colour options are both vibrant and attractive, with the Galaxy A56 available in Awesome Olive, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Light Gray, and Awesome Pink. The Galaxy A36 presents Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, Awesome White, and Awesome Lime choices. The noteworthy lavender version offers an iridescent gleam, adding a gentle touch of elegance, while the olive option of the A56 conveys a refined sophistication.

Both smartphones are rated IP67, ensuring they are resistant to dust and water.

Display: Samsung’s AMOLED Mastery Continues

One of Samsung’s core strengths lies in its display technology. Both the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 sport striking 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screens complemented by a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. With a Full HD+ resolution and vibrant colours, these displays provide an exceptional experience for media viewing and daily scrolling.

Notably, the Galaxy A56 has a slight advantage with a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, surpassing the Galaxy A36’s 1,200 nits. This brightness is evident during outdoor use. Nevertheless, both devices deliver brilliant visuals, impressive viewing angles, and precise colour accuracy, showcasing Samsung’s prowess in display technology.

Performance and Software: Power vs Balance

Performance reveals more stark differences. The Galaxy A56 is equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 1580 chipset, which is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming but may struggle under demanding graphical loads. On the other hand, the Galaxy A36 relies on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, providing dependable mid-range performance suitable for multitasking and moderate gaming. The Snapdragon in the A36 ensures a smoother gaming experience, offering a slight edge for users who prioritise consistent performance.

RAM options for the A56 range from 8GB to 12GB, while the A36 offers more versatility with configurations of 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB. Both smartphones provide storage of up to 256GB, although the Galaxy A36 notably lacks microSD card support, a choice potentially driven by current market trends.

Both devices operate on Android 15 with One UI 7. Samsung’s commitment to six years of software updates—previously exclusive to flagship models—now extends to both A-series phones, ensuring they remain relevant over time. The Galaxy A56 distinguishes itself with enhanced Galaxy AI features borrowed from Samsung’s premier lineup, including Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and AI photo enhancements. While the A36 receives some AI functionalities, the Galaxy A56 clearly benefits from deeper integration, amplifying its overall value.

Camera: A Solid Imaging Experience

Both smartphones feature a triple-lens camera arrangement. They both utilise a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an f/1.8 aperture, enabling exceptional daylight photography with sharp detail and balanced colours. However, the two differ in their ultra-wide sensors. The Galaxy A56 employs a superior 12MP sensor, while the Galaxy A36 has a more basic 8MP lens, leading to more detailed landscape and wide-angle photographs. Each device includes a 5MP macro lens, ideal for close captures.

Samsung’s advanced computational photography capabilities guarantee dependable performance in challenging lighting conditions. Night mode significantly enhances low-light photography on both devices, although the Galaxy A56’s advanced AI features yield slightly superior results. Portrait modes are handled effectively by both phones, with the Galaxy A56 again demonstrating a more polished execution due to its advanced AI processing.

Equipped with 12MP front-facing cameras, both smartphones support 10-bit HDR, making it a remarkable feature in their price range, as it produces vibrant selfies even in backlit environments.

Battery Life: Longevity Assured

Samsung provides a generous 5,000mAh battery in both devices, promising up to 29 hours of video playback. Charging features are enhanced, now supporting 45W wired charging, although neither phone includes a charger in the packaging—an irritating trend in the industry.

Practical usage yields over a day of battery life, with moderate users comfortably reaching a day and a half. A complete charge is typically achieved in about an hour, which is commendable yet somewhat slower compared to rivals from OnePlus or Xiaomi.

Which Phone Suits You?

At its essence, the Samsung Galaxy A56 offers a closer approximation of a flagship experience, with premium elements like a metal frame, brighter display, and advanced Galaxy AI features. Its camera capabilities and software longevity further enhance its allure for users who value a comprehensive software experience and robust design over sheer raw performance.

In contrast, the Galaxy A36 exemplifies meaningful yet incremental upgrades. It provides solid performance, excellent software support, and an appealing design. For those seeking reliable daily performance with a budget-friendly approach, the Galaxy A36 delivers confidently.

Both smartphones capture Samsung’s commitment to the mid-range sector, presenting choices that harmonise affordability with premium appeal. Whether favouring AI-driven sophistication or consistent reliability, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 have made a strong impression in an arena where distinguishing oneself requires finesse—something both phones achieve successfully.