Samsung Galaxy A56 Review: A Mid-Range Contender with AI Enhancements

Following the impressive launch of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 series earlier this year, the company has shifted focus to its mid-range lineup. The newly unveiled Galaxy A56 stands out among its siblings—the A36 and A26—as the most capable option, featuring stronger hardware and broader software support, including Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” AI capabilities designed for mid-range devices.¹

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A56 retains much of its predecessor’s design language, with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back. It is slightly thinner (0.8mm) and lighter (15g) than the A55, maintaining an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.² The ergonomic improvements make it more comfortable for prolonged use, though the overall aesthetic remains conservative compared to competitors like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+.

Display and Performance

The device features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, improved color accuracy (averaging ΔE <1 in Natural mode), and a peak HDR brightness of 2030 nits.² Powered by the Exynos 1580 (4nm) chipset, it offers a 10-15% CPU boost over the A55, while the Xclipse 540 GPU delivers a 20-37% performance increase. However, heavy gaming performance remains a limitation, with titles like Genshin Impact running at around 40fps.

Camera and Battery Life

The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor (IMX906 with OIS), which captures well-exposed daylight shots but tends to oversaturate colors. The 12MP ultrawide (IMX258) struggles in low-light conditions, and the selfie camera is a downgrade to 12MP from the A55’s 32MP.² Battery life is solid, with a 5,000mAh cell supporting 45W charging (reaching 60% in 30 minutes), matching the endurance of its predecessor.

Software and AI Features

The A56 runs One UI 7 based on Android 15, with limited AI functionalities such as object removal in photos. While Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” suite is marketed as a key selling point, its implementation is less comprehensive than on flagship models.¹ The software experience is smooth, though power users may find the AI tools underwhelming compared to alternatives like the Galaxy S24 FE.

Market Context and Pricing

Priced at approximately 35 million IRR (10 million more than the A55), the A56 faces stiff competition in Iran’s mid-range segment, where devices like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ offer superior gaming performance at similar price points.² The A56’s premium build and incremental upgrades may appeal to brand loyalists, but value-conscious buyers might explore alternatives.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a competent mid-range device with a premium build, improved performance, and decent battery life. However, its camera limitations and incremental upgrades over the A55 make it a tough sell in a competitive market. For those prioritizing AI features or gaming, other options may be more compelling.