Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy A56 5G, the successor to last year’s Galaxy A55 5G. While both smartphones belong to Samsung’s popular mid-range lineup, the A56 5G brings several key improvements, including a brighter display, a more efficient processor, longer software support, and faster charging speeds.
But are these upgrades enough to justify switching from the A55 5G to the A56 5G? Or should current A55 users hold onto their devices for another year? Let’s compare their design, performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value to see if the A56 5G is a worthy upgrade.
| Feature | Galaxy A55 5G (2024) | Galaxy A56 5G (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.6″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, Infinity-O, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, Infinity-O, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM) |
| Processor | Exynos 1480 (4nm Octa-core) | Exynos 1580 (4nm Octa-core) |
| RAM & Storage | 8+128GB / 8+256GB | 8+128GB / 8+256GB |
| OS & Updates | 5 years OS, 4 years security updates | 6 years OS, 6 years security updates |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP OIS (Video HDR), 12MP Ultra Wide, 5MP Macro | 50MP OIS (Video HDR), 12MP Ultra Wide, 5MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 12MP (Video HDR, LN) |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 25W Fast Charging | 5000mAh, 45W Fast Charging |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 77.4 x 8.2mm, 213g | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4mm, 198g |
| Build | Rear: Glass, Side: Metal | Rear: Glass, Side: Metal |
| Other Features | On-screen fingerprint, eSIM, Stereo speakers, IP67, Samsung Knox Vault | On-screen fingerprint, eSIM, Stereo speakers, IP67, Samsung Knox Vault, AI features |
| Colors | Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon (online only) | Awesome Graphite, Awesome Light Gray, Awesome Pink |
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has retained the glass back and metal frame for the Galaxy A56 5G, ensuring a premium feel. However, they’ve made the device lighter (198g vs. 209g) and slightly thinner, making it more comfortable to hold.
Both phones feature IP67 water and dust resistance, protecting against splashes and minor submersion. The button placement and camera layout remain unchanged, keeping Samsung’s clean and minimalistic design approach.
The A56 5G introduces new colors, such as Awesome Graphite and Awesome Light Blue, while maintaining some previous shades like Awesome Lemon.
Display and Audio
The A56 5G has a slightly larger 6.7-inch display compared to the A55 5G’s 6.6-inch panel. The brightness has also been increased from 1000 nits to 1200 nits (HBM), improving outdoor visibility.
Both devices retain the FHD+ Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The difference in size is minimal, but the extra brightness boost is useful for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Both phones retain stereo speakers, IP67 water resistance, eSIM support, and an on-screen fingerprint scanner. However, the A56 5G introduces AI-based features, which may improve voice recognition, power management, and photography enhancements.
Cameras
Both devices feature the same 50MP OIS main camera, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 5MP macro sensor. There are no hardware upgrades in the rear camera system, meaning daylight and low-light photography should be similar on both models.
Front Camera
- A55 5G: 32MP front camera
- A56 5G: 12MP front camera with Video HDR and LN (Low Noise)
The lower megapixel count on the A56 5G might seem like a downgrade, but the addition of Video HDR and noise reduction should lead to better selfies in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
One of the biggest upgrades on the A56 5G is its software support.
- A55 5G: 5 years of OS and security updates
- A56 5G: 6 years of OS and security updates
This means the A56 5G will receive updates for an additional year, making it a better long-term investment. Samsung has also introduced AI-powered features, but their impact is yet to be fully tested.
The Galaxy A56 5G upgrades from the Exynos 1480 to the Exynos 1580. Both are 4nm chips, but the newer processor is expected to provide better efficiency and AI performance improvements.
Both models offer 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage, which is adequate for most users. Samsung’ hasn’t detailed the exact performance improvements, but early benchmarks ‘s data suggest slightly faster CPU and GPU speeds, making the A56 5G a better choice for gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Samsung has kept the 5000mAh battery for all-day usage but has doubled the charging speed from 25W to 45W on the A56 5G. This means the A56 5G charges much faster, going from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes, compared to nearly an hour on the A55 5G. Given the more efficient Exynos 1580, the A56 5G might also offer slightly better battery life under real-world conditions.
Pricing in the Philippines
These are the prices of these devices upon their respective launches:
- Galaxy A55 5G:
- 8+128GB – PHP 23,990
- 8+256GB – PHP 25,990
- Galaxy A56 5G:
- 8+128GB – PHP 21,990 (E-store only)
- 8+256GB – PHP 23,990
Surprisingly, the A56 5G is cheaper at launch than the A55 5G, making it an even better deal.
Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
Reasons to Choose the Galaxy A56 5G:
- Faster Performance: Exynos 1580 offers better efficiency and AI enhancements.
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits vs. 1000 nits makes it easier to use outdoors.
- Better Video Recording: Video HDR improves color balance and exposure.
- Longer Software Support: 6 years vs. 5 years ensures future-proofing.
- Faster Charging: 45W vs. 25W means less time plugged in.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold.
- Lower Price at Launch: A56 5G is cheaper than A55 5G at launch.
Reasons to Stick with the Galaxy A55 5G:
- If you already own the A55 5G, the improvements may not justify an upgrade.
- If you find a good discount on the A55 5G, it’s still a great mid-range phone.
The Galaxy A56 5G is a clear upgrade over the A55 5G, offering a better processor, faster charging, longer software support, and a lower price at launch.
For new buyers, the A56 5G is the better choice. However, if you already have the A55 5G, there’s no urgent need to upgrade unless you want faster charging and better AI-based features.
Would you consider switching to the Galaxy A56 5G, or is your A55 5G still good enough?
