At a glance, the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A56 5G look almost identical. Same size, same battery, and even the same core camera setup. But Samsung didn’t leave this as a routine refresh. The A57 focuses on performance, display quality, and overall refinement, while keeping the familiar A5x formula intact.
So instead of asking what’s new across every category, the better question is this: where does the A57 actually pull ahead?
The biggest upgrade is performance
This is where the difference is most noticeable. The Galaxy A56 5G runs on the Exynos 1580, while the Galaxy A57 5G moves to the newer Exynos 1680. On paper, the improvements are clear. CPU performance is up by 12.5 percent, GPU by 13.8 percent, and NPU performance by as much as 42 percent.
That last number matters more than it looks. The NPU handles AI-related tasks like camera processing, image enhancement, and system optimizations. In daily use, this translates to faster photo processing, smoother multitasking, and more consistent performance over time.
Samsung also increased memory speed by 17 percent on the A57, which helps with app loading and switching between tasks.
Cooling has also been improved, with a 13 percent larger vapor chamber. This helps the A57 maintain performance better during gaming or extended use, especially compared to the A56.
Storage options are also expanded. For the first time, you can get a 512GB variant on an A-series phone, and it’s available first on the A57 5G.
One of the more practical changes is connectivity. The Galaxy A56 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, while the Galaxy A57 5G moves up to Wi-Fi 6E. This allows access to the 6GHz band, which is less crowded and more stable in busy environments. If you’re often in malls, events, or crowded areas, this can make a noticeable difference.
The display looks the same, but isn’t exactly the same
Both devices use a 6.7-inch FHD+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits high brightness mode. But the A57 upgrades to a Super AMOLED+ panel and adds up to 1,900 nits peak brightness.
Super AMOLED+ is an improved version of Super AMOLED. The main difference is in the panel structure and efficiency. It typically uses a more refined subpixel layout, which can result in sharper text and slightly better clarity at the same resolution.
It is also more power-efficient, meaning it can consume less battery while delivering similar or better brightness. In some cases, it can achieve higher peak brightness and better outdoor visibility, depending on tuning.
In real-world use, this means better outdoor visibility and slightly improved efficiency. Indoors, the difference is subtle. Under direct sunlight, the A57 has a clearer advantage.
Design is thinner and more refined
Samsung didn’t redesign the phone, but it refined it.
The Galaxy A57 5G is thinner at 6.9mm and lighter at 179g, compared to the thicker and heavier A56. The bezels are also slightly reduced, which contributes to a cleaner front look.
Both devices use Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, but the A57 continues to use a metal frame, maintaining a more premium feel. Both retain IP68 dust and water resistance.
Camera hardware is familiar, but smarter
On paper, the camera setup looks unchanged. Both devices have a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 5MP macro, and a 12MP front camera. The difference, however, comes from processing.
The Galaxy A57 5G introduces an enhanced ISP and improved low-noise processing. Samsung also highlights better HDR video and improved low-light performance, especially in Nightography video.
Another practical upgrade is faster shooting. The A57 reduces shot-to-shot delay to around 230ms, compared to 300ms on the A56. It also introduces smoother zoom transitions between lenses, which helps when recording video. These changes don’t alter the camera hardware, but they do improve consistency and usability.
Battery stays the same, efficiency improves
Both devices use a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging. There is no change in capacity or charging speed. However, the newer chipset and improved efficiency on the A57 may lead to slightly better battery life in real-world use.
Specifications comparison
| Specification | Galaxy A57 5G | Galaxy A56 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, up to 1900 nits peak | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 1680 | Exynos 1580 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (OIS) + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro | 50MP (OIS) + ultra-wide + macro |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (HDR video) | 12MP |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E | 5G, Wi-Fi (older standard) |
| Other Features | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+, metal frame, AI features, vapor chamber | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| OS | One UI (Android) | One UI (Android) |
| Battery and Fast Charge Tech | 5000mAh, 45W fast charging | 5000mAh, 45W fast charging |
The Rundown
The Galaxy A57 5G improves the areas that affect daily use the most. It is faster, slightly more efficient, brighter outdoors, and more stable under load. Camera hardware stays the same, but processing and usability improve. Connectivity also gets a real upgrade with Wi-Fi 6E. Everything else remains familiar, including the display size, battery, and overall camera setup.
The Galaxy A57 5G is not a major redesign, but it is a meaningful refinement. It improves performance, display visibility, and connectivity while keeping the same core experience.
If you are using a Galaxy A56 5G, the upgrade depends on how much you value those improvements. But if you are coming from an older device, the A57 5G feels like a more complete and polished step forward.
The Samsung Galaxy A57 5G starts at PHP 28,990 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, while the 8GB + 256GB model is priced at PHP 30,990. The top-tier 12GB + 512GB configuration is listed at PHP 37,990.
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