The Samsung Galaxy A-series serves as a key link between the flagship S-series and the more affordable M and F series, consistently ranking among Samsung’s best sellers. The new Galaxy A56 and A36 models feature a sophisticated design with glass backs, 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED displays, and robust build quality. The Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580, while the A36 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, both supporting up to 256GB storage and promising six years of software updates. Enhanced AI features and improved camera capabilities further distinguish these models, along with a 5,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging.
The Samsung Galaxy A-series has always held a special place in the brand’s lineup. This series not only connects its flagship S-series with more affordable ranges like the Galaxy M and F, but it also stands as one of the top-selling series for the South Korean manufacturer. Numerous Galaxy A models have consistently provided customers with excellent value for their money. Now, Samsung is ready to advance further with the new Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26. I’ve had some time to explore the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, and here are the key details you need to know.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy A36 feature a glass back.
Starting with the design, Samsung has ensured that the new Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 rank among the most stylish phones in this price range. These latest models boast a refreshed design language, a glass back, and a slimmer profile in comparison to the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35. The rear panel introduces a new liner floating island that houses the camera modules. This adds a distinctive look to the phones, but it may also lead to wobbling when placed flat.
Samsung has also rolled out some attractive color options for both phones. The Galaxy A56 comes in Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Olive, and Awesome Pink, while the Galaxy A36 5G is available in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, Awesome White, and Awesome Lime. I received the Awesome Olive and Awesome Lavender colors for the Galaxy A56 and A36, respectively. While the Olive color of the Galaxy A56 is quite subtle, the Galaxy A36 stands out with its Radiance-like design in the Lavender variant.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 offers color options including Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Olive.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a metal frame that feels premium and robust in hand. On the right side of the frame, there’s a slight bump that houses the volume controls and the power button. The Galaxy A36 follows a similar design but with a non-metal frame. Both devices include a SIM tray, USB Type-C port, and speaker grille at the base.
As for the display, both handsets are equipped with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. The display offers up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Additionally, both the front and back panels are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, enhancing their durability. In initial tests, the display appeared vibrant and colorful—a hallmark of Samsung devices. More in-depth insights will follow in our upcoming review.
Both devices showcase a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display.
Moving forward, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 sport some impressive hardware configurations. The Galaxy A56 runs on the Exynos 1580 processor, while the Galaxy A36 leverages a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. Storage options for the Galaxy A56 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM with up to 256GB of internal storage, while the Galaxy A36 offers options of 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, also with up to 256GB of internal storage.
Both devices come preloaded with OneUI 7.0, based on Android 15. Samsung has committed to providing extended software updates, including six years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches for these new Galaxy devices.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 offers three color choices: Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, and Awesome White.
What sets these new models apart from their predecessors are the innovative Galaxy AI features. The Galaxy A56 stands out with an array of AI capabilities. Samsung has promised features such as Circle of Search, Object Eraser, Edit Suggestion, Auto Trim, Best Face, AI Select, Rear Aloud, Instant slo-mo, My Filter, and more. Many of these AI enhancements are also found in the current Galaxy S25 series.
Moreover, the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 boast an upgraded camera system. Both phones include a triple-camera setup on the rear. Notably, they both feature a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS support and an f/1.8 aperture. The Galaxy A56 is equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, whereas the Galaxy A36 has an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. Finally, both devices come with a 5-megapixel macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture.
Each phone features a 12-megapixel front camera that supports 10-bit HDR, a notable inclusion in this price category. While we haven’t yet tested the cameras under various conditions, stay tuned for a comprehensive camera review.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 also feature a robust 5,000mAh battery, supporting 45W fast charging, which marks an improvement. Additionally, the company claims these new devices can deliver up to 29 hours of video playback, a claim we are eager to verify during our battery HD loop test.
Both devices come with a 5,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging capability.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 present some exciting features. From their fresh design to reliable cameras and the promise of six years of OS and security updates, both models offer a lot in this competitive price bracket. However, will they withstand the intense competition? We aim to provide insights in our upcoming review, so stay tuned.
For the latest updates on launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo, and more during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, check out our MWC 2025 hub.