Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 – Affordable Flagship-Like Phones with Some Compromises
Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 are the latest additions to the mid-range A series, aiming to bring flagship-level features at half or even a third of the price of premium models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While these phones deliver excellent value for money, there are some compromises that set them apart from true flagship devices.
Design & Build Quality
Samsung has done a great job making the A36 and A56 look almost as premium as their flagship counterparts.
- A36: Plastic frame, but looks nearly identical to the A56
- A56: Aluminum frame for added durability
- Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both – same as the Galaxy S22 Ultra
- IP67 water and dust resistance (slightly lower than IP68 found in flagships)
- Glossy rear panels instead of matte (personal preference)
- Available in eight colors with “Awesome” branding (Graphite, Light Gray, Olive, Pink for A56; Black, White, Lime, Lavender for A36)
Despite not using titanium like Samsung’s latest flagships, these phones don’t feel “cheap” and offer a premium experience at a lower cost.
Display & Battery Life
Samsung is known for some of the best displays in the industry, and the A36 & A56 don’t disappoint.
- 6.7-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel (both models)
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations
- Peak brightness of 1,900 nits – bright enough for outdoor use
- Slightly larger screen and smaller bezels than last year, but chin is still bigger than flagship models
Battery life is another strong point:
- 5,000mAh battery (same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra)
- 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 support (faster than some flagship phones)
Verdict: Big, bright, and smooth display with excellent battery life.
Performance & Software
Samsung has used mid-range chips, which are good for daily use but won’t match flagship performance:
- A36: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- A56: Exynos 1580
- Both have 15% larger vapor chambers for better cooling (same size as Galaxy S24+)
For most users, daily tasks, social media, and casual gaming will be smooth. However, power-hungry apps, serious multitasking, and gaming will show performance gaps compared to flagship models.
AI Features & Software Updates
- Some AI features from the S25 series are missing due to weaker processors
- Still includes:
- Circle to Search
- AI Select
- Intelligent editing tools (e.g., Object Eraser)
- Auto Trim (A56 only) – AI extracts video highlights automatically
- Best Face (A56 only) – similar to Google’s Best Take, lets you swap faces from multiple photos
- Runs on Android 15 with One UI 7 (includes new navigation features like NowBar)
- Samsung promises 6 years of software and security updates – longevity is a major plus!
Camera System
Camera performance is often where budget-friendly phones make sacrifices, and the A36 & A56 are no exception.
- Main Camera (both models): 50MP, f/1.8 aperture (good for well-lit shots)
- Ultrawide: 12MP (A56) | 8MP (A36) (Flagships have 50MP ultrawide)
- Macro Lens: 5MP (A56 & A36)
- No Optical Zoom Lens (unlike premium Samsung phones)
Camera Performance & Features
- Good photos in daylight, but won’t match the detail and sharpness of flagships
- A56 has better low-light performance with a new “Low Noise Mode” for selfies
- Front camera: 12MP, capable of shooting 4K 30fps video
Verdict: Good enough for most users, but lacks flagship-level zoom and low-light performance.
Other Features & Compromises
Some notable missing flagship features:
- No wireless charging
- 120Hz refresh rate only drops to 60Hz (not 1Hz like LTPO flagship displays)
- Optical fingerprint scanner instead of ultrasonic (less secure and reliable)
However, these trade-offs make sense given the price cut.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
The Galaxy A36 ($399) and A56 ($499) offer a solid mix of premium features at a budget-friendly price. They are ideal for users who want a premium Samsung experience without spending over $1,000.
Pros
✔ Premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus+
✔ Bright 120Hz AMOLED display
✔ Excellent battery life with 45W fast charging
✔ Useful AI features like Circle to Search & Object Eraser
✔ 6 years of software updates (great longevity)
Cons
✖ Mid-range chipsets (not ideal for heavy gaming/multitasking)
✖ Cameras lack optical zoom & flagship-level low-light performance
✖ No wireless charging or LTPO display technology
Who Should Buy the A36 or A56?
- If you want a Samsung phone with great value for money
- If you don’t need top-tier gaming or pro-level cameras
- If you want a reliable phone with long software support
How Do They Compare to Competitors?
- iPhone 16e ($599)
- More expensive, but has MagSafe and Apple’s A18 chip
- Pixel 9A & Nothing Phone 3A (Upcoming)
- Expected to be around the same price with strong software & camera performance
Samsung’s A36 and A56 are excellent mid-range options with some compromises, but they deliver most flagship-like experiences at a fraction of the cost. If you value Samsung’s ecosystem, long-term software support, and solid hardware, these are great choices.
Also Read :iPhone 16e Review: A Budget iPhone That Feels…Incomplete?
