Samsung Galaxy A56 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) represent compelling options. The A56 aims for all-around excellence with a newer Exynos chipset, while the Moto G Stylus 5G doubles down on battery life and includes the convenience of a built-in stylus – a feature increasingly rare in this price bracket. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A56 emerges as the stronger choice. Its brighter display, faster 45W charging, and potentially more refined software experience outweigh the Moto G Stylus 5G’s slightly longer active use score and stylus functionality. However, stylus users will find the Moto G a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A56 Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, March 022024, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 10Available. Released 2024, May 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frameGlass front, silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame
Dimensions162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 3.05 x 0.29 in)162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5-
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~87.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.3 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1900 nits (peak)P-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 1580 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUXclipse 540Adreno 710
OSAndroid 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 14, up to 1 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual-pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesBest Face, LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps (regional availability), 10-bit HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging45W wired, 65% in 30 min, 100% in 68 min30W wired 15W wireless
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPink, Olive, Graphite, LightgrayCaramel Latte, Scarlet Wave
ModelsSM-A566V, SM-A566B, SM-A566B/DS, SM-A566E, SM-A566E/DS, SM-A5660, SM-A566U, SM-A566U1, SM-A566W, SM-A566SXT2419-2, XT2419-1, XT2419
Price€ 286.99 / $ 308.29 / £ 249.00 / ₹ 38,999$ 68.66 / C$ 202.25
SAR1.32 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.61 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery44:34h endurance, 2000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy A56

  • Faster 45W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Potentially more powerful Exynos 1580 chipset for demanding tasks.
  • Claimed 2000 battery charge cycles for long-term reliability.

  • Lower peak display brightness compared to the Moto G Stylus 5G.
  • Lacks the integrated stylus functionality.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)

  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
  • 15W wireless charging adds convenience.

  • Slower 30W wired charging.
  • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 may offer less peak performance than the Exynos 1580.

Display Comparison

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) boasts a brighter display, reaching 1387 nits measured, compared to the Samsung Galaxy A56’s 1213 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display brightness difference is significant for outdoor use. We lack panel technology details (LTPO, AMOLED) for both, but the higher peak brightness of the Motorola gives it an edge for users who spend considerable time outdoors. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy data is currently unavailable, making brightness the key differentiator.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the focus should be on the main sensors. Without specific sensor sizes, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is unknown, but crucial for low-light photography. We can safely ignore the likely inclusion of 2MP macro cameras on both phones, as their utility is minimal. Image processing styles will likely differ – Samsung typically favors vibrant, saturated colors, while Motorola tends towards a more natural look. Further analysis requires sample images.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A56 features the Exynos 1580 (4nm), an octa-core processor with a mix of Cortex-A720 and A520 cores, peaking at 2.9 GHz. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) utilizes the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm), employing Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, maxing out at 2.2 GHz. While clock speed isn’t everything, the A720 cores in the Exynos are architecturally more advanced than the A78 cores in the Snapdragon, suggesting a potential advantage in single-core performance. However, the Snapdragon’s core configuration may offer better sustained multi-core performance. Both phones utilize a 4nm process, indicating similar thermal efficiency, but real-world testing is needed to determine throttling behavior. RAM details are missing, but LPDDR5x would be expected in this segment.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) achieves a slightly longer active use score of 12:43h, compared to the Samsung Galaxy A56’s 12:08h. However, the A56 compensates with significantly faster charging: 45W wired, reaching 65% in 30 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, versus the Moto G’s 30W wired and the addition of 15W wireless charging. The A56 also boasts a claimed 2000 charge cycles, suggesting greater long-term battery health. While the Moto G offers a slight edge in endurance, the A56’s charging speed and cycle count are compelling advantages.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A56 if you prioritize a vibrant display, faster charging speeds, and a potentially smoother software experience. It’s ideal for media consumption, casual gaming, and users who want a well-rounded smartphone. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) if you frequently take notes, sketch, or navigate with a stylus, and if maximizing battery life is paramount. It’s a practical choice for professionals and students who value productivity on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1580 chip in the Samsung Galaxy A56 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1580, built on a 4nm process, is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat, the 4nm node should mitigate significant throttling. However, without dedicated thermal testing, it's difficult to definitively say. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Moto G Stylus 5G also benefits from a 4nm process, suggesting similar thermal characteristics.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) significantly slower than the 45W wired charging on the Samsung Galaxy A56?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 45W wired charging. Expect a full wireless charge on the Moto G to take several hours, while the A56 can reach 100% in approximately 68 minutes with a wired connection. Wireless charging prioritizes convenience over speed.
❓ How useful is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G for everyday tasks beyond note-taking?
The stylus offers utility beyond simple note-taking. It allows for precise navigation, quick selection of small items on the screen, and can be used for basic photo editing or sketching. However, its usefulness depends heavily on individual workflow and preference. It's a niche feature that won't appeal to all users.