Samsung Galaxy A56 vs A55: A Detailed Comparison of Samsung's Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A56 emerges as the better choice. Its significantly brighter 1213 nit display and the newer, potentially more efficient Exynos 1580 chipset offer a tangible upgrade, especially for outdoor visibility and sustained performance. The faster 45W charging is also a considerable benefit.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 02 | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 10 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 3.05 x 0.29 in) | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~87.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Xclipse 540 | Xclipse 530 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Best Face, LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 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) | 50 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps (regional availability), 10-bit HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 65% in 30 min, 100% in 68 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Pink, Olive, Graphite, Lightgray | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | SM-A566V, SM-A566B, SM-A566B/DS, SM-A566E, SM-A566E/DS, SM-A5660, SM-A566U, SM-A566U1, SM-A566W, SM-A566S | SM-A556V, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560 |
| Price | € 286.99 / $ 308.29 / £ 249.00 / ₹ 38,999 | $ 324.99 / £ 251.50 / € 319.99 / ₹ 23,998 |
| SAR | 1.32 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 44:34h endurance, 2000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Samsung Galaxy A56
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Faster 45W charging for quicker top-ups
- Newer Exynos 1580 chipset with potentially improved performance
- Slightly shorter active use battery life (12:08h vs 13:27h)
- Potential for initial software bugs with a newer model
Samsung Galaxy A55
- Longer active use battery life
- More established software platform
- Potentially lower price point (as an older model)
- Dimmer display, less visible in sunlight
- Slower 25W charging
- Older Exynos 1480 chipset
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A56 boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 1213 nits compared to the A55’s 1010 nits. This 20% increase in peak brightness translates to significantly improved visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the A56’s higher brightness suggests potential improvements in panel technology or backlighting. We lack data on refresh rates or PWM dimming, but the A56’s brighter panel is a clear win for outdoor users and those who prefer vibrant visuals. The A55's lower brightness isn't *bad*, but the A56 offers a more premium viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Unfortunately, the provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets. Given Samsung’s typical approach, both phones likely feature similar camera setups, potentially with minor software tweaks. The Exynos 1580 in the A56 *may* offer slightly improved image signal processing capabilities, leading to better low-light performance or faster image processing. However, without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. We can assume both will offer competent mid-range camera performance, but the A56 has a slight edge due to the newer ISP.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the A56 features the Exynos 1580 (4nm) versus the A55’s Exynos 1480 (4nm). While both are built on the same 4nm process, the A56’s CPU configuration – a mix of Cortex-A720 and A520 cores – represents a generational leap over the A55’s Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. The A720 cores in the A56 are expected to deliver higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. The A55’s older A78 cores, while still capable, will likely fall behind in demanding tasks. The A56’s architecture suggests better efficiency, potentially mitigating any battery life impact from the brighter display.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A55 holds a slight edge in active use battery life, achieving 13:27 hours compared to the A56’s 12:08 hours. However, the A56 compensates with significantly faster charging: 45W wired, reaching 65% in 30 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, versus the A55’s 25W charging. The A56 also boasts a claimed 2000 charge cycles, suggesting improved long-term battery health. The faster charging and potentially more efficient Exynos 1580 could negate the A55’s initial battery life advantage for many users, as quick top-ups become more convenient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A56 if you prioritize display brightness, faster charging speeds, and future-proofing with the newer Exynos 1580 processor. This phone is ideal for media consumption outdoors and users who demand quicker top-ups. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if maximizing active use battery life is paramount and you prefer a slightly more established platform, potentially benefiting from more optimized software at launch.