Samsung Galaxy M56 vs Google Pixel 7a: Which Mid-Range Champion Reigns Supreme?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the better choice. Its Tensor G2 chip excels in AI tasks, resulting in superior image processing and smart features. However, the Samsung Galaxy M56 offers significantly faster 45W charging and a potentially more sustained performance profile due to its 4nm process.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M56 | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 17 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162 x 77.3 x 7.2 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.28 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~382 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED+, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Xclipse 530 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| 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/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Light Green | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | SM-M566B, SM-M566B/DS | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| SAR | 0.71 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M56
- 45W Fast Charging: Significantly faster recharge times.
- Exynos 1480 (4nm): Potentially better thermal management.
- Competitive Price: Likely offers more value for the money.
- Camera Performance: Likely inferior to the Pixel 7a.
- Software Updates: Samsung’s update schedule is typically slower than Google’s.
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior Camera: Google’s computational photography is best-in-class.
- Tensor G2 Chip: Excellent AI performance and image processing.
- Software Experience: Clean Android with guaranteed updates.
- Slower Charging: 18W charging is comparatively slow.
- Potential Throttling: Tensor G2 can run hot under sustained load.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, which translates to better visibility under direct sunlight compared to the M56 (brightness data unavailable). While the M56’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving, a common omission in this price bracket. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy is likely to be excellent on the Pixel 7a, given Google’s calibration standards.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a is the clear winner in camera capabilities. While specific sensor details for the M56 are missing, the Pixel 7a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms powered by the Tensor G2. This results in exceptional dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also likely to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor. We can assume the M56 will have a competent camera system, but it won’t match the Pixel 7a’s consistently high image quality. Ignoring the likely inclusion of a low-resolution macro lens on both devices, the Pixel 7a’s image processing is the key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, designed for peak performance, alongside Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. The Samsung Galaxy M56 utilizes the Exynos 1480 (4nm), with a more balanced core configuration of Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, peaking at 2.75 GHz. While the Tensor G2 has a higher peak clock speed on its prime core, the 4nm process of the Exynos 1480 should offer better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during prolonged intensive tasks. The Tensor G2’s strength lies in its integrated machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. RAM specifications are not provided, but both are likely to utilize LPDDR5 for adequate memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a boasts an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The M56’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 45W wired charging significantly outpaces the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging (with PD3.0 support). This means the M56 can replenish its battery much faster, a crucial advantage for users who frequently run out of power. The Pixel 7a also supports 7.5W wireless charging, a convenience the M56 lacks. While the Pixel 7a’s endurance suggests a larger battery, the M56’s faster charging could offset a smaller capacity for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M56 if you need a phone that can rapidly recharge and handle extended gaming sessions without significant throttling. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery convenience and aren’t heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a best-in-class camera experience, seamless software updates, and intelligent features powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip. It’s the perfect phone for photography enthusiasts and those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.