The Samsung Galaxy A56 marks a strategic shift for Samsung’s mid-range A series—prioritizing software longevity over just raw hardware power. Introduced in 2014 as a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy S series, the A series once dominated the market. But with Chinese brands flooding the segment with high-spec devices at lower prices, Samsung now plays a different game.
Premium Looks, Practical Build
The A56 features a 6.7” AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, though it’s not an LTPO panel like on the Galaxy S25+. It switches between 60Hz and 120Hz based on app activity, which means higher power consumption. Still, the display supports HDR10+ on popular streaming apps, with punchy colors and good visibility even under sunlight.
Design-wise, it’s a doppelgänger of the Galaxy S25+ at first glance—flat screen, aluminum frame—but the uneven bezels (thicker on top and bottom) and plastic back give away its true identity. Despite that, the A56 arguably looks more premium from the rear with a sleeker triple-lens layout.
The phone has IP67 dust and water resistance, solid haptics (though not as refined as Galaxy S devices), and a side-mounted dual-SIM tray—but no microSD slot or headphone jack.
Display & Biometrics
- Optical under-display fingerprint scanner (placed lower than on Galaxy S models)
- Face unlock available, but fingerprint is required for banking apps
- Bright, responsive screen with smooth scrolling in 120Hz adaptive mode
Software: One UI 7, Built for the Long Haul
Running on One UI 7.0 based on Android 15, the A56 delivers a near-flagship experience, minus the Galaxy AI suite. Instead, Samsung introduces Awesome Intelligence—a lightweight set of AI tools like:
- Google Circle to Search
- Object Eraser
- Auto Trim (A56-only)
- Best Face (A56-only)
- Instant Slow-Mo (A56-only)
Notably, Galaxy AI exclusives such as real-time call translation, Gemini AI via the power button, and advanced editing tools are not present here.
Samsung promises a class-leading 6 years of Android updates and security patches, making this one of the best-supported mid-range Android phones on the market.
Performance: Good Enough for Most
Powered by the Exynos 1580, performance is smooth across the board—comparable to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Multitasking and gaming are handled with ease, though the 12GB RAM may seem a bit lean in today’s standards. Samsung makes up for it with RAM Plus, offering up to 8GB of virtual memory.
Cameras: Capable but Not Impressive
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS)
- 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)
- 5MP macro (f/2.4)
- Front Camera:
- 12MP (f/2.2)
Main camera delivers sharp, well-lit photos in good conditions and decent low-light performance thanks to OIS. Ultra-wide shots look softer, and the macro lens feels gimmicky.
Audio & Battery Life
The A56 has stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, providing clear, balanced audio, even if one speaker fires sideways. The audio setup is borrowed from Samsung’s premium lines.
As for battery, the 5000mAh cell is adequate but not outstanding, giving around 18 hours of usage or 8 hours of screen-on time. Lack of LTPO and a less efficient chipset mean it doesn’t quite match S25 Ultra’s longevity.
- Charging: 45W fast charging
- Charger not included
- Full charge in ~70 minutes
Verdict: A Smart Buy for the Long-Term User
At RM1,999, the Galaxy A56 offers a polished design, reliable performance, and industry-leading software support. While its camera and battery don’t outshine the competition, its combination of stability, design, and long-term updates makes it a smart pick for anyone planning to stick with their phone for years.
Pros ✅
- Stylish design, even better-looking back than Galaxy S25+
- Bright AMOLED display with HDR10+ support
- Smooth and responsive performance
- IP67 water/dust resistance
- Unmatched 6+6 years software support
Cons ❌
- Average camera quality
- Moderate battery and slow charging compared to rivals
- No charger in the box
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a mid-range phone that stays relevant for years and still looks sharp—the Galaxy A56 is a long-term investment that makes sense.