Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Comparison Review
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Comparison Review
Samsung’s Galaxy A series masterfully walks the tightrope between flagship features and accessible pricing. The new Galaxy A56 and A36 exemplify this strategy, offering two distinct visions of a mid-range smartphone. One aims for premium perfection, while the other focuses on pure value.
So, which one deserves a place in your pocket? Let’s break down the key differences.
At a Glance: Quick Verdict
- The Premium Pick: Galaxy A56
The undisputed champion. It justifies its higher price with a metal frame, significantly brighter display, superior AI-powered cameras, and smoother performance. It’s for those who want the best possible experience without paying flagship prices. - The Value King: Galaxy A36
The savvy choice. It retains core features like a 120Hz AMOLED screen, IP67 rating, and massive battery but makes strategic cuts in materials, camera tech, and peak performance to hit a lower price point.
Head-to-Head: A Detailed Breakdown
1. Design & Feel: Metal vs. Plastic
- Galaxy A56: Claims the design crown with a premium metal frame and a sleek “Grouped Linear Floating Camera” island. At 7.4mm thick, it feels substantial and luxurious, with chrome accents that catch the light beautifully.
- Galaxy A36: Uses an all-plastic build but matches the A56’s thickness. The upside? It’s 14g lighter at 195g, potentially making it more comfortable for one-handed use. Both share the same IP67 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
2. Display: Brightness is Key
Both phones share a superb 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The difference comes down to luminosity:
- Galaxy A36: A very respectable 1200 nits peak brightness.
- Galaxy A56: A truly impressive 1900 nits for HDR content. This gives it a massive edge for visibility in direct sunlight.
3. Performance & Daily Driving
This is where the experience truly diverges.
- Galaxy A56: Powered by Samsung’s new Exynos 1580 chip. It offers smooth performance for daily tasks, social media, and streaming. It handles casual gaming well, though intensive titles like PUBG may require lower graphics settings.
- Galaxy A36: Runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. While capable, benchmark tests show minimal generational gains, and real-world usage can reveal occasional micro-stutters when launching apps or using voice commands. A notable con: microSD support has been removed.
4. Camera: Hardware vs. AI Software
- Galaxy A36: Carries over the capable triple camera system from its predecessor: a 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro sensor. It takes excellent mid-range photos with Samsung’s vibrant color science. The front camera sees a slight downgrade to 12MP.
- Galaxy A56: While similar on paper with a 50MP main sensor, it wins with advanced AI processing. Features like Best Face (for perfecting group shots) and Object Eraser (to remove photobombers) add real value. Its 12MP ultrawide and front cameras offer better consistency and more natural portrait shots.
5. Battery & Charging: A Tie
Both phones are equipped with a large 5000mAh battery and support 45W fast charging. You can expect a full day of use with ease, charging from 0% to about 63% in 30 minutes. The A56 benefits from slightly better software optimization, but both are all-day performers. Neither has wireless charging.
6. Software & Support: A Massive Win for Both
This is Samsung’s killer feature. Both devices launch with Android 15 and One UI 7 and are promised an incredible six years of software updates. This commitment is unmatched in the mid-range segment and ensures either phone will remain secure and relevant for years to come. The A56 gets a more comprehensive suite of AI features.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy A36 5G | Galaxy A56 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~ KES 34,000 | ~ KES 42,000 |
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits | 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1900 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/256GB | 8GB/256GB |
| Build | Plastic frame & back | Metal frame, glass back |
| Weight | 195g (Lighter) | 209g |
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP (Enhanced AI) |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery & Charging | 5000mAh, 45W | 5000mAh, 45W |
| Software | Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Software Updates | 6 Years | 6 Years |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| microSD Slot | No | Yes |
The Final Decision: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy A36 5G if:
- Your budget is the #1 priority. Saving KES 8,000 is significant.
- You prefer a lighter phone for comfortable use.
- You need reliable, but not necessarily pro-level, cameras for social media.
- You’re upgrading from an older device and any modern phone will feel fast.
- You value the IP67 rating and long software support above a premium feel.
Choose the Galaxy A56 5G if:
- You want a more premium design and feel with its metal frame.
- Smoother performance and better optimization are important to you.
- You often use your phone outdoors and need the brightest display possible.
- You love photography and will use AI tools to enhance your shots.
- You want the most polished mid-range experience and believe the extra investment is worth it for the years you’ll use the device.
The Bottom Line
The Galaxy A56 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a statement. It offers a noticeably better build, display, and camera experience, making it the new king of the mid-range for those who can stretch their budget. However, the Galaxy A36 smartly covers all the essentials—a great screen, solid battery, and Samsung’s legendary software support—for a much lower price. Your choice ultimately comes down to how much you value premium refinements versus outright savings.
