Samsung’s Galaxy A-series has long dominated the mid-range smartphone market, balancing affordability with premium features. The newly announced Galaxy A36 and A56 continue this tradition, offering sleek designs, upgraded cameras, and smooth performance. After a hands-on session with both devices, here’s what stands out.
Design: Premium Looks on a Budget
Both phones feature Samsung’s signature minimalist design, with glossy plastic backs and a sleek metal-like frame. The A56 steps it up with a slightly more refined finish, mimicking the Galaxy S23’s aesthetic. The A36 and A56 are surprisingly lightweight, and their slim profiles make them easy to handle. Color options are vibrant, with the A56 offering a striking “Sunset Orange” variant.
Display: Smooth and Vibrant
Samsung never skimps on displays, and these devices are no exception:
Galaxy A36: 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate.
Galaxy A56: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.
Both screens deliver rich colors and deep blacks, ideal for streaming and gaming. The A56’s higher refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, a welcome upgrade over its predecessor.
Performance: Solid Mid-Tier Power
Under the hood, the A36 and A56 pack Exynos chipsets (likely the Exynos 1380 for the A56), paired with up to 8GB RAM. During brief testing, apps opened quickly, and multitasking felt seamless. While not flagship-level, these phones handle casual gaming and daily tasks effortlessly. The A56’s 5G support future-proofs connectivity, a key selling point for budget-conscious buyers.
Cameras: Versatile Shooters
Samsung’s camera upgrades shine here:
A36: Triple rear setup (50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro).
A56: Quad cameras (64MP OIS main + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro + 5MP depth).
Daylight shots are crisp, with the A56’s optical stabilization (OIS) reducing blur in low light. The 32MP front camera on both devices captures detailed selfies, though dynamic range could improve.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
Both phones include 5,000mAh batteries with 25W fast charging. In GSM Arena’s testing, the A56 lasted over a day of moderate use, while the A36 fell slightly short due to its smaller display and lower refresh rate.
Software: One UI 6.1 (Android 14)
The duo ships with Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1, offering features like enhanced customization, Knox security, and four years of software updates. Bloatware remains a minor annoyance but is manageable.
Price and Availability
The A36 starts at €299, while the A56 retails around €399. They’ll compete fiercely with Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 series and Google’s Pixel 7a.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy A36 and A56 are strong contenders for anyone seeking a polished Android experience without breaking the bank. The A56, in particular, justifies its higher price with a smoother display, better cameras, and 5G. If Samsung maintains its aggressive pricing, these phones could dominate the mid-range segment in 2024.
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