Samsung’s Galaxy A-series has long been the brand’s powerhouse in the mid-range segment, consistently delivering a compelling blend of features, performance, and affordability. The A5x line, in particular, has garnered immense popularity for offering a “flagship-lite” experience without the premium price tag. In 2024, Samsung introduced the Galaxy A55, and in early 2025, its successor, the Galaxy A56, entered the arena.
While the A55 set a high bar for its generation, the A56 aims to refine and enhance that experience. This in-depth comparison will delve into every aspect of these two formidable mid-rangers, dissecting their design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what each phone brings to the table and which one offers the better value for your hard-earned money, with insights from Mobihub Electronics.
1. Design and Build Quality: A Refined Evolution
Samsung has made a concerted effort to bring a more premium feel to its A-series, and both the Galaxy A55 and A56 benefit from this philosophy. However, the A56 builds upon the A55’s foundation with subtle yet significant refinements.
Samsung Galaxy A55: The Galaxy A55 marked a notable step up in design from its predecessors, introducing a metal frame (aluminum) for the first time in the A5x series. This gave the phone a more solid and premium feel in hand, moving away from the plastic frames of older models. The back was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, while the front featured an unspecified Gorilla Glass (though many speculate it was also Victus+ or similar). It maintained the signature “Awesome” color palette, offering vibrant options like Awesome Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon. The device featured a flat display and a clean, minimalist camera bump design with individual lenses protruding from the back. It measured 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm and weighed a rather hefty 213 grams.
Samsung Galaxy A56: The Galaxy A56 takes the A55’s premium build and refines it further. While it also features an aluminum frame and a glass back (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+), Samsung has managed to make it noticeably thinner and lighter. The A56 measures 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 198 grams. This reduction in thickness and weight, despite a slightly larger display (which we’ll discuss next), contributes to a more comfortable in-hand feel. The front glass protection is also Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring enhanced durability. The camera module design remains similar to the A55, featuring individual rings for each lens, contributing to a clean aesthetic. The A56 also introduces new “Awesome” colors such as Lightgray, Graphite, Olive, and Pink, providing fresh aesthetic choices.
Shared Design Elements: Both phones come with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This is a crucial durability feature in this price segment, offering peace of mind against everyday spills and splashes. Both also feature on-screen optical fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.
Design and Build Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A56 edges out the A55 in the design department primarily due to its thinner profile and lighter weight, which improve ergonomics without compromising on premium materials. The upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back of the A56 is also a welcome enhancement. While the A55 brought significant improvements, the A56 feels a bit more refined and comfortable for extended use.
2. Display: A Subtle Size Increase, Familiar Brilliance
Samsung is renowned for its Super AMOLED displays, and both the Galaxy A55 and A56 proudly showcase this expertise. They offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making them ideal for multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A55: The A55 sports a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. This adaptive refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and fluid animations. It also supported HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content. The typical peak brightness was rated at 1000 nits, with a high brightness mode (HBM) for outdoor visibility.
Samsung Galaxy A56: The A56 features a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, maintaining the Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. The bump in screen size, combined with slightly slimmer bezels, offers an even more expansive viewing area without significantly increasing the phone’s overall footprint. The A56 also boasts a higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1900 nits (peak) and 1200 nits (HBM), which is a noticeable improvement for outdoor visibility compared to the A55. Like its predecessor, it supports HDR10+ and features an Always-On Display. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.
Shared Display Features: Both phones offer the classic Samsung Super AMOLED experience:
- Vibrant Colors and Deep Blacks: Inherent to OLED technology, these displays provide excellent color reproduction and true blacks, leading to a visually immersive experience.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Ensures a smooth user interface, especially noticeable when scrolling through social media or playing games.
- Always-On Display: Conveniently shows time, date, and notifications without needing to fully wake the screen.
- Punch-Hole Cutout: Both feature a discreet punch-hole cutout for the front camera, minimizing screen interruption.
Display Verdict: While both offer excellent Super AMOLED panels, the Galaxy A56 takes the lead with its slightly larger 6.7-inch screen and significantly higher peak brightness of 1900 nits. This makes the A56’s display more enjoyable for content consumption and improves outdoor legibility, a crucial factor in bright environments like Nairobi. The thinner bezels also give the A56 a more modern and premium look.
3. Performance: The Exynos Evolution
The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and Samsung often uses its in-house Exynos chipsets for its A-series. Both the A55 and A56 feature new generation Exynos chips, promising improved performance.
Samsung Galaxy A55: The A55 was powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset, built on a 4nm process. It featured an octa-core CPU configuration, typically with 4 performance cores (Cortex-A78 at 2.75 GHz) and 4 efficiency cores (Cortex-A55 at 2.0 GHz). The GPU was an Xclipse 530. It came with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, with some regions offering a 12GB RAM variant. Storage options included 128GB and 256GB, with microSDXC card support (using a shared SIM slot) for expansion up to 1TB.
Samsung Galaxy A56: The A56 upgrades to the newer Exynos 1580 chipset, also built on a 4nm process. This processor promises a notable leap in performance. The CPU configuration is an octa-core setup (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-A770 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A770 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A550), indicating a more powerful core setup. The GPU is an Xclipse 540, which is an upgrade from the A55’s GPU. RAM options are 8GB and 12GB, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. A significant change here is that the Galaxy A56 does not support expandable storage via microSD card, a potential drawback for users with large media libraries.
Performance Benchmarks & Real-World Use: Initial benchmarks suggest the Exynos 1580 in the A56 offers a substantial performance gain over the Exynos 1480 in the A55. CPU performance is estimated to be around 16% faster, while GPU performance sees an even more significant jump, potentially over 30%. This translates to:
- Faster App Launches: Apps will open and run more smoothly on the A56.
- Smoother Multitasking: The A56 will handle more apps open simultaneously with greater ease.
- Enhanced Gaming: Graphically intensive games will run at higher frame rates and with better stability on the A56.
- Improved AI/ML Tasks: The newer chipset’s NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is likely more efficient, benefiting features like advanced camera processing and on-device AI capabilities.
The A56 is also designed to integrate more deeply with Samsung’s emerging “Awesome Intelligence” features, which include AI-powered enhancements for photo editing, summarization, and potentially more personalized experiences, leveraging the stronger NPU. While some of these might trickle down to the A55 via software updates, the A56 is built to optimize them from the ground up.
Performance Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the clear winner in terms of raw performance. The Exynos 1580 offers a meaningful upgrade over the Exynos 1480, leading to a snappier, more capable, and future-proof experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications. The only caveat is the A56’s lack of a microSD card slot, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
4. Camera System: Subtle Refinements, Same Strong Foundation
Both the Galaxy A55 and A56 aim to provide a versatile and capable camera experience, leveraging Samsung’s expertise in mobile photography. They share a similar hardware setup, but the A56 brings some computational photography enhancements.
Shared Camera Hardware: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear:
- 50MP Main Camera: (ƒ/1.8 aperture, 1/1.56″ sensor, 1.0µm pixels, PDAF, OIS) – This is the primary shooter, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images in various lighting conditions thanks to Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
- 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: (ƒ/2.2 aperture, 123˚ field of view, 1.12µm pixels) – Offers a wider perspective for landscapes, group shots, and architectural photography.
- 5MP Macro Camera: (ƒ/2.4 aperture) – Designed for extreme close-up shots, capturing intricate details of small subjects.
Front Camera:
- Galaxy A55: Features a high-resolution 32MP front camera (ƒ/2.2 aperture).
- Galaxy A56: Interestingly, the A56 sees a downgrade in megapixel count for the front camera, now 12MP (ƒ/2.0 aperture). While megapixel count isn’t everything, this might be a concern for selfie enthusiasts who prioritize raw detail. However, Samsung often compensates with improved sensor quality and computational photography.
Camera Performance & Features: While the hardware is largely similar (with the front camera exception), the A56 benefits from the more powerful Exynos 1580 and its enhanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This translates to:
- Improved Computational Photography: The A56 is likely to offer more refined image processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions (Night Mode) and for features like Portrait Mode.
- Enhanced AI Features: The A56 integrates more deeply with “Awesome Intelligence” features, which can include more accurate subject detection for portrait mode, advanced object erasure, and potentially new AI-driven filters or editing tools. While some of these might come to the A55 through updates, the A56 is optimized for them.
- Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS for stabilization. The A56’s improved chipset might allow for slightly better noise reduction or dynamic range in video. The A56 also introduces AI-powered video editing features, such as auto-trimming and highlight reel generation.
- Night Mode: Both have dedicated Night Mode, but the A56, with its stronger processor, may process these images faster and with slightly better detail preservation in extremely low light.
- Image Quality Nuances: Reviews suggest the A56 might have slightly brighter highlights and a bit more aggressive processing in some scenarios, leading to a marginally different “look” compared to the A55. However, both offer good dynamic range and color accuracy. The 2x zoom on the A56 is reported to be cleaner and sharper than on the A55.
Camera Verdict: This is a mixed bag. The Galaxy A56 offers overall improved image processing and the advantage of newer AI camera features thanks to its more powerful chipset. The 2x zoom and low-light video performance are also slightly better on the A56. However, the Galaxy A55’s 32MP front camera is a clear advantage for those who prioritize high-resolution selfies. For the rear cameras, the differences are subtle refinements rather than a revolutionary leap.
5. Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed
Both phones pack a substantial battery, ensuring all-day usage for most users. However, there’s a significant difference in charging speeds.
Shared Battery Capacity: Both the Samsung Galaxy A55 and A56 feature a generous 5000 mAh non-removable battery. This capacity is a staple in the mid-range segment and typically provides excellent endurance.
Battery Life Performance: Real-world battery tests show interesting results. While the A56 has a more efficient chipset, the Galaxy A55 has often demonstrated slightly longer overall battery life in specific tests, particularly for video playback and gaming. This could be due to software optimization differences or minor variations in component power draw. However, the difference is often marginal, and both phones comfortably last a full day of moderate to heavy use. For example, in a web Browse test, the A56 might edge out the A55 slightly, but for sustained video playback or calls, the A55 might last longer.
Charging Speed: This is where the A56 offers a significant upgrade:
- Samsung Galaxy A55: Supports 25W wired fast charging. It takes approximately 29 minutes to reach 50% and around 83 minutes (1 hour 23 minutes) for a full charge.
- Samsung Galaxy A56: Supports a much faster 45W wired fast charging. This allows it to reach 65% charge in just 30 minutes and a full 100% in around 68 minutes (1 hour 8 minutes). This is a substantial improvement for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Neither phone supports wireless charging.
Battery and Charging Verdict: For raw battery endurance, the Galaxy A55 surprisingly holds a slight edge in some scenarios, though both offer excellent all-day life. However, for charging speed, the Galaxy A56 is the clear winner with its much faster 45W charging, significantly reducing downtime. If fast charging is a priority, the A56 is the way to go.
6. Software and Updates: Long-Term Support, Evolving UI
Samsung has committed to extended software support for its A-series, which is a significant selling point for both devices.
Samsung Galaxy A55: Launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1. Samsung promised 4 generations of Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. This means the A55 is expected to receive updates up to Android 18.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Launched with the latest Android 15 and One UI 7. Samsung has further extended its commitment for the A56, promising an impressive 6 generations of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. This means the A56 is expected to receive updates all the way to Android 21, making it incredibly future-proof from a software perspective.
User Interface (One UI): Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, which is known for its extensive customization options, intuitive navigation, and a plethora of features. One UI 7 on the A56 will bring refinements over One UI 6.1 on the A55, including new customization options, improved widgets, and deeper integration with “Awesome Intelligence” features.
“Awesome Intelligence” Features: While the A56 natively supports a broader suite of Samsung’s AI features (like Circle to Search, custom AI filters, enhanced object eraser, and AI video editing), some of these might eventually roll out to the A55 via software updates, given its capable hardware. However, the A56 is designed to run these features more efficiently and comprehensively.
Software and Updates Verdict: The Galaxy A56 takes a significant lead in terms of long-term software support, offering two additional years of Android OS upgrades and security updates compared to the A55. This makes the A56 a more compelling choice for users who hold onto their phones for longer durations and value up-to-date software and security patches. The integration of “Awesome Intelligence” is also more native and potentially more robust on the A56.
7. Connectivity and Other Features: Modern Essentials
Both phones come with a robust set of connectivity options and essential features for modern smartphone usage.
Shared Connectivity:
- 5G Connectivity: Both are 5G-enabled, ensuring access to the fastest mobile network speeds (where available).
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Provides faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections compared to older standards.
- Bluetooth 5.3: For efficient and stable connections with wireless accessories.
- NFC: For contactless payments (e.g., Samsung Pay) and quick pairing.
- USB Type-C 2.0: For charging and data transfer.
- Stereo Speakers: Both feature stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
- IP67 Water and Dust Resistance: As mentioned, both offer this critical durability feature.
Key Differences:
- MicroSD Card Slot: The A55 has a hybrid microSDXC card slot (up to 1TB), which is absent on the A56. This is a crucial point for users who rely on expandable storage for photos, videos, and large files. The A56’s decision to omit this is a notable “downgrade” for some.
- Physical SIMs + eSIM: Both phones support dual SIM functionality, typically with one physical SIM and one eSIM. The A56 might offer more flexible eSIM configurations.
- Sensors: Both include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and virtual proximity sensing. The A55 might have a barometer in some regions (USA).
Connectivity and Features Verdict: The core connectivity features are strong on both devices. The A55 holds an advantage for users who absolutely require expandable storage via microSD, as the A56 has removed this feature. Other minor differences are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most.
8. Pricing and Availability in Kenya
The Samsung Galaxy A series is highly popular in Kenya, known for offering strong value. Mobihub Electronics is a key retailer that stocks these devices, and pricing will be a significant factor in the decision-making process.
Samsung Galaxy A55: Released in March 2024. As of July 2025, it has been on the market for over a year and has seen price drops.
- Current estimated price range in Kenya (from Mobihub Electronics and other retailers): KSh 40,000 – KSh 55,000, depending on RAM/storage configuration and ongoing promotions.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Released in March 2025. As the newer model, it will naturally command a higher price.
- Current estimated price range in Kenya (from Mobihub Electronics and other retailers): KSh 58,000 – KSh 70,000+, depending on RAM/storage configuration.
Pricing Considerations from Mobihub Electronics:
- Value Proposition: Mobihub Electronics often highlights that while the A56 offers upgrades, the A55, being an older model, provides excellent value for its current price point. For budget-conscious buyers, the A55 remains a strong contender.
- Promotions and Bundles: Mobihub Electronics frequently runs promotions, trade-in offers, or bundles with accessories (e.g., earbuds, smartwatches) that can make either phone a more attractive purchase.
- Availability: Both models are generally readily available at Mobihub Electronics branches and their online store.
Pricing Verdict: The Galaxy A55 offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the premium mid-range segment due to its age and subsequent price adjustments. The A56 carries a premium reflecting its newer hardware, enhanced features, and extended software support.
9. Overall User Experience: A Refined Journey
Both the A55 and A56 offer a smooth and enjoyable Android experience thanks to Samsung’s One UI and consistent software updates.
Galaxy A55 Experience: The A55 provides a robust and reliable daily driver. Its metal frame gives it a premium feel, the display is excellent for content, and the camera delivers consistently good results. Performance is more than adequate for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Its strong battery life is a definite plus. The overall experience is that of a well-rounded and dependable mid-range device that feels more expensive than its price tag.
Galaxy A56 Experience: The A56 refines this experience. The lighter, thinner design makes it more comfortable in hand, especially for prolonged use. The brighter screen is noticeable outdoors. The performance boost, particularly in demanding apps and games, is a welcome improvement. The faster charging is a significant convenience. While the front camera megapixel count is lower, the improved computational photography aims to compensate. The extended software support gives it an edge for long-term usability. The removal of the microSD slot is the main experiential drawback for some. The integration of Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” also adds a new layer of smart features to the daily experience.
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy A55 was an excellent mid-range smartphone, offering a premium build, a great display, and solid performance for its price. The Samsung Galaxy A56 takes that established formula and builds upon it, offering a more refined experience in several key areas.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A56 if:
- You want the absolute best performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- You prioritize faster charging speed.
- You want a slightly larger and significantly brighter display for better outdoor visibility and content immersion.
- You desire a thinner and lighter phone for better ergonomics.
- Long-term software support is critical for you, as the A56 offers 6 years of updates compared to the A55’s 4.
- You are keen on the latest “Awesome Intelligence” AI features integrated into the software.
- You don’t rely on expandable storage via microSD card.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A55 if:
- You are on a tighter budget and want excellent value for money.
- You prioritize a higher-resolution front camera for selfies and video calls.
- Expandable storage via microSD card is essential for you.
- You already own an A54 or older and are looking for a significant upgrade without breaking the bank on the A56.
- You don’t need the absolute bleeding-edge performance, as the A55 is still very capable for most tasks.
- Slightly better battery endurance in some specific usage scenarios is a higher priority than charging speed.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A56 represents a solid evolutionary upgrade from the A55. It offers meaningful improvements in performance, charging speed, display brightness, and long-term software support, along with a more refined design. However, the A55 remains a highly competent device, and its lower price point, coupled with the presence of a microSD card slot and a higher-resolution front camera, makes it a compelling option for value-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the “better” phone depends entirely on your personal priorities and budget. Both are fantastic mid-range devices from Samsung that deliver a premium experience. We at Mobihub Electronics encourage you to visit our stores to get a hands-on feel for both devices and discuss your specific needs with our experts to make the most informed decision. Sources