Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

Imagine holding a phone that feels as premium as a flagship but doesn’t come with the eye-watering price tag. That’s the Samsung Galaxy A56—a mid-range smartphone that punches well above its weight. Released in March 2025, this device blends stunning design, powerful performance, and future-proof software support, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a long-term investment. From its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display to the powerful Exynos 1580 chipset and a versatile triple-camera setup, the Galaxy A56 is proof that mid-range phones no longer need to compromise. But is it truly the king of its class? Let’s dive in.

But first, a video review

Design and Build Quality

The first time you pick up the Galaxy A56, you’ll feel the difference. It’s not just another plastic phone trying to look premium—it is premium. Wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, with a sturdy aluminum frame, it feels every bit as refined as Samsung’s flagship S-series devices.

It’s slim at 7.4mm and weighs 198g, which gives it a solid, balanced feel in hand. And while some phones demand delicate handling, this one doesn’t. With an IP67 rating, it can survive a splash, a dusty hike, or even an accidental drop in water for up to 30 minutes. And the color choices? Graphite Gray, Light Gray, Olive, and Pink—each one exuding elegance in its own way. Whether you prefer a bold statement or a subtle classic look, Samsung gives you options.

Display Quality

If you’ve ever experienced a Samsung AMOLED display, you know what’s coming. The Galaxy A56’s 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel is simply breathtaking. With 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1900 nits, this screen is made for vivid colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth animations.

Ever struggled to read your screen under direct sunlight? Not with this phone. High Brightness Mode (HBM) pushes brightness up to 1200 nits, ensuring visibility even on the brightest days. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or simply scrolling, the A56’s display makes every interaction feel effortless.

Performance and Software

The heartbeat of the Galaxy A56 is the Exynos 1580 chipset, built on a 4nm process for efficiency and power. This octa-core processor ensures fast app launches, smooth multitasking, and lag-free gaming. Paired with the Xclipse 540 GPU, it handles even the most demanding games with ease.

With 8GB or 12GB of RAM, you can switch between multiple apps without a hiccup, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB ensure you have enough space for all your photos, videos, and apps. But there’s a catch—there’s no microSD slot, so what you get is what you’re stuck with. Out of the box, it runs Android 15 with One UI 7, a refined, intuitive interface packed with Samsung’s signature features. The best part? Samsung promises up to 6 major Android upgrades, making this one of the most future-proof phones on the market.

Camera Performance

The Galaxy A56 isn’t just about performance; it’s also a photographer’s companion. The 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) captures crisp, detailed shots, whether you’re shooting in daylight or low-light conditions. The 12MP ultrawide lens expands your perspective, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or big group photos. The 5MP macro lens lets you zoom into the tiny details, revealing textures and colors that would otherwise go unnoticed. Video lovers will appreciate the 4K recording at 30fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring shake-free footage. For selfies, the 12MP front camera produces sharp and natural-looking images, even in challenging lighting. And yes, it also supports 4K video, making it perfect for vloggers and video calls.

Battery and Charging

Powering this beast is a 5000mAh battery, designed to last an entire day—and then some. Whether you’re a heavy user who games and streams or someone who just scrolls through social media, battery anxiety won’t be an issue. When you do need a recharge, 45W wired charging gets you back up and running quickly. However, there’s no wireless charging, which might be a minor letdown for some users.

Connectivity and Additional Features

This is a 5G phone, ensuring blazing-fast internet speeds for seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing. It supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM), a great feature for travelers or professionals managing two numbers. Other highlights include Wi-Fi 6E for ultra-fast wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for mobile payments, and precise GPS tracking (GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS).

The stereo speakers provide a rich audio experience, but there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack—so you’ll need to go wireless or use a USB-C adapter. Security is also top-tier, with a fast under-display fingerprint sensor ensuring your data stays safe.

Pricing and Availability

Samsung has positioned the Galaxy A56 as an affordable alternative to flagships, without cutting the features that matter most. The A56 is available now at Phones Store Kenya, and for the price, it’s one of the best mid-range options on the market.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy A56 isn’t just another mid-range phone—it’s a statement. It brings together premium design, powerful hardware, and long-term software support, making it a device that can easily last four to five years without feeling outdated.

Pros and Cons

• ✔ Gorgeous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
• ✔ Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and aluminum frame.
• ✔ IP67 water and dust resistance for durability.
• ✔ Powerful Exynos 1580 processor for fast performance.
• ✔ 50MP OIS main camera with 4K video support.
• ✔ 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
• ✔ Up to 6 years of Android updates, making it a long-term investment.
• ✖ No expandable storage (No microSD slot).
• ✖ No 3.5mm headphone jack.
• ✖ No wireless charging.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers flagship-level experiences in a mid-range package. It’s perfect for those who want a reliable daily driver with stunning visuals, smooth performance, and a camera setup that doesn’t disappoint. For anyone looking to upgrade, this phone is now available at Phones Store Kenya—and it’s one of the smartest purchases you can make this year.