Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 Review – Specs, Camera, Performance & More
1️⃣ Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 Review showcases Samsung’s latest mid-range smartphones, designed to deliver powerful performance, upgraded cameras, and long-lasting battery life. While flagship devices often steal the spotlight, Samsung’s A-series has consistently provided premium features at a competitive price, making them some of the most popular smartphones worldwide.
🔥 Dominating the Midrange Market:
The Samsung Galaxy A56 was the No.1 trending phone in Week 10, proving its massive appeal among smartphone buyers. 📈 See why it topped the charts in our Trending Phones 2025 (Week 10) – Latest Rankings.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A36 secured the No.3 spot, offering a budget-friendly alternative with solid performance and features at a lower price.
For a broader look at Samsung’s latest models, price comparisons, and expert buying guides, visit our Samsung Smartphone Hub to explore the entire lineup.
In this detailed Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 review, we analyze their design, display, cameras, performance, and software experience to help you determine which one is the right choice for you.
2️⃣ Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 Review: Design & Build Quality
- ✅ A36: Glass back + polycarbonate frame (more durable than last year).
- ✅ A56: Aluminum frame for a premium feel.
- ✅ IP67 water resistance – but how does it compare to other brands?
Both models are well-built, featuring Samsung’s refined design language with a minimalistic camera island and sleek finishes. The A36 uses a glass back with a plastic frame, while the A56 boasts an aluminum frame, making it feel more premium in hand. The IP67 rating ensures dust and water resistance, but it falls short of flagship-level IP68 protection.
3️⃣ Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56: Display & Multimedia
- ✅ 6.7” Super AMOLED 120Hz – Real-world brightness, viewing angles, and HDR performance.
- ✅ Stereo speakers – How do they perform vs. competitors?
Both models feature a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vivid colors. The peak brightness of 1,900 nits makes them easy to use outdoors. Stereo speakers are present, offering immersive sound, but how do they compare to competitors like the OnePlus Nord 3 or Redmi Note 14 Pro?
4️⃣ Cameras: Real-World Performance
- ✅ Selfie Camera: 12MP upgrade – How much better than A35 & A55?
- ✅ Main Camera: A56’s larger sensor – Night mode, sharpness, and AI improvements.
- ✅ Ultra-wide & Macro: Are they actually useful?
- ✅ Video: 4K HDR recording – Does stabilization work well?
- ✅ AI & Software Enhancements: How Samsung’s AI adjusts skin tones, low-light noise, and HDR balance.
The A36 and A56 both receive a 12MP selfie camera upgrade, delivering sharper and more detailed selfies. The A56, however, features a larger sensor and Low Noise Mode, enhancing night photography and video stability. Both devices support 10-bit HDR recording in 4K, but the A56’s ultra-wide and macro cameras offer more versatility.
5️⃣ Performance & Benchmarks: How Powerful Are These Phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 Review wouldn’t be complete without testing their real-world performance. Both devices bring upgraded chipsets designed to handle everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
📊 AnTuTu 10 Benchmark Results
Below are the AnTuTu 10 benchmark scores comparing the Galaxy A36 & A56 with other competing devices:
| Device | Score | Chipset | RAM | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📱 Galaxy S25 | 2,193,701 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 12GB | 1080 x 2340 px |
| 📱 vivo V40 Pro | 1,504,798 | Dimensity 9200+ | 12GB | 1260 x 2800 px |
| 📱 Galaxy A56 | 908,689 | Exynos 1580 | 8GB | 1080 x 2340 px |
| 📱 Motorola Edge 50 Pro | 842,798 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | 12GB | 1080 x 2412 px |
| 📱 Poco X7 | 677,093 | Dimensity 7300 Ultra | 12GB | 1220 x 2712 px |
| 📱 Galaxy A36 | 613,492 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 6GB | 1080 x 2340 px |
| 📱 Galaxy A35 | 603,441 | Exynos 1380 | 6GB | 1080 x 2340 px |
From the AnTuTu benchmarks, the Galaxy A56 outperforms its predecessor, the Galaxy A55, by a significant margin, making it a competitive choice in the mid-range category. The Galaxy A36, powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, scores slightly higher than the Galaxy A35, but remains in line with other budget-friendly smartphones like the Poco X7. This confirms that the A56 is the better option for users looking for performance-driven tasks such as gaming and heavy multitasking.
📊 GeekBench 6 Benchmark Results
Below are the GeekBench 6 benchmark scores comparing the Galaxy A36 & A56 with other competing devices:
| Device | Multi-Core Score | Single-Core Score | Chipset | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📱 Galaxy S25 | 10,050 | N/A | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 12GB |
| 📱 vivo V40 Pro | 5,149 | N/A | Dimensity 9200+ | 12GB |
| 📱 Galaxy A56 | 3,899 | N/A | Exynos 1580 | 8GB |
| 📱 Galaxy A55 | 3,350 | N/A | Exynos 1480 | 8GB |
| 📱 Galaxy A35 | 2,931 | N/A | Exynos 1380 | 6GB |
| 📱 Galaxy A36 | 2,917 | N/A | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 6GB |
| 📱 Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G | 2,913 | N/A | Dimensity 7300 Ultra | 8GB |
From the benchmarks, the Galaxy A56 shows a 37% performance improvement over the Galaxy A55, making it a strong contender in the mid-range category. The Galaxy A36, powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, performs similarly to the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a well-balanced smartphone.
- ✅ Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (A36) vs. Exynos 1580 (A56) – How big is the real-world difference?
- ✅ Gaming Tests: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile frame rates.
- ✅ Thermal Performance: Does Samsung’s vapor chamber actually help with throttling?
- ✅ Multitasking & UI Responsiveness: How One UI 7 optimizes background apps.
The A36 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, while the A56 debuts Samsung’s new Exynos 1580 chipset, promising 37% better performance over its predecessor. Gaming tests show that while the A36 handles casual gaming well, the A56 provides a noticeable boost in frame rates and sustained performance thanks to a larger vapor chamber for cooling.
6️⃣ Battery Life & Charging
- ✅ 5000mAh battery – Real-world endurance tests (screen-on time, gaming, streaming, calls).
- ✅ 45W fast charging – How fast compared to A35/A55?
- ✅ Charging efficiency vs. OnePlus Nord 3 & Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro.
Both phones pack 5,000mAh batteries, with Samsung finally bringing 45W fast charging to the mid-range lineup. Compared to last year’s models, this results in faster top-ups, but is it as efficient as competitors like OnePlus and Xiaomi? Real-world tests will determine if the higher wattage actually translates to noticeably faster charging times.
7️⃣ One UI 7 & Software Features
- ✅ How Samsung’s AI features compare to Google’s Pixel AI?
- ✅ Circle to Search – How useful is it in daily life?
- ✅ Now Briefing, Object Eraser, and Auto Trim – Are these gimmicks or game-changers?
- ✅ Samsung’s 6-year update promise – Why this matters for long-term buyers.
Samsung’s One UI 7 on Android 15 introduces Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Now Briefing, and Auto Trim for video highlights. Compared to Google Pixel’s AI-powered features, does Samsung’s implementation hold up? Additionally, the promise of six years of OS updates and security patches makes these phones future-proof choices.
8️⃣ Final Verdict: Should You Buy the A36 or A56?
Overall, this Samsung Galaxy A36 & A56 Review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both models, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs.
- ✅ Who should buy A36? (Balanced users, budget-conscious buyers)
- ✅ Who should buy A56? (Power users, better cameras, performance seekers)
- ✅ Best alternatives in this price range: OnePlus Nord 3, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Realme 12 Pro+.
The Galaxy A36 is an excellent choice for those who want a balanced mid-range phone with solid performance, a decent camera, and a budget-friendly price tag. The A56, on the other hand, is for those who want more power, a better camera system, and a premium design. However, strong competition from the OnePlus Nord 3, Redmi Note 14 Pro, and Realme 12 Pro+ means buyers have great alternatives to consider.
Pricing (India, Philippines, USA)
India:
- 128GB 8GB RAM – ₹41,999
- 256GB 8GB RAM – ₹41,999
- 256GB 12GB RAM – ₹44,999
Philippines:
- 128GB 8GB RAM – ₱24,999
- 256GB 8GB RAM – ₱24,999
- 256GB 12GB RAM – ₱27,499
USA:
- 128GB 8GB RAM – $599
- 256GB 8GB RAM – $599
- 256GB 12GB RAM – $649
Samsung is consistently expanding its smartphone lineup, providing options across all price ranges, from affordable models to premium flagship devices. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end powerhouse, our Best Samsung Phones for Every Budget guide will help you find the perfect device to match your needs.
For those considering a Samsung device in 2025, it’s essential to compare models and their respective price points. Samsung Price List 2025 provides a comprehensive breakdown of Samsung’s latest smartphone prices across various regions, helping you find the best deals.
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- Smartphone Price List 2025: Your go-to resource for updated prices of the most popular smartphones in the Philippines.
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