Samsung Galaxy A56 Review | Premium design, software longevity, and AI-driven features over sheer performance

Samsung Galaxy A56 captures every aspect beautifully, it looks good, performs well at everyday tasks, and offers a solid set of specifications. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and AI-powered software features make it a strong contender in its segment

Samsung has a unique way of addressing user needs, and the A series rightly delivers on this promise. If your budget is slightly constrained and you missed out on the flagship Galaxy S series, the latest Samsung Galaxy A56 offers cutting-edge features and AI tools at a more affordable price. However, unlike the S series, the A series continues with the Exynos processor. The new Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 SoC, and to explore its capabilities in detail, let’s dive right in.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 retains the signature design language of its predecessor, the Galaxy A55, with a few subtle refinements. The most noticeable change is the new ‘Grouped Linear Floating Camera Island,’ replacing the individual camera rings with a sleek, pill-shaped module housing three sensors. This chrome-finished camera module creates a floating effect as it protrudes slightly from the back panel, though it does result in some wobbling when placed on a flat surface. Using a case can help balance this out.

Available in three colour options—Awesome Olive (review variant), Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Light Gray—the Galaxy A56 exudes sophistication. The glossy glass back panel, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, resists fingerprints and adds durability. Further enhancing its build quality, the smartphone boasts an IP67 certification, making it dust- and water-resistant.

I also liked how the new Galaxy A56 feels in hand - light and manageable (obviously not like the Galaxy S25). The phone features a “Key Island” design for the power and volume buttons, ensuring easy accessibility. At the bottom, there’s a USB Type-C port, accompanied by a speaker grille.

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Samsung is known for its top-notch displays, and the Galaxy A56 is no exception. The device features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. The central punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera allows for an immersive viewing experience. With a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, the screen remains visible even under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.

The display produces vibrant and punchy colours, which can be fine-tuned to individual preferences through the settings. It offers excellent viewing angles and deep contrast, ensuring an engaging visual experience. Surprisingly, the phone lacks HDR support. However, it does feature Widevine L1 certification.