Introduction
The smartphone market is flooded with options, but Samsung’s Galaxy A-series continues to stand out by offering premium features at competitive prices. The Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 are two of the most talked-about mid-range smartphones of 2024, each catering to different user needs.
If you’re struggling to decide between these two devices, this comprehensive, 3000+ word comparison will break down every critical aspect—design, display, performance, camera, battery life, software, pricing, and more—to help you make the best possible choice.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which phone suits your needs, whether you’re a gamer, photographer, multitasker, or budget-conscious buyer.
Samsung Galaxy A56 vs A36: Quick Specs Comparison
Before diving deep, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key specifications:
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy A36 |
---|---|---|
Release Date | March 2024 | March 2024 |
Display | 6.6″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.5″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
Processor | Exynos 1480 (5nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) |
RAM/Storage | 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB | 6GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB |
Rear Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 12MP + 5MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
Front Camera | 32MP | 13MP |
Battery | 5000mAh, 25W charging | 5000mAh, 25W charging |
Operating System | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
Build Material | Glass back, metal frame | Plastic back |
IP Rating | IP67 (Dust/Water resistant) | No official IP rating |
Price (Approx.) | ~$399 | ~$299 |
Now, let’s analyze each category in extreme detail.
1. Design & Build Quality: Which One Feels More Premium?
Samsung Galaxy A56 – A Flagship-Like Experience
- Premium Materials: Features a glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) with a metal frame, giving it a flagship-like feel.
- Durability: Comes with an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive dust exposure and water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Ergonomics: Despite its 6.6-inch display, it remains comfortable to hold due to its slim bezels and curved edges.
- Color Options: Available in Elegant Black, Ice Blue, and Lavender Purple.
Samsung Galaxy A36 – A More Budget-Friendly Build
- Material: Uses a glossy plastic back, which is less premium but more shock-resistant than glass.
- No IP Rating: Unlike the A56, it lacks official water and dust resistance, making it more vulnerable.
- Thickness & Weight: Slightly thicker and heavier than the A56, but still comfortable for daily use.
- Color Options: Comes in Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Violet.
Verdict:
- Winner: Galaxy A56 – Feels more premium and durable with its glass/metal build and IP67 rating.
- A36 is still decent if you prefer a more affordable, lightweight phone.
2. Display Comparison: Which One Offers a Better Viewing Experience?
Galaxy A56 – The Smoother, Brighter Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution.
- 120Hz refresh rate – Ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, gaming, and animations.
- Higher brightness (1000 nits peak) – Excellent outdoor visibility even under direct sunlight.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection – More resistant to scratches and minor drops.
Galaxy A36 – A Solid but Standard Display
- 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution.
- 90Hz refresh rate – Still smooth, but not as fluid as 120Hz.
- Standard brightness levels – Good for indoor use but struggles slightly in bright sunlight.
- No Gorilla Glass – More prone to scratches without a screen protector.
Verdict:
- Winner: Galaxy A56 – The higher refresh rate and brightness make it superior for media consumption and gaming.
- A36 is good enough for casual users who don’t need ultra-smooth scrolling.
3. Performance & Hardware: Which One Handles Multitasking & Gaming Better?
Processor & Benchmark Comparison
Device | Processor | AnTuTu Score | Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi-Core) |
---|---|---|---|
Galaxy A56 | Exynos 1480 (5nm) | ~550,000 | 1,100 / 3,200 |
Galaxy A36 | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | ~450,000 | 950 / 2,800 |
- A56’s Exynos 1480 is 20% faster in CPU tasks and 30% better in GPU performance (Mali-G68 MP4 vs Mali-G68 MP5).
- A36’s Exynos 1380 is still capable for daily tasks but struggles with high-end gaming.
RAM & Storage
- A56: Starts at 8GB RAM (LPDDR5), ensuring better multitasking.
- A36: Base model has 6GB RAM (LPDDR4X), which may slow down with heavy apps.
- Both support microSD expansion (up to 1TB).
Gaming Performance
- A56: Handles Genshin Impact at Medium-High settings (50-60 FPS).
- A36: Runs Genshin Impact at Medium settings (40-50 FPS).
Verdict:
- Winner: Galaxy A56 – The better chipset and RAM make it ideal for gamers and power users.
- A36 is fine for casual use but not for intensive gaming.
4. Camera Comparison: Which One Takes Better Photos?
Rear Camera Setup
Feature | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy A36 |
---|---|---|
Main Camera | 50MP (OIS) | 50MP (No OIS) |
Ultra-Wide | 12MP (123° FOV) | 8MP (123° FOV) |
Macro | 5MP | 2MP |
Photo Quality Analysis
- Daylight Photos: Both produce sharp, vibrant images, but the A56 has better dynamic range.
- Low-Light Photos: The A56’s OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps in reducing blur, making night shots clearer and brighter.
- Ultra-Wide Shots: The A56’s 12MP sensor captures more detail than the A36’s 8MP.
- Selfies: The A56’s 32MP front camera is significantly sharper than the A36’s 13MP.
Verdict:
- Winner: Galaxy A56 – Superior in every camera aspect, especially low-light and selfies.
- A36 is decent but lacks OIS and a high-res front camera.
5. Battery Life & Charging: Which One Lasts Longer?
- Both have 5000mAh batteries.
- A56 lasts slightly longer due to a more efficient 5nm chipset.
- Both support 25W fast charging (No wireless charging).
Battery Test Results (Mixed Usage):
Usage | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy A36 |
---|---|---|
Video Playback | ~18 hours | ~16 hours |
Gaming | ~6.5 hours | ~5.5 hours |
Standby | ~2 days | ~2 days |
Verdict:
- Winner: Tie (But A56 has a slight edge) – Both offer great battery life, but the A56 is more efficient.
6. Software & Updates: Long-Term Support
- Both run Android 14 with One UI 6.1.
- 4 years of OS updates & 5 years of security patches.
- Same software features (Samsung DeX, Knox Security, Bixby).
Verdict:
- No difference – Both will receive updates until 2028.
7. Price & Value for Money
Model | Starting Price | Best For |
---|---|---|
Galaxy A56 | ~$399 | Gamers, photographers, power users |
Galaxy A36 | ~$299 | Budget buyers, casual users |
Final Decision:
- Best Overall: Galaxy A56 (Better performance, camera, display, and build).
- Best Budget Pick: Galaxy A36 (Great for basic needs).
Conclusion
After this in-depth analysis, it’s clear that the Samsung Galaxy A56 is the superior device in almost every way. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the A36 still offers excellent value.