This year, I am interested in the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 Samsung phones.

      Prepare yourself, as Samsung’s latest Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 smartphones are the Galaxy devices you should keep an eye on this year. Following the lackluster Galaxy S25 series, both models feel like true upgrades and are worth your investment, even if you currently own last year's versions. I had a brief experience with both phones, and here's why they stood out to me.

      What distinguishes them?

      Samsung Galaxy A36 (left) and Samsung Galaxy A56 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      There are clear differences between the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56. Unlike the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55, this time there is a significant advantage to opting for the pricier model, but we will delve into that shortly. First, let’s explore the design and visual distinctions between the two.

      Both devices feature the same 6.7-inch AMOLED display, but the Galaxy A56 boasts a brushed metal frame that feels much more premium compared to the plastic frame of the A36, which lacks the brushed texture and attractive metallic luster. Samsung has trimmed down the bezel slightly, rendering it marginally smaller, while still preserving the raised “Key Island” section on the side, which aids in locating and pressing the buttons on both phones. Both models are slim, lightweight, and relatively manageable for one-handed use.

      The slightly awkward feel of the Galaxy A55 has been resolved, and now both phones feel great in hand. The cameras are arranged vertically in the top corner on the back of each device; however, the A56 features a flat metal surround in contrast to the plastic surround of the A36. The Galaxy A36 and A56 present a distinct “family” appearance, mirroring the Galaxy S25 but possessing enough differences to convey a unique A-series identity.

      Samsung has revived a popular color palette from its past for the A-series. Several colors present a stunning iridescent finish, reminiscent of the old Galaxy Note 10’s Aura Glow hue. It appears subtle until exposed to the right lighting, bringing the pearl-like finish to life. Normally, I would instantly recommend this color, but Samsung has done an excellent job of offering various appealing alternatives, making the decision more challenging than usual.

      A-series capabilities

      Samsung Galaxy A36 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      The Galaxy A36 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, while the Galaxy A56 houses a Samsung Exynos 1580 processor. During my brief comparison of the two, navigating the One UI 7 software did not reveal any noticeable performance differences until I tested the cameras. The Galaxy A56 with the Exynos 1580 transitions between the wide-angle and main camera significantly faster than the Galaxy A36. I learned that it’s twice as fast, and this efficiency stems from a combination of the processor and AI enhancements.

      Although I didn’t have the opportunity to play games, Samsung claims the Galaxy A56 is the preferable choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts, and the camera app's performance lends credence to that assertion. This will be an aspect we monitor closely during our reviews. Each phone includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, along with a 15% larger vapor chamber for enhanced cooling compared to the previous series.

      Both smartphones boast a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 5MP macro camera, but the Galaxy A56 features a 12MP wide-angle camera, while the Galaxy A36 sports an 8MP wide-angle. The A56 has some unique special features, potentially enabled by the Exynos chip, such as an upgraded AI ISP, Best Face mode, and Auto Trim mode for videos that creates highlight reels from your recordings. I was glad to see the same impressive image editing tools from the Galaxy S25 make their way to the Galaxy A-series devices.

      Both phones utilize Samsung’s latest One UI 7 over Android 15, which is undoubtedly Samsung’s best Android version yet and made a strong impression on the Galaxy S25 series. As for Galaxy AI, Samsung hasn’t emphasized it significantly here, although features like Circle to Search and the highly regarded object eraser in the Gallery app stand out. The Now Brief is absent, but the Now Bar appears on the lock screen. Samsung will provide major software and security updates for six years.

      2025’s budget-friendly Galaxy phones?

      Samsung Galaxy A36 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      I've saved the most notable upgrade for last. Samsung has introduced 45W wired charging for the Galaxy A36 and A56, claiming that a 30-minute charge can elevate the 5,000mAh battery to about 65% and to 100% in 68 minutes. This means the A-series phones feature faster wired charging than the Galaxy S25 and match the charging rates of the Galaxy S25 Plus and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, neither model supports wireless charging.

      My experience with the Galaxy A36 and A56 left