Samsung Galaxy A56 review: A reliable option, though not particularly compelling to purchase.

      Samsung Galaxy A56 Review: A Reliable, Though Not Highly Appealing, Smartphone

      MSRP: $635.00

      “The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a reliable, sturdy, and well-crafted smartphone featuring excellent software.”

      Pros:

      - Sleek and lightweight

      - Two-day battery life

      - Outstanding One UI 7 software

      - Commitment to six years of software updates

      - 45W fast charging

      Cons:

      - Camera lacks sharpness

      - Slow security features

      - Pricier than its predecessor

      The Samsung Galaxy A56 carries significant expectations. It needs to impress those unwilling to invest in the Galaxy S25 while also competing with an array of attractive alternatives available today. The phone must demonstrate that Samsung has learned from the flaws of the Galaxy A55 and has crafted an exceptional budget-friendly device. I've been using it as my primary phone; while there are notable improvements from Samsung, several areas still require attention.

      Samsung Galaxy A56 Specs:

      - Dimensions: 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm

      - Weight: 198 grams

      - Screen: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 pixels, 120Hz

      - Durability: IP67

      - Cameras: 50MP main (OIS), 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro

      - Processor: Samsung Exynos 1580

      - RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage

      - Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging

      - Software: One UI 7 on Android 15

      - Color Options: Awesome Pink, Awesome Olive, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lightgrey

      - Price: £499 (approximately $635)

      Design:

      Samsung has laid a robust foundation for the Galaxy A56, incorporating a metal frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, all within a sensibly sized 7.4 mm frame weighing 198 grams. The device is noticeably thinner and lighter than the Galaxy A55.

      The cameras are positioned within a vertical module, while the power and volume buttons are placed in a raised “Key Island” section on the side. Available colors include pink, olive, graphite, and light grey, all prefixed with "Awesome." The Galaxy A55’s design was critiqued for its sharp edges, making it uncomfortable to hold.

      Samsung has evidently addressed these issues, as the Galaxy A56 shows significant improvements. The transition between glass and chassis has been smoothed out, enhancing ergonomics. The difference in feel is substantial; between the Galaxy A55 and A56, the latter feels narrower and more user-friendly, demonstrating the importance of ergonomics.

      Some appealing details are evident as well. The brushed finish on the metal chassis and the updated camera module design bear resemblance to the Galaxy S25, and its lenses attract less dust compared to the Galaxy A55. Though not visually striking, selecting a brighter color adds character to the phone. I've enjoyed using the lightweight Galaxy A56, which feels durable and high-quality for everyday use.

      Camera:

      The Galaxy A56 features a 50-megapixel main camera, along with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 5MP macro lens. While the images produced are decent, there are minor shortcomings that may disappoint. Sky images often appear noisy, colors are unexpectedly subdued for a Samsung device, and the exposure and dynamic range struggle in various lighting conditions.

      While it doesn't match the performance of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy A56 captures acceptable photos for social media. The camera includes features like auto-highlight-reel generation for videos and robust photo editing tools derived from the Galaxy S series.

      The device incorporates several AI editing features, such as Object Eraser and Style generator. However, the Object Eraser is hindered by the processor performance and doesn’t create as seamless edits as seen on the Galaxy S25 series, leading to noticeable blurring during use. Nonetheless, users may enjoy playing around with the Style generator and Best Face feature.

      While cropping images often reveals noise, edge enhancement, blurriness, and overall lack of detail, which can be disappointing, these limitations may not bother those using the camera primarily for casual social posts.

      Performance and Software:

      Samsung's decision to utilize its Exynos 1580 chip may stir controversy, particularly when the Galaxy A36 opts for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. Given Exynos’s mixed reputation, is it justified here? I've tested the phone with apps, calls, social media, and photography without encountering stutters or delays.

      As for gaming, titles like Asphalt Legends: Unite do not cause overheating, and the stereo speakers produce high-quality sound. They are designed to avoid obstruction when holding the phone in landscape mode. Benchmark scores suggest the device will handle graphically demanding games well, despite the fingerprint and face unlock features being somewhat slow, though accurate.

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