Which A-Series Phone Should You Buy?
Samsung’s Galaxy A-series offers budget-friendly smartphones with impressive features. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the Samsung Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Key Differences at a Glance
Before diving into details, here’s a quick comparison of the three phones:
| Feature | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy A36 | Galaxy A26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.6″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.6″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.5″ HD+ LCD, 90Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 | Exynos 1280 | MediaTek Helio G80 |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) | 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) | 50MP (main) + 5MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 13MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 25W charging | 5000mAh, 25W charging | 5000mAh, 15W charging |
| Software | Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 13, One UI 5 |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes | No (4G only) |
| Price (Approx.) | 350−350−400 | 250−250−300 | 200−200−250 |
Detailed Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A56 vs A36 vs A26
1. Display & Design
- Galaxy A56 & A36: Both feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling.
- Galaxy A26: Comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD panel and a 90Hz refresh rate, which is decent but not as sharp or colorful as AMOLED.
Winner: Galaxy A56 & A36 (better display quality).
2. Performance & Hardware
- Galaxy A56: Powered by the Exynos 1380, it delivers strong mid-range performance, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
- Galaxy A36: Uses the Exynos 1280, which is slightly weaker but still capable for daily use.
- Galaxy A26: Runs on the MediaTek Helio G80, suitable for basic tasks but struggles with heavy gaming.
Winner: Galaxy A56 (best performance).
3. Camera Quality
- Galaxy A56: Offers a 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro setup, along with a 32MP selfie camera—great for photography enthusiasts.
- Galaxy A36: Has a 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro setup, with a 13MP front camera—good for casual shots.
- Galaxy A26: Features a 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP depth sensor, with an 8MP selfie camera—basic but decent for the price.
Winner: Galaxy A56 (superior cameras).
4. Battery & Charging
All three phones have a 5000mAh battery, but:
- A56 & A36 support 25W fast charging.
- A26 only supports 15W charging, making it slower to recharge.
Winner: Galaxy A56 & A36 (faster charging).
5. Software & Updates
- Galaxy A56: Ships with Android 14 & One UI 6, promising longer software support.
- A36 & A26: Run Android 13 & One UI 5, with fewer future updates expected.
Winner: Galaxy A56 (better software support).
6. 5G Connectivity
- A56 & A36 support 5G, ensuring future-proof connectivity.
- A26 is 4G-only, which may limit long-term usability.
Winner: Galaxy A56 & A36 (5G-ready).
Which One Should You Buy?
✔ Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy A56
If you want the best performance, cameras, and display, the A56 is the top choice. It’s ideal for gamers, photography lovers, and those who want long-term software updates.
✔ Best Budget 5G Option: Samsung Galaxy A36
A great mid-range pick with a 120Hz AMOLED display and 5G support at a lower price than the A56.
✔ Most Affordable: Samsung Galaxy A26
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need 5G or high-end specs, the A26 offers decent performance for basic use.
Final Verdict
- For power users: Galaxy A56 (best specs).
- For budget 5G buyers: Galaxy A36 (great value).
- For minimal needs: Galaxy A26 (cheapest option).
Which one suits you best? Let us know in the comments!