I tried Samsung’s newest budget smartphone that feels 3x the price – and there are free gifts worth £138 too
IT’S a tricky balance finding a new smartphone that’s resilient and packed with useful features while not cost a bomb.
But Samsung may have nailed it with the latest mid-range Galaxy handset.
As The Sun’s main Android smartphone reviewer, I get hands-on with gadgets all the time.
And the factor that always bugs me is the astounding cost consumers have to folk out for good quality.
So to my joy, the new Galaxy A56 5G has the best of both worlds, taking much of what’s good about the main Galaxy S25 phones and packing it into a mighty affordable package.
Sure, some features and premium end finesse is missing, but you still get a really well-rounded smartphone.
I reviewed last year’s Galaxy A55, describing it as a ” real stunner”.
And there are even some added freebies up for grabs to get more bang for your buck at the checkout.
To find out more, read my full review below.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Look and feel
On the face of it, the A56 doesn’t look too different to its predecessor, the A55.
However, there are some positive changes.
Firstly, the display is ever so slightly bigger, now measuring in at 6.7-inches wide.
And it appears the bezel – the black frame around the screen – has been reduced.
The display itself remains as glossy as before but it’s a whole lot brighter, making it better to see from various angles and in direct sunlight.
There’s glass on the back with an aluminium frame once again which looks nice enough if it wasn’t for my clammy finger prints.
The most noticeable visual change of the lot is to the camera set up – the three cameras now sit within a tidy pill shape.
While I think it looks nicer the phone rocks if you have it flat on a surface and you’re tapping away.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Performance and features
The A56 runs on Android 15 with Samsung’s very latest One UI 7 on top.
One UI 7 has only just launched on a number of existing Samsung Galaxy handsets, so the A56 is in front of the queue for new features and more.
Among the new features are some of Samsung’s biggest AI tools, some of which only just landed on the much more expensive Galaxy S25 series – though not all of them.
These allow you to do things like remove objects from photos, translate text before your eyes, best face for group shots and auto trim that quickly cuts videos to their best moments so you don’t have to.
Samsung has pledged to offer up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, as well as six years of security update.
This is an increase from the four operating system updates and five years of security updates offered on the A55, so the A56 will last you for quite some time.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.
As for performance, this is one area that on the spec sheet isn’t the best with a cheaper chip on the inside compared to the Galaxy S25’s top end Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
But that’s not to say the A56’s performance is bad – you can still very much get everything done smoothly.
I just wouldn’t bother with anything too intensive like big gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Battery
The A56 battery will easily get you through the day and some more with pretty thorough usage.
While testing for me, that included emails, web browser, lots of WhatsApp, watching videos on YouTube and the occasional photo too.
In terms of charging speeds, Samsung has cranked it up to 45W fast charging – up from the 25W speed on its predecessor.
45W fast charging will get you just over half full in 30 mins or so with a supported plug.
For the vast majority of people it’s got everything you need – and they’re done right too
You don’t get the plug in the box like most new mobiles these days.
However, as part of a limited time promotion Samsung is giving away free gifts with every order worth £138.
Included in that is a 45W plug.
The offer is only available until April 15 so be quick to grab that.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Camera
There are three cameras on the A56, including a 50-megapixel main lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 5-megapixel macro lens.
I’m really impressed with the camera quality for such a cheap phone.
And the tools available to improve them are great too.
I was able to easily remove some lens flare from a shot of Borough Market for example.
And take a look at the beautiful portrait mode used to take this flower photo.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Price
The Galaxy A56 costs £499 and there’s only one storage option, 256GB.
Don’t forget, you can cut the cost further by trading in your old phone too.
There are four colours:
- Awesome Lightgrey
- Awesome Graphite
- Awesome Olive
- Awesome Pink
If you buy from Samsung.com or other qualifying retailers by April 15, you get free extra gifts worth £138.
This includes:
- Galaxy Fit3
- 45W Fast Charger
- Silicone Case
Check out Samsung.com for full details on how to claim them using the link below.
Samsung Galaxy A56: Verdict
Samsung is further blurring the lines between mid-range and premium phones - and I'm all for it.
The Galaxy A56 feels more and more like a premium end smartphone that’s 3x its price.
Of course, the cost cutting comes from using cheaper materials and a less powerful chip, among other things.
And there are far fewer AI features.
However, for the vast majority of people it’s got everything you need – and they’re done right too.
Things like decent battery life and a camera that can reliably take beautiful photos for you are what count, and the A56 delivers.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.