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Galaxy A56 vs Galaxy A36: is the extra £100 worth it?
Two mid-range Samsungs that look alike on paper. Where the A56 is better, and where the A36 is all you need.
the Galaxy A36 is enough for most people. The Galaxy A56 is worth the extra £100 if you play demanding games, keep phones for years, or care about how the phone feels in the hand. The A36 is £359 and the A56 is £459.
The numbers
| Galaxy A36 5G | Galaxy A56 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (128GB) | £359 | £459 |
| Screen | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chip | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 |
| Memory | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage type | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45W | 45W |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
What they share
More than you would expect. The screen is the same 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED, the battery is the same 5000 mAh, charging is the same 45W, and both are IP67 dust and water resistant. Both have a 50MP main camera and a 5MP macro camera. For messaging, video, maps and social apps, you will not feel a difference between the two.
Where the A56 is better
- Chip. The Exynos 1580 is a faster processor with stronger graphics. It shows up in demanding games and when you switch between many apps.
- Storage speed. UFS 3.1 loads apps and large files faster than the UFS 2.2 in the A36.
- Ultrawide camera. 12MP against 8MP, so wide shots are sharper, especially indoors.
- Build. The A56 has a more premium feel, with a metal frame. The A36 is lighter on material.
Where the A36 holds up
It does everyday work without complaint, it is £100 cheaper, and it has 8GB of memory as standard. If your phone is mostly for calls, messages, photos, video and the occasional game, the A36 will do all of it comfortably.
Software support
Samsung supports both phones with six generations of Android updates, so the A36 will not be left behind sooner than the A56.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Galaxy A36 if you want a good phone at a sensible price and your use is ordinary.
Choose the Galaxy A56 if you play games, take a lot of wide photos, or want a phone that feels a step up. If you are tempted to spend more again, the Galaxy S25 and S25 FE guide shows what a flagship adds.
Common questions
Do the A56 and A36 have a headphone jack?
No. Both use USB-C and Bluetooth audio.
Which has the better battery life?
They have the same 5000 mAh battery. The A56's more efficient chip can last a little longer under heavy use, but in normal use they are close.
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