Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers impressive modern specifications at a mid-range price point, featuring a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 50MP main camera with OIS, and a robust 5000mAh battery supporting 45W charging. Galaxy Note 10+ remains a premium flagship from 2019 with superior build quality (aluminum frame), higher RAM (12GB), sharper QHD+ display, and additional features like wireless charging and S Pen support. However, Note 10+ lacks 5G connectivity, features an older Android 9 OS, and carries a significantly higher price tag. A56's processor handles everyday tasks competently, though it underperforms Note 10+'s Snapdragon 855 in heavy workloads. For most users seeking excellent value with current technology and software support, Galaxy A56 is the superior choice, offering better battery life, newer features, and nearly identical charging speeds at less than half the cost. Note 10+ appeals only to existing ecosystem users who value S Pen functionality and premium materials.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A56 if…
- →Six generations of OS updates — longest support in the mid-range
- →IP67 water resistance is rare at this price
- →Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display looks great outdoors
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy A56
Pros
- Six generations of OS updates — longest support in the mid-range
- IP67 water resistance is rare at this price
- Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display looks great outdoors
- 45W fast charging is a welcome upgrade over the A55
- Clean One UI 7 software with Galaxy AI features
Cons
- Exynos 1580 is slower than Snapdragon competitors at this price
- No telephoto — only a 5MP macro camera
- Plastic frame feels less premium than glass rivals
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 197 g | 196 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Telephoto | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1800 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Xclipse 540 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 1580 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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