Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
The Verdict
Two very different Samsung phones at very different price points. Starting with performance: the S25 runs Snapdragon 8 Elite, currently one of the fastest mobile chips available, while the A56 uses Exynos 1580, a mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks fine but won't match the S25 in sustained workloads or gaming. The S25 also carries 12 GB RAM versus 8 GB on the A56. Camera hardware looks similar on paper, both sporting 50 MP mains with OIS, but the S25 pulls ahead with a proper 3x optical telephoto versus the A56's 5 MP macro lens, and shoots 8K video versus 4K. Display quality favors the S25 too, with a brighter 2600 nit Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel compared to the A56's 1800 nit Super AMOLED, though both are 1080p at 120Hz. Battery is interesting: the A56 has a larger 5000 mAh cell with faster 45W charging, while the S25 manages only 4000 mAh at 25W, giving the A56 a genuine endurance edge. Build quality goes to the S25, with aluminum frame, IP68 rating, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 versus the A56's plastic frame and IP67. At $350 cheaper, the A56 offers solid value for most users who prioritize battery life and everyday performance. Power users wanting top-tier processing, better zoom, and premium build should spend up for the S25.
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 S25 if…
- →Compact and pocketable flagship
- →Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- →12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
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 S25
Pros
- Compact and pocketable flagship
- Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- 12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
- Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
- Long 7-year software support promise
Cons
- Small 4000 mAh battery limits endurance
- Slow 25W charging
- 1080p resolution instead of QHD
- No major camera hardware upgrades
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 197 g | 162 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W Qi2 |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1800 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Xclipse 540 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 1580 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
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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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