Huawei Nova 16z vs Samsung Galaxy A56
The Huawei Nova 16z (2026) runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 8020, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 (2025) runs on the Exynos 1580; launch prices were $370 and $499. By overall MobileRank rating, the Huawei Nova 16z leads — 64/100 vs 60/100 (a 4-point difference). Key differences: the Huawei Nova 16z has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5000); the Samsung Galaxy A56 is faster in AnTuTu (1,223,886 vs 1,146,138).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Huawei Nova 16z
Samsung Galaxy A56
What makes Huawei Nova 16z better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 1389 vs 1353
- Better Geekbench Multi: 4125 vs 3832
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 5000 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 45W
- Cheaper at launch: $370 vs $499
- Higher performance (65/100 vs 64/100)
- Longer battery life (80/100 vs 48/100)
- Better display (80/100 vs 79/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy A56 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 1223886 vs 1146138
- Better camera (53/100 vs 45/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Huawei Nova 16z vs the Samsung Galaxy A56, the Huawei Nova 16z scores 4 points higher (64/100 vs 60/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z leads (80/100 vs 48/100). Value score: Huawei Nova 16z — 60/100, Samsung Galaxy A56 — 42/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (65/100 vs 64/100). In the "display" category, the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (80/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is a bit better (53/100 vs 45/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (80/100 vs 48/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Huawei Nova 16z | Samsung Galaxy A56 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 8020 | Exynos 1580 | |
| AnTuTu | 1146138 | 1223886 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1389 | 1353 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4125 | 3832 | |
| Display | 6.7" OLED | 6.7" Super AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2412x1084 | 1080x2340 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 100W | 45W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 114 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB | |
| OS | HarmonyOS 6.1 | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 1900 nits | |
| NFC | — | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP67 | |
| Dimensions | — | 162.2×77.5×7.4 mm | |
| Weight | — | 198 g | |
| Launch price | $370 | $499 |
Camera comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy A56
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6.7" OLED
- Resolution: 2412x1084
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 6.7" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless charging: no data
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Huawei Nova 16z and Samsung Galaxy A56, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy A56 leads Huawei Nova 16z by 6.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $129. Huawei Nova 16z was $129 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (65/100 vs 64/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (80/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is a bit better (53/100 vs 45/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (80/100 vs 48/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Huawei Nova 16z edges out the Samsung Galaxy A56 by just 4 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Huawei Nova 16z has a MobileRank rating of 64/100, the Samsung Galaxy A56 — 60/100.
Which has the better camera: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 leads on camera score (53/100 vs 45/100).
Should you choose the Huawei Nova 16z over the Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Huawei Nova 16z is a better fit for active users, those who care about battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a better fit for active users.