Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy A56 (2025) runs on the Exynos 1580, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $499 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 60/100 (a 24-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 1,223,886); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 114); the Samsung Galaxy A56 is noticeably lighter (198g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Samsung Galaxy A56 better?
- Lighter: 198g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $1299
- Better portability (67/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 1223886
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1353
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 3832
- Faster charging: 60W vs 45W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 64/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 53/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 48/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 79/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy A56 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 24 points higher (84/100 vs 60/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 64/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 53/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 48/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy A56 — 42/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 78/100; 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (96/100 vs 64/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (86/100 vs 53/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (61/100 vs 48/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (67/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 1580 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1223886 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1353 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3832 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.7" Super AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 114 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1900 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 162.2×77.5×7.4 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 198 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy A56
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 6.7" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy A56 by 64.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $800. Samsung Galaxy A56 was $800 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (96/100 vs 64/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (86/100 vs 53/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (61/100 vs 48/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (67/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 by 24 points (84/100 vs 60/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has a MobileRank rating of 60/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 53/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 64/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy A56 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.