Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy A56 (2025) runs on the Exynos 1580, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $499 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 60/100 (a 14-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,223,886); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the stronger camera (146 vs 114); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 198g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Samsung Galaxy A56 better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 45W vs 25W
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $799
- Longer battery life (48/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1223886
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1353
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 3832
- Lighter: 162g vs 198g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 64/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 53/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 79/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 67/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy A56 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 14 points higher (74/100 vs 60/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 64/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 53/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 leads (48/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy A56 — 42/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; 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 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (89/100 vs 64/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (77/100 vs 53/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (48/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (89/100 vs 67/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 1580 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1223886 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1353 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3832 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.7" Super AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 114 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 198 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy A56
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 6.7" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy A56
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy A56 by 56.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $300. Samsung Galaxy A56 was $300 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (89/100 vs 64/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy A56 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (77/100 vs 53/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A56 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (48/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A56 (89/100 vs 67/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably better than the Samsung Galaxy A56 — the overall rating gap is 14 points.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has a MobileRank rating of 60/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 53/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 64/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy A56 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.