The Galaxy A56 5G offers greater value than the Galaxy S25

Whereas the unique Galaxy S got here out practically fifteen years in the past, it was the Galaxy S2 that cemented the road as Android’s predominant flagship collection. Prefer it or not, Samsung’s flagships enter the zeitgeist in methods few Android telephones can. The Galaxy S25 collection was poised to do the identical, even when these of us who’re into this type of factor discover them boring. Nonetheless, Samsung had different plans, because the newly introduced Galaxy A56 5G overshadows the bottom mannequin Galaxy S25 in worth and (some) specs.

I simply acquired my fingers on the Galaxy S25, switching to the petite flagship as an alternative choice to the behemoth that’s my Galaxy S24 Extremely. As such, I’ve blended emotions a few telephone that prices $300 much less and has specs and options which might be so comparable and, in some instances, higher.

For $500, the Galaxy A56 5G offers you numerous {hardware}. I gained’t cowl each spec and have; you may try our breakdown of Samsung’s new mid-range telephones for that. Nonetheless, some demand our consideration, particularly as we evaluate them to the Galaxy S25. The battery is actually one among them. The Galaxy S25 has a 4,000mAh battery, whereas the cheaper Galaxy A56 5G has the identical 5,000mAh cell because the Galaxy S25 Extremely. Charging can also be higher on the A56 5G, with the telephone supporting the identical 45W “tremendous quick charging” that the Galaxy S25 Plus and Extremely have. The Galaxy S25 can solely cost at 25W.

Anticipating the S25 to have a 5,000mAh battery is unrealistic till Samsung switches to a extra superior battery expertise. And we now have to have in mind that the Galaxy A56 5G is significantly bigger than the S25 — 6.7 inches vs. 6.2 inches. So whereas 5,000mAh is out of the query, the 4,000mAh cell within the Galaxy S25 continues to be smaller than it may very well be. The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 is simply 0.1 inches bigger and packs 4,310mAh and 68W charging. In my expertise, the Galaxy S25 has okay battery life — about the identical as my S24 Extremely — however the A56 5G is certain to run rings round its flagship cousin.

The Galaxy S25 is quicker than the A56 5G, however the distinction won’t be as drastic as you’d suppose. The Exynos 1580 is not any match for the Snapdragon 8 Elite, however the variations will solely be felt in sure use instances. The lesser AI efficiency implies that among the Galaxy AI options the S25 enjoys are lacking, however that’s hardly a cause to pay the additional $300. No, the 2 foremost areas the place you’ll normally see a distinction between chips like this are battery life and efficiency in heavy duties like gaming. Any energy effectivity the Snapdragon 8 Elite has over the Exynos 1580 might be instantly negated by the bigger battery within the A56 5G, and gaming might be adequate for many customers. Certain, the A56 5G gained’t be capable of crank the most recent AAA Android recreation, however it’ll play Sweet Crush simply advantageous.

Storage is the same as or larger than the Galaxy S25, relying on the place you reside. The Galaxy S25 begins at 128GB worldwide, whereas the Galaxy A56 5G begins at 256GB in some areas, together with the UK. The distinction in RAM, 8GB within the A56 5G and 12GB within the Galaxy S25, may very well be noticeable in case you wish to run a number of heavy apps concurrently, however it’s greater than sufficient for most individuals, particularly at this worth level.

The Galaxy S25 continues to be the higher telephone general. Its third digicam lens is a 3X telephoto, one thing much more helpful than the 5MP macro lens on the A56 5G. Whereas wired charging is slower, the Galaxy S25 has 15W wi-fi charging and is Qi2-ready, whereas the A56 5G doesn’t have wi-fi charging in any respect. The Galaxy A56 5G will get among the greatest One UI 7 options, just like the Now Bar, Finest Face, and Auto Trim. Nonetheless, it lacks Now Temporary and Audio Eraser. Audio Eraser can rework movies recorded in loud environments and is among the most helpful AI options. Each telephones have 1080p shows that attain 120Hz, though the Galaxy S25 is much extra enticing with its small, even bezels.

The Galaxy A56 5G will get six years of OS updates, whereas the Galaxy S25 will get seven years. A 12 months of help doesn’t sound like a cause to spend an additional $300. Nonetheless, the S25 might be forward of the A56 within the replace queue and get these updates sooner. Likewise, whereas the A56 5G solely misses out on Now Temporary and Audio Eraser now, as One UI 8 and past are more likely to focus extra on AI than ever, the function disparity between them will solely develop, at the same time as they get the identical variations of One UI.

Wi-fi charging and the superior cameras are issues I wouldn’t surrender, even for a $300 financial savings, and I think about most individuals who’ve determined to purchase a Galaxy S25 would really feel the identical manner. Regardless of that, the Galaxy A56 5G highlights an issue that Samsung and Google each share — there aren’t sufficient variations between midrange and high-end telephones. The Galaxy A56 5G and Pixel 8a provide 90% of the expertise for roughly 60% of the price of a Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9.

So, whereas we reward the Galaxy A56 5G for providing unquestionable worth at $500, we also needs to demand that Samsung present the identical worth with the Galaxy S collection transferring ahead. Give the bottom mannequin S telephone a greater zoom digicam, sooner charging, and a bigger battery. The legislation of diminishing returns can’t be taken out of the equation completely, however Samsung can and may do higher than it’s.

What about you? Would you choose the Galaxy A56 5G over the Galaxy S25, or are there issues the flagship telephone provides which might be price the additional $300? Tell us within the feedback.