The latest Samsung Galaxy A series lineup offers a trio of impressive midrange models, each designed to cater to a variety of user needs and preferences. At first glance, the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 look remarkably similar, but delve a little deeper and the differences start to emerge.
All three models boast a dazzling 6.7-inch AMOLED display featuring a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a silky-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This trio also includes a triple camera setup led by a robust 50-MP main camera with an F/1.8 aperture and features such as PDAF, 4K30 video recording, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). They are equipped with stereo speakers, a resilient IP67-certified casing, and a hefty 5,000 mAh battery. Additional conveniences like dual SIM capability, USB-C ports, and support for 5G, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth 5.3 round out the shared features. Moreover, these devices will debut with Samsung’s One UI 7, ahead of the rollout of Android 15 for older Galaxy models.
Diving into the distinctions, both the Galaxy A56 and A36 share a display capable of reaching 1200 nits of brightness, complemented by a sleek punch-hole 12 MP front camera and a sophisticated under-display fingerprint sensor. On the other hand, the Galaxy A26 features a more traditional notch for its 13 MP selfie camera, with the fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. When it comes to display protection, the A56 sports Gorilla Glass Victus, the A36 uses Gorilla Glass 7+, while the A26 opts for standard Gorilla Glass.
Under the hood, the devices vary in processing power: the Galaxy A56 is driven by the new Exynos 1580 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM. The Galaxy A36 employs the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with options for 6 or 8 GB of RAM. Lastly, the Galaxy A26 houses the Exynos 1380, also offering 6 or 8 GB RAM options.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the A56’s added versatility with a 12 MP ultra-wide lens and a 5 MP macro unit. The A36 doesn’t fall far behind, presenting an 8 MP ultra-wide camera and a matching 5 MP macro lens like the A56. Meanwhile, the A26 features an 8 MP ultra-wide camera and a slightly more modest 2 MP macro sensor.
In terms of charging speed, both the Galaxy A56 and A36 support rapid 45W charging, whereas the Galaxy A26 charges at a still respectable 25W. Notably, the A56 lacks a headphone jack but compensates with a premium metal housing. Conversely, the A36 and A26 offer plastic housings and the traditional 3.5mm headphone jacks, with the A26 also incorporating a micro SD slot for expandable storage.
Unique to the A56 and A36 is eSIM capability, and in terms of weight, they are slightly lighter at 197 grams and 195 grams respectively, compared to the 200-gram A26. While similar in overall size, the A26 is marginally taller and thicker, measuring 7.7 mm as opposed to its siblings’ 7.4 mm thickness.
Overall, Samsung’s latest offerings provide a range of features catering to different preferences, making them strong contenders in the midrange smartphone market.
