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 sequence. Prefer it or not, Samsung’s flagships enter the zeitgeist in methods few Android telephones can. The Galaxy S25 sequence was poised to do the identical, even when these of us who’re into this type of factor discover them boring. Nevertheless, Samsung had different plans, because the newly introduced Galaxy A56 5G overshadows the bottom mannequin Galaxy S25 in value 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 combined emotions a couple of telephone that prices $300 much less and has specs and options which are so comparable and, in some instances, higher.

For $500, the Galaxy A56 5G offers you lots of {hardware}. I gained’t cowl each spec and have; you’ll be able to try our breakdown of Samsung’s new mid-range telephones for that. Nevertheless, some demand our consideration, particularly as we examine them to the Galaxy S25. The battery is definitely considered one of 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 know-how. And we now have to take into consideration 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 primary areas the place you’ll often 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 will likely be instantly negated by the bigger battery within the A56 5G, and gaming will likely be ok for many customers. Certain, the A56 5G gained’t have the ability to crank the newest AAA Android recreation, nevertheless 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 the event you wish to run numerous heavy apps concurrently, nevertheless it’s greater than sufficient for most individuals, particularly at this value level.

The Galaxy S25 continues to be the higher telephone total. Its third digital camera lens is a 3X telephoto, one thing way 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. Nevertheless, it lacks Now Transient and Audio Eraser. Audio Eraser can remodel 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. Nevertheless, the S25 will likely be forward of the A56 within the replace queue and get these updates quicker. Likewise, whereas the A56 5G solely misses out on Now Transient and Audio Eraser now, as One UI 8 and past are prone to focus extra on AI than ever, the characteristic disparity between them will solely develop, whilst they get the identical variations of One UI.

Wi-fi charging and the superior cameras are issues I wouldn’t quit, 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 supply 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 must also demand that Samsung present the identical worth with the Galaxy S sequence shifting ahead. Give the bottom mannequin S telephone a greater zoom digital camera, quicker charging, and a bigger battery. The regulation of diminishing returns can’t be taken out of the equation totally, however Samsung can and will 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 presents which are value the additional $300? Tell us within the feedback.