After months of speculation and leaks (including a major one just days ago), Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G, refreshing its mid-range lineup with a mix of updated designs and new AI features. Breaking away from the aesthetics of both 2024 models and the flagship Galaxy S25 series, these devices mark the first Galaxy A phones to include Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence” AI tools. Here’s everything you need to know, including Italian market pricing (converted to USD for reference).
Samsung’s Mid-Range Refresh: AI for Everyone
Nearly a year after the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G debuted, Samsung has unveiled their successors just in time for its annual March refresh. The new Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G aim to bring AI capabilities to the mid-range Android market.
TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business, emphasized the company’s vision:
“The new Galaxy A series is a major step in our mission to make AI accessible to everyone. By bringing Galaxy’s powerful AI experiences to more users worldwide, we’re unlocking endless creativity while delivering a secure, reliable, and enjoyable mobile experience.”
6 Years of Updates & “Awesome Intelligence”
All three phones launch with One UI 7 (based on Android 15), making them the first Galaxy A devices to run Samsung’s latest software. They’ll receive six years of Android/One UI updates (up to Android 21 and One UI 13) and security patches through March 2031.
The standout feature is Awesome Intelligence, a suite of AI tools integrated into One UI 7. These include Google’s Circle to Search, photo-editing tools like Object Eraser, and exclusive features such as Better Face (which stitches together the best expressions from group photos) and Nightography (enhanced low-light camera performance) on the A56 5G.
Shared Features Across the Lineup
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2340) screens with 120Hz refresh rates (A56/A36 peak at 1200 nits brightness).
- Cameras: Triple rear setups with a 50MP main sensor (OIS), plus ultra-wide and macro lenses.
- Battery & Durability: 5,000mAh batteries with varying charging speeds and IP67 water/dust resistance.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB-C (except A26, which has Wi-Fi 5).
Galaxy A56 5G: The Flagship of the Bunch
The premium model features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a 4nm Exynos 1580 chip. It supports 45W wired charging and boasts a 12MP ultra-wide camera and 12MP front lens. Exclusive AI tools like Better Face and Nightography give it an edge.
- Dimensions: 162.7 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
- Display: 6.7′′ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
- RAM & Storage: 8 GB (RAM), 128 or 256 GB (internal memory)
- Weight: 197 grams
- Rear camera: triple
- 50 MP main
- 12 MP ultra-wide angle
- 5 MP macros
- Front camera: 12 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 45 W wired charging
- Networks and connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, USB-C
- Fingerprint reader: optical (under the display)
- Operating system: One UI 7 based on Android 15
Galaxy A36 5G: The Middle Child
This model swaps the aluminum frame for plastic and uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip. Its ultra-wide camera drops to 8MP, and it lacks the A56’s exclusive AI features but retains most other specs.
- Dimensions: 162.7 x 77.9 x 7.4 mm
- Display: 6.7′′ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)
- RAM & Storage: 6 or 8 GB (RAM), 128 or 256 GB (internal memory)
- Weight: 195 grams
- Rear camera: triple
- 50 MP main
- 8 MP ultra-wide angle
- 5 MP macros
- Front camera: 12 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 45 W wired charging
- Networks and connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, USB-C
- Fingerprint reader: optical (under the display)
- Operating system: One UI 7 based on Android 15
Galaxy A26 5G: Budget-Friendly Entry
The most affordable option has a teardrop notch, thicker bezels, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It’s powered by an older Exynos 1380 chip, includes a 13MP front camera, and supports 25W charging. Notably, it’s the only model with microSD expandable storage.
- Dimensions: 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
- Display: 6.7′′ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
- RAM & Storage: 6 or 8 GB (RAM), 128 or 256 GB (internal memory)
- Weight: 200 grams
- Rear camera: triple
- 50 MP main
- 8 MP ultra-wide angle
- 2 MP macros
- Front camera: 13 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 25 W wired charging
- Networks and Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, USB-C
- Fingerprint reader: yes (side mounted)
- Operating system: One UI 7 based on Android 15
Galaxy A26, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A56 Prices in Different Regions
Galaxy A26:
- USA: 256GB – $299.99
- Europe: 128GB – €299, 256GB – €369
- UK: 256GB – £299
Galaxy A36:
- USA: 128GB – $399
- Europe: 128GB – €379, 256GB – €449
- UK: 256GB – £399
Galaxy A56:
- USA: 128GB – $499
- Europe: 128GB – €479, 256GB – €529
- UK: 256GB – £499
