Samsung has officially launched its new Galaxy A series smartphones—Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and the high-end Galaxy A56 5G—at the Mobile World Congress 2025, held recently in Barcelona. Positioned as the company’s latest entry-level and mid-range devices, the new smartphones promise enhanced features, AI capabilities, and extensive support for software updates.
The flagship of the new lineup, the Samsung Galaxy A56, boasts notable advancements over its predecessor, the A55. Sporting a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, with Full HD+ resolution and peak brightness of 1200 nits, the A56 offers vibrant visuals and is claimed to provide competitive performance against rivals like the iPhone 16e and Pixel 9a, anticipated later this year.
Under the hood, the Galaxy A56 is powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos 1580 chipset, indicating up to 37% improvement compared to last year's Exynos 1480. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and options for 128GB to 256GB of internal storage. The device retains the 5,000mAh battery from its predecessor but features improved charging technology with support for 45W wired charging through Samsung's "Super Fast Charge 2.0" feature, capable of delivering 65% battery charge in just 30 minutes.
The Galaxy A56 maintains the triple-camera setup from the A55, comprising of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), 12MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro. Samsung has revamped the camera algorithms utilizing AI to deliver enhanced image processing, particularly improving night mode capabilities and reducing noise levels on video recordings. Notably, the front camera has been upgraded to 32MP, allowing for high-quality selfies and 4K video recording.
Alongside the A56, the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A26 have also been unveiled, with both models featuring a similar 6.7-inch display and basic camera configurations. The A36 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, contrasting the Exynos chip found in the A56. Notably, the A26 uses the Exynos 1380 chip, ensuring substantial performance across the series.
Pricing for the Galaxy A56 starts at €479 for the 128GB version and €529 for 256GB, whereas the more budget-conscious A36 will retail for around €399. The entry-level model, A26, is priced starting at €299, making it highly appealing for users seeking budget-friendly options.
What sets this new series apart is Samsung’s commitment to providing extensive software support. All new models—Galaxy A26, A36, and A56—will receive six years of Android OS updates and security patches, significantly enhancing the lifespan and user experience. The devices launch with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7, introducing new features like "Awesome Intelligence," enabling smart features powered by AI for enhanced media handling. This includes the Circle to Search tool, object eraser capabilities, and enhancements to group photos with features like "Best Face,” which merges the best expressions from multiple images.
Samsung has also put considerable effort behind the design aspects of the Galaxy A series. The A56’s slightly refined design incorporates sleek lines and colors like Awesome Light Gray, Olive Green, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Pink, appealing to different consumer preferences. The phone, only 7.4 mm thick, offers both aesthetic appeal and functionality, making it lighter than previous editions.
With such improvements geared toward enhancing user experience—like improved battery life and camera features—the Galaxy A series shows Samsung’s strategic direction, catering both to entry-level consumers and those seeking mid-range capabilities without compromising quality.
Availability is set to roll out over the coming weeks. The Galaxy A36 will be launched first, starting from March 26, followed by the A26 on March 28, 2025. The A56, which carries slightly higher specifications, is expected to arrive later this year, with international markets eagerly awaiting its release. The anticipation builds around whether the Galaxy A56 can truly justify the prolonged development period and match the hype surrounding its competitors.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A series is poised to capture attention within the smartphone market, thanks to its combination of innovative features, competitive pricing, and long-term software support. Whether for camera enthusiasts or everyday users, the Galaxy A series aims to provide something for everyone.