Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A56
Our verdict: Over a typical contract, expect to pay £69.16 less with the Apple iPhone 12 than the Samsung Galaxy A56. That said, neither phone sweeps the display: the Samsung Galaxy A56 is bigger at 6.7" while the Apple iPhone 12 is sharper at 457 PPI. On paper, the Samsung Galaxy A56 wins the camera battle with 50MP on the rear. Portability goes to the Apple iPhone 12 at 164g.
18 reviews 3.8
10 reviews
Apple iPhone 12
|
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
3.8 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 198 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£11.95/mo
£69.00 upfront |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £124.99 | £349.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £325.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £69.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £124.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two — it's 34g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.