Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A56
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A56 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 48MP, and the A56 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4383mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 15 Plus 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the A56, and the iPhone 15 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. The iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A56 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The A56 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £426 less than the iPhone 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 3.8
10 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy A56
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.8 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £229.99 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A56 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is more compact. It's 3g lighter at 198 grams, though the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is actually the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A56?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus runs Apple iOS 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.