Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A56 is portability against display quality. For the iPhone, that means a sharper 461 PPI display, its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a lighter 170g body. The Samsung is easier to recommend for a larger 6.7-inch screen, its Super AMOLED panel, and a larger 5,000 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. Go with the iPhone for portability; lean toward the Samsung if display quality is higher on your list.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 16 works out around £639 all-in, about £188 less than the A56.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
461 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery
3,561 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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
170 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
£23.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £20.00/mo (£200.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£484.99 £229.99
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 461 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery 3,561 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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 170 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 £23.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£20.00/mo
£200.00 upfront
SIM-free £484.99 £229.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£23.50 a month, £20 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A56

24 Months

256GB

Awesome Graphite

150GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

Exclusive Deal Details

£20 a month, £200 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £639.00 over the life of the deal from £23.50 per month with £20.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 28g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 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.