Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our Verdict: Google Pixel 10a is easier to recommend for shoppers focused on the sharper 421 PPI display and IP68 water resistance. The case for Samsung Galaxy A56 is different, built around the larger 6.7" screen and a slightly higher-resolution 50MP rear camera. The operating-system choice is another divider: Android 16 for Google Pixel 10a, Android 14 for Samsung Galaxy A56. The better buy depends on the trade-off: Google Pixel 10a for its headline advantages, or Samsung Galaxy A56 for the areas where it pushes back.

The Pixel 10a is the cheaper one to own: around £359 over a typical contract, £61 less than the A56.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 16 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
183 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£25.00 upfront) £16.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£344.99 £229.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Google Pixel 10a Google Pixel 10a Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 16 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 183 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts £12.99/mo
£25.00 upfront
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £344.99 £229.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a

24 Months

128GB

Lavender

30GB

Data

£12.99 per month, £25 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A56

24 Months

128GB

Awesome Lightgrey

10GB

Data

£16.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 10a is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £25.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 10a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 10a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 10a uses a P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 10a 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 Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 10a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Google Pixel 10a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 10a is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 183 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 10a or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 10a is rated IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?

The Google Pixel 10a runs Android 16 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.