Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A56 works out £122.16 cheaper overall than the Google Pixel 9. Display is a trade-off — 6.7" on the Samsung Galaxy A56 versus 421 PPI on the Google Pixel 9. For video calls and selfies, the Samsung Galaxy A56 offers a 12MP front camera. For water protection, the Google Pixel 9 leads with an IP68 rating.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 385
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 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
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
198 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts
£19.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£145.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£389.00 £349.00
Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 385
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 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 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 198 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts £19.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£145.00 upfront
SIM-free £389.00 £349.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £401.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £145.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 features a 50 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 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Google Pixel 9 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 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (198 grams vs 198 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?

Both phones run Android 14.