Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 4G
Our Verdict: Same maker, different budgets: the Galaxy S20 4G is the cheaper option and the Galaxy A56 the premium one. The S20 4G has a clearly higher-resolution main camera, 64MP against the A56's 50MP, and the A56 supports 5G while the S20 4G tops out at 4G. There's more battery in the A56, 5000mAh to 4000mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.2", while the S20 4G has the sharper one at 566 PPI. Only pay up for the A56 if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S20 4G makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S20 4G is the cheaper buy at £175 SIM-free.
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
Samsung Galaxy S20 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.2" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3200 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 566 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 64 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Exynos 990 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 152 x 68 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 164 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £174.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G has the sharper display at 566 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G has a AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G has a 64 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £174.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S20 4G use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G uses the Exynos 990.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 4G is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152 x 68 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S20 4G run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S20 4G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.