Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G
Our Verdict: Same maker, different budgets: the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is the cheaper option and the Galaxy A56 the premium one. The S20 Plus 5G has a noticeably higher-resolution main camera, 64MP against the A56's 50MP, and the A56 has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The A56 offers up to 256GB of storage versus 128GB on the S20 Plus 5G, and the S20 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 524 PPI to 385. Unusually, the cheaper S20 Plus 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S20 Plus 5G is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
19 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A56
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Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.8 10 reviews |
4.4 19 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3200 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 524 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 64 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Exynos 990 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano 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/ax |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 162 x 74 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 188 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 | £179.99 |
| 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 Plus 5G?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 524 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G 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 Plus 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G uses the Exynos 990.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 188 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 162 x 74 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G 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 Plus 5G run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.