Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S21 Ultra are both from the same brand, but the A56 is a mid-range phone and the S21 Ultra 5G a flagship. The S21 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 108MP versus 50MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and storage goes higher on the S21 Ultra 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB. The S21 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 516 PPI to 385, and the A56 is the lighter phone at 198g against 228g. The S21 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A56 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Buying outright, the A56 starts at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
10 reviews
Samsung Galaxy A56
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.8 10 reviews |
4.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3200 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 516 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 108 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 40 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Exynos 2100 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.1 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 228 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 |
£20.00/mo
£200.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £234.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 108 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 S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A56 is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is more compact. It's 30g lighter at 198 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 S21 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.