Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is £160.16 less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S23. Screen size goes to the Samsung Galaxy A56 at 6.7", while the Samsung Galaxy S23 wins on sharpness with 422 PPI. If weight matters, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is easier to pocket at 167g. Water protection goes to the Samsung Galaxy S23 with its superior IP68 rating.

Expert Rating
3.8
10 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.1"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
385 422
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 1580 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 13
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/6e
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight
198 grams 167 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
£11.95/mo (£145.00 upfront) £21.99/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£349.00 £209.99
Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23
Expert Rating 3.8
10 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.1"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 385 422
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 1580 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 13
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/6e
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight 198 grams 167 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 £11.95/mo
£145.00 upfront
£21.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £349.00 £209.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two — it's 31g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 S23 run?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.