Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: Same maker, different budgets: the Galaxy A56 is the cheaper option and the Galaxy S23 Plus the premium one. The S23+ 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the A56 tops out at 256GB. For most people the A56 does the job for less, and the S23+ 5G isn't worth the premium here.
The A56 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £306 less than the S23+ 5G.
10 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.8 10 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 390 |
| 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) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 195 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 |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", both screens are similarly sharp at around 385 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
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 S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 3g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.