Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S23 Ultra come from one brand but aim at different price points. The S23 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the A56 tops out at 256GB. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 385, and the A56 is the lighter phone at 198g against 233g. The S23 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.
The A56 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £326 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.8 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 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 S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g lighter at 198 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.