Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The A56 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £520 less than the S26 Ultra.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A56
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.8 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 198 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A56's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 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 S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the more portable of the two: it's 16g 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 S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.