Samsung Galaxy A26 vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A26 works out £91.03 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy A56. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A26 starts at £239.00 SIM-free.

Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Super AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
385 385
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
5nm Exynos 1280 Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android Android 14
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
200 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts
£11.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £16.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£239.00 £334.99
Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Super AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 385 385
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset 5nm Exynos 1280 Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android Android 14
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 200 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts £11.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £239.00 £334.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £328.93 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 385 pixels per inch, and both use Super AMOLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (200 grams vs 198 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy A56?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy A56 run?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.