Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 Just Dropped in the US – Which One Should You Buy?

Samsung has just released its Galaxy A series lineup in the US, consisting of the A26, A36, and A56, priced between $299 and $499. If you’re in the market for an affordable Android phone with good performance, these three models are worth checking out. However, the real question is: which one provides the best value for your money? In this article, we will break down their key features, so you can choose the right one without any regret.

Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, A56: Key Features and Comparison

Pricing & Availability

All three models are currently available exclusively through Samsung's online store. Here’s how they compare in terms of pricing:

• Galaxy A56: $499, 128GB storage, available in Awesome Lightgray and Graphite.

• Galaxy A36: $399, 128GB storage, available in Awesome Black and Awesome Lavender.

• Galaxy A26: $299, 128GB storage, only available in Black.

The A26 is the most affordable model but offers fewer color choices. The A36 adds more color options with Lavender, and the A56 provides a premium choice with Lightgray.

Design & Display

The A56 stands out with its 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, offering smoother scrolling and richer colors with a 120Hz refresh rate. The A36 comes with a slightly smaller 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen at 90Hz, which strikes a good balance for media consumption. The A26, on the other hand, features a basic 6.3-inch HD+ LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is functional but less advanced than the other two models.

Additionally, the A56 likely includes an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, while the A36 and A26 may lack official IP ratings. The A56 also features a "glastic" back (plastic that looks like glass), while the A26 uses entirely plastic materials.

Performance: Exynos vs. MediaTek

• A56: Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (5nm), which offers performance close to the Snapdragon 778G.

• A36: Equipped with the Exynos 1280, suitable for daily tasks but less powerful in terms of gaming and heavy usage.

• A26: The MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset is perfect for basic tasks like calls and social media but not ideal for demanding apps or games.

When it comes to gaming, the A56 handles Genshin Impact at medium settings, while the A36 runs Call of Duty Mobile smoothly at lower settings. The A26 is best suited for casual games like Among Us.

Samsung promises 6 years of software updates for the A56, whereas the A36 and A26 are guaranteed 3 years of updates.

Cameras: Is the A56 Worth the Extra $200?

• A56: 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and a 32MP selfie camera.

• A36: 50MP main camera without OIS, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP selfie camera.

• A26: 48MP main camera, no ultrawide lens, 2MP macro, and an 8MP selfie camera.

The A56's OIS enables sharper low-light photography compared to the A36, and the A26 lacks an ultrawide lens, limiting its versatility. For selfie enthusiasts, the A56's 32MP front camera provides significantly better results than the A26's 8MP.

Battery Life & Charging

All three models feature a 5,000mAh battery, but charging speeds differ:

• A56: 25W charging, taking around 1.5 hours for a full charge.

• A36 and A26: 15W charging, requiring about 2 hours or more for a full charge.

While none of these phones feature wireless charging, the A56’s more efficient chip offers better battery life, providing 6-7 hours of screen time compared to the 5-6 hours on the A26.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

• Best Overall: The Galaxy A56 is the premium option, offering excellent features like a high refresh rate, OIS camera, and more power-efficient chipset.

• Best Value: The Galaxy A36 strikes a balance between price and performance, making it a great option for most users.

• Cheapest Option: The Galaxy A26 is perfect for those on a budget who only need the basics, like calling and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Galaxy A56 have a better screen than the A26? 

Yes, the A56 features a 120Hz AMOLED display, whereas the A26 has a 60Hz LCD screen.

Q: Is the Galaxy A36 waterproof? 

No official IP rating has been confirmed, but it should withstand light splashes. 

Q: Which model has the best camera? 

The A56 wins, thanks to its OIS main camera and a 32MP selfie camera.

Q: How long will these phones get Android updates? 

The A56 will receive updates for 4 years, while the A36 and A26 will get updates for 3 years.

Related Articles

• Samsung Galaxy A56 Launches in the US: Pricing, Features, and More

• Samsung Galaxy A56 Arrives with Six Years of Software Updates 

• Samsung Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 Mega Leak Outs

• Samsung Galaxy A57 to Use New Exynos 1680 Chipset: What to Expect

Final Thoughts

• Samsung’s Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 cover every budget. 

• The A36 is the best balance of price and performance, but if you want premium features, the A56 is worth the extra investment. 

• If you're looking to save money, the A26 is a great budget option.