Samsung has just announced the newest entries to its mid-tier A-series lineup, the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56.
A key change is better software support. The new phones will last longer with six years of operating system (OS) and security updates, (up from four years of OS and five years of security updates last year). This puts the A-series shelf life just behind the seven years you get with the Galaxy S25 family.
With six years, the A-series sets a high standard for budget phones, dethroning the Moto G75 which previously had the longest life cycle, with five years of software updates and six years of security updates.
Despite other changes including a sleeker, lighter build and more powerful charging, pricing the for Galaxy A-series hasn't changed from last year. The Galaxy A36 will be available from $549 and the Galaxy A56 will start at $699.
Both A-series devices will be available in Australia from March 27.
Retailers for this year's A-series launch aren't all confirmed, but they will be definitely available at JB Hi-Fi and Samsung directly. We expect that Telstra, Optus and Vodafone will offer the new devices paired with mobile plan.
While Samsung only offered 128GB models in last year’s A series, it will sell a 256GB Galaxy A56 option this year due to the “growing need for increased storage”. Despite this, Samsung has cut the microSD slot from all A-series devices this time around. The 256GB variant will be available through Samsung direct and JB Hi-Fi.
Both devices have a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 5,000mAh battery and IP67 water resistance. They're both protected on the front and back with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus.
The Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 both support 45W fast charging, but you'll need to buy a separate 45W charger.
The real differences between the two become apparent when it comes to the processors and cameras. The A36 is powered by the Snapdragon Gen 3 while the A56 features a the Exynos 1580. Both have a larger vapour chamber to sustain performance and support better multitasking, gameplay, and video playback.
The A36 has a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera and 5MP macro camera. The A56 has the same main and macro camera specs but has a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Both devices have a 12MP selfie camera.
While just shy of the full suite of Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 will now receive AI features such as AI select, best face and auto trim, read aloud, alongside features available on last year's models, circle to search, object eraser, edit suggest and my filter.
Each device supports eSIM and has 5G connectivity.
Here's a look at how the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 compare:
| Galaxy A36 5G | Galaxy A56 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Resolution | 1080p+ with 120Hz | 1080p+ with 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 8MP + 5MP | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Processor | Snapdragon Gen 3 | Exynos 1580 |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB - 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $549 | $699 |
In Australia, the Galaxy A36 will come in Awesome Black and Awesome Lavender. The Galaxy A56 will be available in Awesome Graphite and Awesome Olive.
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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