Galaxy A56 5G vs A36 5G: Which Mid-Range Samsung Phone Should You Buy in 2025?
Mid-Range

Galaxy A56 5G vs A36 5G: Which Mid-Range Samsung Phone Should You Buy in 2025?

Comparing Samsung’s A56 5G and A36 5G to help you decide which offers better value in 2025 based on specs, features, and price.

Sep 22, 2025

Introduction

Mid-range smartphones have come a long way. Just a few years ago, you had to compromise on display quality, battery life, or camera performance — but in 2025, Samsung’s A-series offers surprisingly powerful devices at accessible prices.

The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G are two of the most talked-about options. Both deliver solid performance, modern designs, and 5G connectivity, but each takes a slightly different approach to speed, display, and battery.

This comparison dives into the strengths and trade-offs of each model, showing you which device fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget without overspending.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which mid-range Samsung phone gives the best balance of performance, features, and value in 2025.

1. SAMSUNG RETAIL STORE

SAMSUNG RETAIL STORE

Shop directly from Samsung’s official retail store for guaranteed authenticity and warranty.

2. Samsung Galaxy A16

Samsung Galaxy A16

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is designed for users who want a reliable smartphone experience without stretching their budget.

Its 6.6-inch PLS LCD display offers bright and clear visuals, ideal for browsing, social media, and video streaming.

Equipped with a solid mid-range processor, the A16 handles daily apps, messaging, and light multitasking smoothly.

The dual-camera system captures decent photos in good lighting, while software optimizations help enhance colors and clarity.

Battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full day even with heavy browsing or media usage.

Compact, simple, and practical, the Galaxy A16 remains a trustworthy option for anyone looking for a no-fuss, affordable smartphone in 2025.

  • Price: $160 - $200
  • Year of Release: 2024

3. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment, making it a smart choice for fast streaming, smooth browsing, and responsive app performance.

Its 6.5-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, perfect for videos, social media, or gaming on the go.

Powered by a capable octa-core processor and ample RAM, the A36 handles multitasking effortlessly while keeping everyday apps snappy.

The triple-camera setup allows users to capture detailed photos and videos, with night mode and AI enhancements improving low-light performance.

Battery life is strong, comfortably lasting a full day even for power users, while fast charging ensures minimal downtime.

With a sleek design, 5G readiness, and reliable performance, the Galaxy A36 5G is an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable yet future-proof smartphone in 2025.

  • Price: $375 - $450
  • Display: 6.7″ FHD+ 120Hz
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Year of Release: 2025

4. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G builds on the success of its predecessor, offering smoother performance and a more refined design while keeping it affordable for mid-range users.

Its 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and streaming incredibly fluid and enjoyable.

Under the hood, the A56 5G packs a powerful chipset that handles multitasking and everyday apps without lag, giving users a responsive and seamless experience.

The quad-camera system delivers crisp, vibrant photos in daylight and strong low-light shots thanks to AI-enhanced night mode.

With a long-lasting battery and fast charging support, the Galaxy A56 5G keeps up with a busy day, making it reliable for work, social media, or entertainment.

Sleek, lightweight, and 5G-ready, the Galaxy A56 5G is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a future-proof mid-range smartphone in 2025 without overspending.

  • Price: $410 - $510
  • Display: 6.7″ FHD+ 120Hz
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Charging: 45W
  • Year of Release: 2025

5. Samsung Galaxy A14 (Refurbished)

Samsung Galaxy A14 (Refurbished)

The refurbished Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a practical entry point into Samsung’s ecosystem, providing solid performance at an unbeatable price.

Its 6.6-inch PLS LCD display delivers clear visuals for browsing, video calls, and streaming without straining your eyes.

Equipped with a reliable mid-range processor, the A14 handles everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and light gaming with ease.

The triple-camera setup captures good detail in daylight, while AI enhancements help with low-light photos, making it versatile for casual photography.

Battery life is impressive for its category, easily lasting a full day of moderate use, and the device supports fast charging to get you back on the move quickly.

Lightweight, durable, and refurbished to like-new condition, the Galaxy A14 is a smart choice for anyone looking for a dependable smartphone on a budget in 2025.

  • Price: $90
  • Year of Release: 2023-24

6. Samsung Galaxy A15 (Refurbished)

Samsung Galaxy A15 (Refurbished)

The refurbished Samsung Galaxy A15 is a reliable and budget-friendly smartphone, perfect for anyone looking for essential features without overspending.

It comes with a 6.4-inch HD+ display, providing clear visuals for browsing, video streaming, and social media.

Powered by a modest yet efficient processor, the A15 handles daily tasks such as messaging, calling, and light apps smoothly.

The dual-camera setup offers decent photography, enhanced by AI features to improve low-light shots and overall image clarity.

Battery life is dependable, lasting a full day under normal usage, and fast-charging support helps you quickly recharge when needed.

Refurbished to like-new standards, the Galaxy A15 combines durability, affordability, and essential smartphone functionality, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious users.

  • Price: $90
  • Year of Release: 2023-24

7. Samsung Galaxy A16 (Budget)

Samsung Galaxy A16 (Budget)

The Samsung Galaxy A16 (Budget) is designed for those who want a dependable smartphone without stretching their wallet.

It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, giving crisp visuals for browsing, videos, and social media at a comfortable size.

Equipped with an efficient processor and enough RAM, the A16 handles daily tasks like messaging, calling, and light apps with ease.

The triple-camera setup allows you to capture everyday moments with clarity, and AI enhancements improve colors and low-light shots.

A long-lasting battery ensures you can go through your day without constantly charging, and the phone supports standard fast charging when needed.

Overall, the Galaxy A16 (Budget) offers a well-rounded experience for users who prioritize functionality, durability, and affordability.

  • Price: $165
  • Year of Release: 2024

Tips

  • Focus on battery and display quality — both A56 and A36 offer 5,000 mAh and 120 Hz screens, so choose based on how much you value camera or chip performance.
  • If you tend to use your phone for camera-heavy tasks, go for A56 for better ultrawide and macro support.
  • Refurbished or older A-series models (A14, A15, A16) can be good budget options if you don’t need the full latest spec set.

Conclusion

For most users in 2025, the Galaxy A56 5G edges out the A36 5G in value thanks to slightly better camera performance, display brightness, and overall feature set.

But if you want savings and still good performance, the A36 remains a strong contender.

For budget-conscious shoppers, older or refurbished A-series models can still deliver decent value without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G?

The A56 5G uses Exynos 1580, offers more RAM & storage variants, and slight improvements in camera & display brightness. The A36 5G has the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, similar battery & display, but slightly lower specs in some camera features.

Which phone has better battery and charging speed?

Both A56 and A36 offer a 5,000 mAh battery. A56 supports 45 W fast charging, same as A36. So battery life will be similar, but the A56 may last slightly longer under heavy usage.

Is software support good for these models?

Yes — both A56 and A36 will receive 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. That’s excellent for mid-range phones in 2025.

Which should I pick if I use my phone heavily for cameras & video?

Then A56 is better: higher spec ultrawide/macro cameras, better processor, likely better image processing. If camera usage is moderate, the A36 still holds up well.