Samsung Galaxy A56 & A36 Review: AI Power in Mid-Range Phones

Unboxing Samsung's AI-Powered Mid-Rangers

Choosing between Samsung's flagship S-series and more affordable A-series just got tougher. After testing both new Galaxy A56 and A36 models, I can confirm they bring meaningful Galaxy AI features down to mid-range pricing. The A56 particularly impresses with its premium metal frame construction - a rarity in this segment. Both devices include Samsung's "Awesome Intelligence" suite, making them serious contenders for buyers wanting flagship-like experiences without the premium price tag.

First Impressions: Design & Build Quality

The A56 immediately stands out with its brushed aluminum metal frame and glass back, weighing 197-198g. This contrasts with the A36's lighter 193g plastic frame, though both share Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection. Samsung's "floating camera island" design directly mirrors their flagship S-series aesthetics. Ports include USB-C charging, dual microphones, and speaker grills on both models. The A56's metal construction provides tangible premium feel that justifies its higher positioning.

Key Specifications & Performance

Display & Multimedia:

• 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED (both models)
• 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits peak brightness
• HDR10+ support (A56 supports Netflix HDR streaming)

Performance Benchmarks:

• Galaxy A56: Exynos 1580 processor, LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 3.1 storage (≈800K AnTuTu)
• Galaxy A36: 6th Gen 3 processor, LPDDR4X RAM, UFS 2.2 storage (≈650K AnTuTu)

Battery & Charging:

• 5000mAh batteries in both
• 45W fast charging support (adapter not included)

Gaming performance is currently limited to BGMI at 30FPS due to new chip optimization, though Free Fire and PUBG New State hit 90FPS. Expect performance improvements through software updates.

Galaxy AI: Practical Features Tested

Samsung brings meaningful AI functionality to the A-series:

On-Device Intelligence

• Circle to Search: Instant visual web searches
• Object Eraser: Remove unwanted elements from photos
• Best Face: Automatically selects optimal group selfies
• Custom Filters: Create personalized photo styles from reference images

Creative Tools

• Auto Trim: Automatically shortens lengthy videos to highlights
• Instant Slow Motion: Adds dynamic effects to video clips
• Pro-Level Editing: AI-powered background removal and enhancement

Unlike many cloud-dependent AI systems, these features process locally thanks to the Exynos 1580's NPU. During testing, Object Eraser performed nearly as well as the S-series implementation.

Camera Analysis: Megapixels vs Processing

Both phones feature triple camera setups:

• 50MP primary sensor
• 12MP ultrawide
• 5MP macro
• 12MP front camera (downgraded from 32MP)

Samsung confirmed the front camera reduction mirrors their S-series strategy, prioritizing larger pixels over megapixel count. Our test shots show vibrant, social-media-ready colors in daylight. The 4K/30fps video capability from both front and rear cameras is impressive for this price range.

Pro Tip: Use Portrait Mode's 2X option for more flattering perspective in close-ups. The macro lens surprisingly delivers usable shots with good detail.

Software & Long-Term Value

Update Commitment:

• Android 15 with One UI 7 out-of-box
• 6 years of OS upgrades (to Android 21)
• 6 years of security patches

One UI 7's redesigned camera interface significantly improves one-handed usability. Both devices support Widevine L1 for HD streaming and carry IP67 water resistance - rare for mid-range phones.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Galaxy A56 if you value:

• Premium metal frame construction
• Faster UFS 3.1 storage
• Enhanced NPU for AI tasks
• Netflix HDR streaming

Opt for Galaxy A36 if you prioritize:

• Budget-friendly pricing (≈₹30K)
• Lighter weight (193g)
• Core Galaxy AI experience

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Test Circle to Search with screenshots of products
2. Enable "Best Face" for group selfies in Settings > Camera
3. Create custom photo filters using your favorite images
4. Use Auto Trim for social media clip creation
5. Check manufacturer SAR values for your region

These phones redefine mid-range expectations by bringing substantive AI features and premium build materials down from flagship territory. The A56 especially blurs lines between premium and mid-tier devices.

"Which matters more to you - the A56's metal build or the A36's price point? Share your priority in the comments!"

Professional Tool Recommendation:
For RAW photo editing, use Adobe Lightroom Mobile (beginner-friendly) vs Snapseed (advanced control). Both leverage these cameras' capabilities effectively.