Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Quick Review: Promising
Mid-Rangers with Premium Features
Description:
This detailed review explores the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36. It also discusses their design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, and explains why these mid-ranger phones are worth your attention.
Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Quick
Review: Promising Mid-Rangers
When it comes to mid-range smartphones, Samsung has consistently delivered devices that strike a balance between affordability and premium features. The latest additions to their A-series lineup, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 are no exception. These devices promise to bring flagship-like experiences to a more accessible price point. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a detailed review of these two promising mid-rangers.
Design
and Build Quality
Samsung has always been known for its sleek, modern designs, and the Galaxy A56 and A36 continue this tradition. Both devices feature a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish that beautifully catches the light. While some might argue that glass backs feel more premium, the plastic construction keeps the phones lightweight and durable.
The Galaxy A56 sports a slightly more refined design with a matte frame, giving it a more polished look than the A36. Both devices feature a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with slim bezels and a centred punch-hole camera, offering an immersive viewing experience. The A56, however, boasts a higher refresh rate of 90Hz, making scrolling and animations feel smoother than on the A36’s standard 60Hz display.
One notable difference is the placement of the fingerprint sensor. The A56 has an in-display fingerprint scanner, while the A36 opts for a side-mounted sensor integrated into the power button. Both are fast and reliable, but the in-display scanner on the A56 adds a touch of modernity.
Display
and Multimedia Experience
The Super AMOLED displays on both
devices are a treat for the eyes. Colours are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the
brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use. Whether you’re binge-watching
your favourite series on Netflix or scrolling through Instagram, the visuals
are crisp and engaging.
The Galaxy A56’s 90Hz refresh rate gives
it an edge in terms of smoothness, especially when gaming or navigating through
the UI. While the A36’s 60Hz display is perfectly fine for everyday use, those
who prioritise a buttery-smooth experience might prefer the A56.
Both phones come with stereo speakers that deliver clear and loud audio. While they won’t replace a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, they’re more than capable of handling your music and video needs.
Performance
and Software
Under the hood, the Galaxy A56 is
powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset, while the A36 features
the Exynos 850. Both processors are paired with up to 8GB of RAM,
ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance.
In day-to-day use, both devices handle tasks like
browsing, social media, and streaming with ease. However, the A56’s more
powerful chipset gives it an advantage when it comes to gaming and more
demanding applications. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin
Impact run smoothly on the A56, albeit with some settings adjustments,
while the A36 is better suited for casual gaming.
On the software front, both phones run One UI 5.1 based on Android 13. Samsung’s custom skin is feature-rich and user-friendly, with plenty of customisation options. The company has also promised three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring that your device stays up-to-date for years to come.
Camera
Performance
The camera setups on the Galaxy A56 and A36 are
where these mid-rangers truly shine.
The Galaxy A56 features a triple-camera
system with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP
ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro sensor. The primary camera
captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, with accurate colours
and excellent dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is great for capturing
landscapes, though there’s some distortion at the edges. The macro sensor,
while fun to use, is more of a novelty than a necessity.
The Galaxy A36, on the other hand,
comes with a quad-camera setup that includes a 48MP
primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro
sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera performs
admirably in well-lit conditions, though it falls slightly short of the A56 in
terms of detail and colour accuracy. The ultra-wide lens is decent, but the
macro and depth sensors feel like afterthoughts.
Both devices excel in portrait mode,
with accurate edge detection and natural-looking bokeh. Low-light performance
is respectable, thanks to Samsung’s Night Mode, though the A56 has
a slight edge in reducing noise and preserving details.
On the front, the A56 boasts a 32MP selfie camera, while the A36 features a 13MP shooter. Both deliver sharp and detailed selfies, with the A56 offering better dynamic range and skin tones.
Battery
Life and Charging
Battery life is a strong suit for both devices.
The Galaxy A56 packs a 5,000mAh battery, while
the A36 comes with a slightly smaller 4,500mAh unit.
In real-world usage, both phones easily last a full day on a single charge,
even with moderate to heavy use.
The A56 supports 25W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly. The A36, however, is limited to 15W charging, which feels a bit outdated in 2023. Neither device supports wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.
Price
and Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is priced
at around £349, while the Galaxy A36 comes in
at £249. Both devices offer excellent value for money, with the A56
justifying its higher price tag with a better processor, smoother display, and
superior camera performance.
If you’re on a tight budget, the A36 is a solid choice that covers all the basics without breaking the bank. However, if you can stretch your budget, the A56 is the better investment, especially if you prioritise performance and future-proofing.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 are
two of the most promising mid-range smartphones of 2023. They offer a
compelling mix of design, performance, and features that make them stand out in
a crowded market.
The A56 is the more premium of the
two, with its smoother display, faster processor, and better cameras. It’s
perfect for those who want a near-flagship experience without the flagship
price tag.
The A36, on the other hand, is a
budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on the essentials. It’s ideal
for casual users who want a reliable and stylish smartphone without spending a
fortune.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting a device that delivers excellent value for money and proves that mid-range smartphones can be just as exciting as their high-end counterparts
.
Keywords:
Samsung Galaxy A56, Samsung Galaxy A36, mid-range smartphones, Samsung A-series
review, affordable smartphones.
0 Comments