Samsung’s New Galaxy A Series: Affordable Premium Phones with Cutting-Edge Features
Samsung has once again stepped up its game in the midrange smartphone market with the launch of the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. Priced at $500, $400, and $300 respectively, these devices pack a punch with their impressive displays, powerful processors, and innovative AI features. Designed to offer a premium experience at an affordable price, these phones are set to challenge the notion that budget-friendly devices must compromise on quality.
The Galaxy A36: A Midrange Powerhouse
The Galaxy A36 5G, priced at $400, is a standout in the midrange category. It boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, making it ideal for use in bright environments. The phone is also thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the A35, measuring 8.2mm thick and weighing 196 grams. Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
The A36’s camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It also supports HDR video recording and larger pixels for better low-light photography. On the software front, the A36 runs on Android 15 with One UI 7, offering features like AI-powered photo editing tools, such as an enhanced Object Eraser and custom filters. Additionally, it supports Google’s Circle to Search, which can translate on-screen text and identify music. With a 5,000mAh battery and 45-watt fast charging, the A36 is built to last, promising up to 70% charge in just 30 minutes.
The Galaxy A26: Affordable Excellence
For those on a tighter budget, the Galaxy A26 5G offers exceptional value at $300. It features a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, though it’s slightly dimmer than the A36. The phone is thinner than its predecessor, the A25, at 7.7mm, and comes with Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back, adding durability. While it lacks the heftier feel of the A36 and A56, the A26 remains lightweight and responsive, making it a great choice for everyday use.
The A26’s camera setup includes a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. It also supports AI features like Photo Edit Suggestion and Object Eraser, though some advanced features like HDR video recording are notably absent. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, the A26 delivers reliable performance. It also comes with a 5,000mAh battery and expandable storage up to 2TB, making it a practical option for users who need more space.
The Galaxy A56: Flagship Features at a Midrange Price
The Galaxy A56, priced at $500, is the most premium of the trio, offering features that rival higher-end devices. It boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. The phone is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking. Its 5,000mAh battery supports 45-watt fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups.
The A56’s camera system includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It also features a unique AI-powered feature called Best Face, which helps capture group photos by selecting the best expressions from up to five people and combining them into a single image. The selfie camera supports 10-bit HDR and Low Noise Mode for sharper low-light photos. With IP67 water and dust resistance, six years of security updates, and a sleek design, the A56 is a compelling option for users who want a near-flagship experience without the flagship price.
Camera Capabilities: Putting Photography in Everyone’s Hands
Across all three models, Samsung has focused on enhancing camera capabilities to ensure high-quality photography is accessible at every price point. The A36 and A56 support HDR video recording, while the A56’s Best Face feature is a standout option for group photos. The A26, though more basic, still offers reliable performance for everyday photography. With larger pixels for better low-light performance and AI-powered editing tools like Object Eraser and custom filters, these phones empower users to take professional-looking photos without breaking the bank.
Performance and Availability
All three phones run on Android 15 with One UI 7, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience. They also come with six years of OS and security updates, providing long-term support and peace of mind. The A36 and A56 feature vapor chamber cooling systems for improved performance during gaming and video streaming.
The Galaxy A36 and A26 will be available starting in March, with the A36 offered in black, lavender, and an exclusive lime variant through Best Buy. The A56 will follow later in the year. With their combination of premium features, affordable pricing, and long-term support, Samsung’s new A series phones are set to redefine what midrange devices can offer.
