Samsung has officially released its latest Galaxy A series smartphones globally, bringing advanced features typically reserved for flagship devices to more affordable price points. The new Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 models introduce AI capabilities, enhanced displays, and improved performance to the mid-range segment.
AI Comes to Mid-Range Phones
Samsung’s new “Awesome Intelligence” suite brings AI-powered features to the A series for the first time. While not as extensive as the AI capabilities found in the premium S series, these features aim to enhance productivity and creativity for budget-conscious consumers.
Key AI Features:
- Google’s Circle to Search: Users can circle text or objects on screen to quickly look up information.
- Object Eraser: Removes unwanted elements from photos with AI assistance.
- Custom AI filters: Creates image effects by applying styles from other photos.
- Writing assist: Suggests improvements in grammar, tone, and clarity.
The Galaxy A56 offers the most comprehensive set of AI features, with the A36 and A26 having slightly reduced capabilities.
Improved Displays Across the Line
All three new models feature 6.7-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution, a significant upgrade from previous generations. The A56 and A36 boast 120Hz refresh rates for smoother scrolling and animations, while the A26 maintains a 60Hz refresh rate.
Display Highlights:
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panels
- 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution
- Up to 1200 nits peak brightness
- 120Hz refresh rate on A56 and A36
Performance Upgrades
Each model receives a processor upgrade to handle the new AI features and provide better overall performance:
- Galaxy A56: Exynos 1580 chipset
- Galaxy A36: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- Galaxy A26: Exynos 1380 processor
RAM options range from 6GB to 12GB, with storage configurations of 128GB or 256GB available depending on the model and region.
Camera Improvements
While the camera hardware remains similar to previous generations, software enhancements and AI processing aim to improve photo quality:
- Galaxy A56: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 12MP front
- Galaxy A36: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 12MP front
- Galaxy A26: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 13MP front
Battery Life and Charging
All three models feature a 5,000 mAh battery. The A56 and A36 support 45W fast charging, while the A26 is limited to 25W charging speeds.
Software and Security
The new A series phones launch with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7 interface. Samsung promises six years of OS upgrades and security updates, extending the longevity of these devices.
Pricing and Availability
- Galaxy A26: Starting at $299 / €299 / £299
- Galaxy A36: Starting at $399 / €379 / £399
- Galaxy A56: Starting at $499 / €479 / £499 (US release date to be announced)
Color options vary by model and region, with each phone offering four distinct color choices.
Enterprise Edition
Samsung is also releasing an Enterprise Edition of the Galaxy A56, which includes:
- Seven years of security and One UI updates
- Three-year warranty
- Two-year product lifecycle guarantee
- One-year Knox Suite Enterprise Plan license
The new Galaxy A series represents Samsung’s push to bring premium features to more affordable devices. With AI capabilities, improved displays, and long-term software support, these phones aim to offer compelling options for budget-conscious consumers and businesses alike.