Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: The new mid-range

After the S25 family, Samsung is now following up with the new A-Class. The product family consists of the three models Galaxy A26, A36 and A56, with prices ranging from 299 to 529 euros.

The top model in the range is the Galaxy A56. It costs 479 euros with 8/128 GB, the version with 8/256 GB has a price of 529 euros. Both models thus cost the same as their predecessors. The display has grown from 6.6 to 6.7 inches due to the narrower frame, and the OLED screen is also said to have become 200 cd/m² brighter and now reaches 1200 cd/m². The resolution of the 120 Hz display is FHD+. With the Exynos 1580, Samsung has installed a slightly faster processor. The manufacturer has removed the memory card slot without replacement. The battery also charges faster, namely with 45 watts instead of the usual lame 25 watts at Samsung. The Galaxy A56, which weighs just under 200 grams, will receive six years of security patches and six new Android updates. This is a leap forward from the previous five years of patches and four Android updates.

The Galaxy A56 supports an eSIM and has a triple camera on the back. This consists of a main camera with a 50 MP sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide angle and a macro camera with 5 MP. Samsung has reduced the resolution of the front camera from 32 to 12 MP. The Galaxy smartphone comes with Android 15. Like the other two new models, its housing is IP67-protected against dust and water.

Samsung Galaxy A36 with Qualcomm SoC

At 379 euros for 6/128 GB and 449 for 8/256 GB, the Galaxy A36 is slightly cheaper. It comes with a Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, instead of an Exynos chip. Compared to its predecessor, the display here has also grown by 0.1 inches to 6.7 inches and has become brighter at 1200 cd/m², with the same resolution of FHD+ and 120 Hertz. As with the Galaxy A56, Samsung has extended the update period, but in return has also removed the option to expand the A36's memory. The 5000 mAh battery also charges at 45 watts here, provided a suitable power supply unit is used.

The Galaxy A36 also shares the main camera with the A56, although its ultra-wide angle only has an 8 MP sensor. The front camera has experienced the same downgrade in resolution. The Galaxy A36 and A56 are 0.8 millimeters thinner and a little lighter, which you should feel in your pocket and in your hand.

Galaxy A26 with memory expansion

The Galaxy A26 is the entry-level model in Samsung's mid-range. It is already available for 299 euros if you are satisfied with 6/128 GB of memory. For 369 euros you can get it with 8/256 GB. The A26 is powered by Samsung's Exynos 1380, which played a league above last year and was found in the Galaxy A35. The OLED screen of the A26 is also 6.7 inches in size, compared to 0.2 inches less on its predecessor. The memory can be expanded by up to 2 TByte with a microSD card, which gives the entry-level model an advantage over the two more expensive Galaxy models. Its 5000 mAh battery is identical to those in the A36 and A56, but the charging current is limited to 25 watts. Samsung also installs the 50 MP main camera here, accompanied by an 8 MP ultra-wide angle and a 2 MP macro. The Galaxy A26 will also receive six years of updates and new Android versions.

The three smartphones are available now. To start with, the Galaxy A56 and A36 come with the larger storage version for the price of the smaller one.

(sht)