The first salvo of Samsung smartphones passed in January with the premium models of the S25 series. Place now with the more affordable mobiles in the A range with good surprises.
The Galaxy has been blowing their fifteenth candle this year. Behind the technological window embodied by the Galaxy S, the Korean affordable smartphones remains one of the most popular. And to celebrate the event, Samsung passes them a little stroke of polish.
After a Galaxy A16 delivered at the end of last year – and which had left us an unfinished taste during our test – so the rest of the family arrives with the Galaxy A26, A36 and A56. On the program, a rise on the design side, some technical improvements, software evolution with artificial intelligence functions, obviously and a good surprise: the prices do not vary from a penny compared to the A25, A35 and A55 released last year.
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: an ever more premium design
Galaxy A may represent the mid -range at Samsung, the trend that pushes the brand to make them look like more premium models continues. This year, all are entitled to their glass back, even the A26, which was not the case with the A25. It’s elegant and successful.
Samsung also slightly reviews the organization of the three photo modules placed on the back of its devices. They are no longer isolated as on the A range of last year or on the Galaxy S but grouped vertically in an oblong capsule. The Galaxy A256, A36 and A56 have broken with the markers installed for several years (2022). On this point, they also move away from the S. range.
The differences between the three models are played on the materials used. While the A56 are adorned with metal slices (aluminum), the A36 and A26 must be satisfied with plastic. However, from what we were able to appreciate during the presentation, the finishes prove to be impeccable on the three devices. It remains to be seen how the slices of the A36 and A26 will resist the assaults of time.
On the template side, no jealous. The three models play in the same category. A slight difference in thickness distinguishes the A26 from the others (7.7 mm against 7.4 mm) for a weight difference that is barely noticeable. The A26 weighs 200 g when the A56 displays 198 g and the A36 195 g. All benefit from an IP67 index to withstand dust and immersion in water. Last year, the A25 did not display any IP clue.
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: a neat screen
The three Galaxy A of this year are housed in the same brand. All benefit from a 6.7 -inch Amoled screen. It offers a full HD definition and a 120 Hz refreshment. The screen is protected by a Gorilla Victus +glass. The A26 is distinguished from its big brother by a drop of water at the top of the slab for the selfie camera. The others wear the traditional punch. Finally, according to Samsung, the A56 must present a brightness to 1,200 nits. The manufacturer has not delivered information on the A26 and A36 on this point.
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: some minor developments under the hood
Last year, the three models in range A were equipped with an Exynos house processor. This year, the A26 has an exynos 1280 (like the A25) and the A56 of an Exynos 1580. The A36 is a separate band with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 of Qualcomm. On the memory side, the A26 and A36 are equipped with a choice of 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage space. The A56 for its part offers only a RAM configuration with 8 GB and is also available in two versions for storage: 128 or 256 GB. Note that the A26 is satisfied with Wi-Fi 5 when its two companions benefits from Wi-Fi 6.
The photo part evolves little. The three models share the same high angle module of 50 Mpx as last year. The A26 benefits from an ultra-angle of 5 Mpx and a 2 MP module. The A56 and A36 are a little better off with respectively an ultra-angle of 12 and 8 Mpx and a 5 MP macro module. For selfies, the A56 relies on a 13 Mpx camera. The A36 and A26 must be satisfied with a 12 Mpx module.
As for the battery, nothing changes. Like last year, the three models have a 5000 mAh battery. The charging power is 45W for the A56 and A36 and falls to 25W for the A26.
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: AI for all
These three smartphones are led by Android 15 and the Oneui7 software overlay as the current S range. Samsung promises to monitor software updates and security fixes over 6 years. Not bad.
Note that all also take advantage of IA tools. Gemini by Google is obviously in good position. We also find the Now Bar inaugurated on the S25 range, the magic gum, the circle to Search and the smart selection. This allows you to locate and identify an item as a telephone number for example or a postal address and open the adequate app to use it. The A56, with its more powerful hair processor, also allows you to take advantage of the better installation function for photos and automatic assembly for video.
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56: availability and prices
Unlike other tech giants (isn’t it Apple?), Samsung does not touch its mid-range devices. The price grid for the three new Galaxy A takes (and does not lose) no penny compared to last year. And that was already the case with the A25, A35 and A55 compared to the models of the AX4 series of 2023. It is appreciable.
- Galaxy A26 5G 6—128 GB: 319 euros
- Galaxy A26 5G 8—256 GB: 379 euros
- Galaxy A36 5G 6—128 GB: 399 euros
- Galaxy A36 5G 8—256 GB: 449 euros
- Galaxy A56 5G 8—128 GB: 499 euros
- Galaxy A55 5G 8—256 GB: 549 euros
The Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 will be available in early March. Note that for their launch, the A36 and A56 benefit from a recovery bonus for an old smartphone. Count 30 euros for the A36 and 50 euros for the A56.