The smartphone market for 2025 is bustling with competition, with several models vying for the title of best phone. Among these, the Vivo X200 Pro, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Find X8 Ultra, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and the Find N5 have garnered attention for their exceptional features. However, what truly captures the spotlight this year is the remarkable advancements observed in budget smartphones. Devices like the POCO X7 Pro and the Nothing Phone 3a have proven that when brands dedicate focus to the budget segment, exciting possibilities emerge, offering impressive value to consumers.

Meanwhile, the mid-range phone category is thriving like never before. Models such as the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus 13R, and Pixel 9a are delivering outstanding camera capabilities alongside robust hardware, catering effectively to the needs of tech-savvy users. In stark contrast, Samsung's latest mid-range offering, the Galaxy A56, struggles to distinguish itself. With only incremental upgrades that yield minimal improvements, this device is sadly marked as one of the weakest contenders in the mid-range segment.

The Galaxy A56, priced at $499, fails to provide a compelling hardware package, a trend that has persisted in Samsung's A series. Historically marketed as "all-rounders," these devices have often underwhelmed in terms of hardware performance. The A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 chip, which significantly lags behind its competitors in the same price range. This shortcoming becomes evident when attempting to engage in gaming or demanding tasks, as users will experience noticeable lag and diminished performance even with Samsung's optimized One UI 7.

Many had hoped for substantial advancements in the Galaxy A56, but unfortunately, the phone mirrors the mediocrity of its predecessors. While the device features a brighter display that enhances HDR content, it still falls short compared to competitors like the Nord 4 and Phone 3a Pro, which offer superior brightness in everyday use. This lackluster performance raises questions about the value proposition of the A56, especially when the competition is delivering much more for similar prices.

In terms of design, Samsung has made some attempts to freshen up the A56's aesthetics with a new oblong camera island that presents a cleaner look. The device features a metal mid-frame and a glass back, resulting in an improved in-hand feel compared to earlier models. Additionally, the phone includes Samsung Knox for enhanced security and is rated with an IP67 ingress protection, signaling a degree of resilience to water and dust.

Samsung is also leaning heavily into artificial intelligence with the A56, introducing features like Best Face, Instant Slo-mo, and auto-trim. However, its important to note that the full Galaxy AI suite is not available on this model. For those interested in exploring advanced AI functionalities, the Galaxy S25 series is required, making the A56 less appealing in this regard. In comparison, Google has successfully integrated a more extensive range of AI features into the Pixel 9a, making it a stronger choice for AI enthusiasts in the mid-range market.

The battery of the Galaxy A56 is another area where expectations are not met. Sporting a 5000mAh batteryan unchanged specification from its predecessorthe A56 does not deliver the same longevity as previous models. Users may find that while the phone can last a day under light usage, more demanding tasks require recharging before the night is out. Compounding this issue, Samsung has switched to 45W charging, which, despite being an upgrade, still results in a sluggish charging experience that takes over 75 minutes to replenish the battery. This slow charging rate places the A56 among the slowest in its category, with only the Pixel 9a taking longer to charge.

Regarding the camera performance, while the A56 is equipped with a good selfie camera that performs adequately in well-lit conditions, the main 50MP camera fails to impress. Users have reported inconsistencies in image quality, especially when contrasted with offerings from other mid-range competitors. The additional auxiliary cameras on the device seem to lack any significant utility, leading to a call for Samsung to focus on refining the quality of two primary cameras rather than diluting features across multiple mediocre sensors.

After sharing these insights with a Samsung India representative, I was informed that the feedback was noted, and further communication would follow. Given my previous experiences with the company, I remain skeptical about any substantial changes or improvements materializing in future iterations.

Having followed the Galaxy A series since its inception with devices like the original Galaxy A5 and A7, I feel I have a comprehensive understanding of Samsung's mid-range strategy. Unfortunately, it seems that the brand has grown complacent, often reintroducing similar models with minimal enhancements. This stagnation has allowed competitors, particularly from Chinese brands, to gain significant ground. The Galaxy A56 exemplifies this troubling trend, as it stands in stark contrast to much more appealing alternatives now available.

Even longtime Samsung fans may want to reconsider their options before settling on the A56. Although Samsung's familiar software experience may be tempting, the combination of lackluster performance, mediocre specifications, and an inflated price tag of $499 does little to justify a purchase. As competition heats up in the U.S. market with formidable rivals like the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R, which offer a superior experience at similar prices, the case for the Galaxy A56 becomes increasingly tenuous. For consumers outside North America, alternatives such as the POCO X7 Pro and Nord 4 are also worth considering. In a time when innovation is crucial, the A56s shortcomings highlight Samsung's growing deficiencies in the mid-range smartphone landscape in 2025.