Is the Galaxy A56 5G a Better Value Than the Galaxy S25?

Samsung A56 or S25 ? While Samsung’s Galaxy S series has dominated the Android flagship landscape for nearly fifteen years, something unexpected has happened with their latest releases. The newly unveiled Galaxy A56 5G is challenging the base model Galaxy S25 with competitive specs at a significantly lower price point. As someone who recently switched to the compact Galaxy S25 from the massive S24 Ultra, I’m conflicted about a phone that costs $300 less while offering comparable—and sometimes superior—features.

Samsung A56 or S25 Battery and Charging: The A56 5G Takes the Crown

The Galaxy A56 5G delivers impressive hardware for its $500 price tag. When comparing key features with the Galaxy S25, several standout differences emerge:

• Battery capacity: The A56 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery (matching the S25 Ultra), while the S25 makes do with just 4,000mAh
• Charging speed: The A56 5G supports 45W “super fast charging” (identical to the S25+ and Ultra), whereas the S25 is limited to 25W
• Screen size: The A56 5G features a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the S25’s 6.2-inch screen

While the S25’s smaller size naturally limits battery capacity, other similarly-sized phones like the Motorola ThinkPhone 25 manage to include larger batteries (4,310mAh) and faster charging (68W). Based on my experience, the S25’s battery life is adequate—comparable to my S24 Ultra—but the A56 5G will likely deliver significantly better endurance.

Samsung A56 or S25 Performance: Closer Than You Might Expect

The processing gap between these devices isn’t as dramatic as their price difference suggests. Yes, the S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite outperforms the A56 5G’s Exynos 1580, but these differences are only noticeable in specific scenarios:

• The A56 5G lacks some Galaxy AI features due to its less powerful chip
• Gaming performance is reduced on demanding titles, though casual games run smoothly
• The $300 premium for the S25’s performance boost is difficult to justify for most users

The battery efficiency advantages of the S25’s premium processor are essentially negated by the A56 5G’s larger power cell. In terms of memory and storage, the comparison becomes even more interesting—while the S25 starts at 128GB globally with 12GB RAM, the A56 5G offers 256GB in some regions (including the UK) with 8GB RAM. Most users won’t notice the RAM difference unless they frequently run multiple demanding apps simultaneously.

Where the Galaxy S25 Still Shines

Despite the compelling value proposition of the A56 5G, the S25 maintains several advantages that justify its premium positioning:

• Superior camera system: The S25 features a useful 3X telephoto lens instead of the A56 5G’s limited 5MP macro camera
• Wireless charging: The S25 supports 15W wireless charging with Qi2 compatibility, while the A56 5G offers no wireless charging
• Design aesthetics: The S25 boasts a more refined look with slimmer, uniform bezels around its display
• Software features: While both phones run One UI 7, the S25 exclusively offers Now Brief and Audio Eraser (the latter being particularly valuable for improving videos recorded in noisy environments)

Samsung A56 or S25 : Long-Term Software Support Considerations

The software support timeline shows a slight edge for the flagship model:

• Galaxy S25: Seven years of OS updates
• Galaxy A56 5G: Six years of OS updates

While a single year of extended support may not justify the $300 premium, the S25 will receive updates sooner and likely maintain feature parity longer. As Samsung continues to develop AI-focused features in future One UI versions, the gap between these devices will likely widen, even as they receive the same OS versions.

The Value Equation: A Challenge for Premium Phones

For those who prioritize wireless charging and superior photography, the S25’s premium may be worthwhile. However, the Galaxy A56 5G highlights an industry-wide issue affecting both Samsung and Google—mid-range phones now deliver approximately 90% of the flagship experience at roughly 60% of the cost.

While we celebrate the exceptional value of the $500 Galaxy A56 5G, we should also demand that Samsung enhance the value proposition of the Galaxy S series. Future-base model of S series deserve:

• Better zoom capabilities with improved optical performance
• Faster charging standards that match or exceed their mid-range counterparts
• Larger battery capacities without compromising form factor
• Exclusive AI features that deliver tangible benefits rather than novelty functions
• Materials and build quality that genuinely feel premium in hand

Samsung A56 or S25 : Conclusion

What’s your take on this comparison? Would you select the Galaxy A56 5G over the S25, or are there specific flagship features worth the extra $300? Share your thoughts in the comments!