The technical specifications show several similarities between the two Samsung smartphones, alongside differences in processor, cameras, build, audio, connectivity and memory configurations. Both offer 5G connectivity, 120Hz AMOLED displays and 5,000 mAh batteries.
General
Samsung Galaxy M56 is lighter and slimmer than Galaxy A56, while Galaxy A56 provides IP67 water and dust protection. Both phones use Samsung security features and support dual-SIM 5G connectivity.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Model | Samsung Galaxy A56 5G | Samsung Galaxy M56 5G |
| Manufacturer | Samsung | Samsung |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual Nano SIM |
| Network support | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm | 162.0 x 77.3 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 198 g | 180 g |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 | Not specified |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display | In-display |
| Operating system | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| User interface | One UI 7 | One UI 7 |
| Security | Samsung Knox Vault | Samsung Knox Vault |
Display and design
Both smartphones have Full HD+ Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates. Galaxy M56 uses a Super AMOLED Plus panel and has a slimmer body, while Galaxy A56 offers a brighter display with Vision Booster and IP67 protection.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Display size | 6.7-inch | 6.74-inch |
| Display type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels | 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Peak brightness | Up to 1,200 nits HBM | Up to 1,200 nits |
| HDR | HDR | HDR |
| Colour depth | 16M colours | 16M colours |
| Display protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display | In-display |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 | Not specified |
Pro tip: Choose Galaxy A56 if water and dust resistance is important. Galaxy M56 can suit users who prefer a lighter and slimmer smartphone with a large Super AMOLED Plus display.
Performance and software
Galaxy A56 uses Exynos 1580, while Galaxy M56 uses Exynos 1480. Both processors use a 4 nm process, but Galaxy A56 has a newer CPU architecture and stronger Xclipse 540 graphics.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Processor | Exynos 1580 | Exynos 1480 |
| CPU | Octa-core, up to 2.9GHz | Octa-core, up to 2.75GHz |
| Manufacturing process | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| GPU | Xclipse 540 | Xclipse 530 |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB | 8GB |
| RAM type | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5 |
| Operating system | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| User interface | One UI 7 | One UI 7 |
| Storage type | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Cooling system | Vapour chamber | Vapour chamber |
Camera specifications
Both phones have 50MP primary cameras with OIS and 12MP front cameras. Galaxy A56 offers higher-resolution ultra-wide and macro cameras, while Galaxy M56 uses 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Rear camera setup | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Main camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 |
| Front camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 |
| Rear video recording | Up to 4K at 30fps | Up to 4K at 30fps |
| Optical image stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 10x |
Storage and connectivity
Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and USB Type-C connectivity. Galaxy A56 adds NFC and eSIM support, while Galaxy M56 uses a dual Nano SIM configuration.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | No | No |
| eSIM | Yes | No |
| Infrared remote | No | No |
| OTG | Yes | Yes |
Battery and other specifications
Both smartphones have 5,000 mAh batteries and support 45 W wired charging. Galaxy A56 has stereo speakers and IP67 protection, while Galaxy M56 has a lighter body and supports the same 45 W charging standard.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Samsung Galaxy M56 |
|---|
| Battery capacity | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 W | 45 W |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Reverse charging | No | No |
| Stereo speakers | Yes | No |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Samsung Knox Vault, fingerprint sensor | Samsung Knox Vault, fingerprint sensor |
| Water and dust protection | IP67 | Not specified |
| Samsung DeX | No | No |
| Thickness | 7.4 mm | 7.2 mm |