Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, A56: Release Date, Prices, and Specs Revealed!

On Wednesday, February 26th, the Technology group was extended an invitation to a hands-on session with the Samsung Galaxy A Series at Samsung KX located in Coal Drops Yard.

In one month’s time, we got a preview of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25, their top-tier phone model. This device showcases enhanced graphics, a more captivating screen, and greater robustness. Interestingly, the Samsung Galaxy A Series phones are marketed as budget-friendly alternatives to the high-end S Series, much like the iPhone 16e from Apple.

In March, we were unveiled to the 2024 Samsung Galaxy A Series lineup, specifically the models A55 and A35. These devices boast advanced AI technology, enhanced durability, and the robust Samsung Knox security, placing them among the leading contenders in the mid-range smartphone market.

Currently, Samsung has enhanced their A Series models substantially while maintaining an affordable price range. Let me share with you what we discovered about the latest Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 devices.

Can’t wait until the new A Series?

Check out the Samsung Galaxy A Series smartphones at Samsung

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Where can I buy the new Samsung Galaxy A Series in the UK?
Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 release date
What are the Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 UK prices?
Samsung Galaxy A Series design
Samsung Galaxy A Series specs
Our hands-on review of the new Samsung Galaxy A Series

Where can I buy the new Samsung Galaxy A Series in the UK?

Starting on Wednesday, 19th March, you can purchase the Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 directly from the official Samsung store.

Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 release date

The Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 are available to buy outright from next Wednesday 19th March.

For Samsung offers, check out the best Samsung Galaxy S25 deals.

What are the Samsung Galaxy A26, A36 and A56 UK prices?

Wondering about the cost of these mid-tier smartphones? You might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the pricing of the latest Samsung Galaxy A Series if you’re accustomed to flagship phone prices.

The Samsung Galaxy A26 will cost from £299.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 will set you back from £399.
And, the Samsung Galaxy A56 will cost you from £459.

Samsung Galaxy A Series design

During this week’s interactive session, there was a strong focus on the term ‘extraordinary’. Interestingly, the letter ‘A’ in Samsung Galaxy A Series doesn’t actually mean ‘Alpha’, as it was used to denote the first phone in the series (Samsung Galaxy Alpha, launched in 2014). However, it’s easy to misunderstand it as a reference to being extraordinary.

Each color option for the Samsung Galaxy A Series is prefaced with “amazing,” such as the Samsung Galaxy A56, available in Graphite, Light Grey, Olive, and Pink hues, contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A36, which comes in Black, White, Lavender, and Lime.

In the back, the design of the cameras on these smartphones follows a straight line, much like what you’d find in the Samsung Galaxy A Series and also similar to the high-end Samsung Galaxy S Series models.

Although the new Samsung Galaxy A Series smartphones boast a slightly larger screen (increased from 6.6-inches to 6.7-inches), they have managed to reduce their thickness. Specifically, the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 are now 7.4mm thin, as compared to the previous 8.2mm. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is slightly thicker, with a width of 7.7mm.

Both the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 come in at 1,200 nits brighter than their predecessors.

Moreover, durability is a key feature of the A Series line-up as well. Each of the smartphones in this series boasts IP67 protection against dust and water, along with Corning Gorilla Glass for added toughness.

Have you come across Loop Earplugs? In our six-month trial with these noise-cancelling earplugs, we put them to the test in our review.

Samsung Galaxy A Series specs

The Samsung Galaxy A56 sports a 12-megapixel camera, while its counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy A36, features an 8-megapixel camera. Both these smartphones come equipped with video High Dynamic Range (HDR).

gaming and streaming enthusiasts will appreciate that the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 feature a larger vapor cooling system, similar in size to the Samsung Galaxy S24, along with a 5,000mAh battery capable of 29 hours of video playback. In other words, if you’re keen on marathon-watching The White Lotus’ latest season, these two phones should keep up without faltering!

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that some fantastic AI-powered features, like Read Aloud, AI Select, Circle to Search, and visual editing tools (including the object remover), are available on both the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56. To add to the excitement, the Samsung Galaxy A56 takes portrait photography to new heights with its advanced AI capabilities!

The Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 models arrive with six operating system upgrades and six years of security enhancements, marking the debut of the A Series lineup with One UI 7.0. This interface boasts refined app icons, enhanced notification control, a redesigned lock screen showcasing an overview of current activities, and additional features for a smoother user experience.

Our hands-on review of the new Samsung Galaxy A Series

We had the opportunity to personally test the latest Samsung A Series smartphones – specifically, the Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, and A56. Here’s our take on them!

As for the first impression, we’re quite smitten with the fresh color options for the A Series: ranging from Graphite, Light Grey, Olive, Pink, Black, White, Lavender, and Lime. Nonetheless, we believe that the A Series might be a bit too bulky considering it falls under the mid-range smartphone category.

It is common for customers to choose mid-tier phones like Samsung A Series or Apple SE (now iPhone 16e) because they are more affordable alternatives to flagship devices, offering many of the same excellent features, albeit fewer. The new Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 have displays that are slightly larger than their predecessors, measuring 6.7 inches, and are also bigger than the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16e.

If the idea of large-sized smartphones doesn’t bother you, we find plenty to appreciate in the new Samsung Galaxy A Series. This budget-friendly phone is surprisingly packed with numerous impressive features.

We appreciate that both the Samsung Galaxy A36 and A56 incorporate characteristics found in the premium Samsung Galaxy S25, including AI Select, a feature that recommends actions based on your screen selections, and Read Aloud, enabling you to listen to articles and webpages as if they were tailored personal podcasts.

Alongside the Samsung Galaxy A Series, you’ll find a range of smart photo tools like Object Eraser, Edit Suggestions, and Custom Filters, conveniently located within the camera app.