If flagship phones were off the table, Samsung’s Galaxy A56 would be the budget-smart alternative I’d choose—without too much regret.
Thinking Beyond the Flagship
As someone who typically leans toward Samsung’s Galaxy S series, imagining a world without access to premium smartphones feels like a downgrade. But what if flagship devices were no longer an option?
Running this mental exercise in 2025, I found myself gravitating toward one surprising choice: the Galaxy A56.
The Alternatives in a No-Flagship World
Assuming I couldn’t use a Galaxy S25+, S25 Ultra, or even the Fan Edition, here were my realistic options:
- Galaxy A17 – ultra-budget with very basic features.
- Galaxy A36 – better, but still lacking in premium-like performance.
- Galaxy S25 FE – close to a flagship, but not quite cheap.
- Galaxy A56 – not premium, but very close, and €300 cheaper than the S25 FE.
While the A17 was surprisingly tempting with its 90Hz AMOLED display, I know from experience that UI stutters and sluggish multitasking would frustrate me. The A36 would be a marginal upgrade, but still underwhelming in performance for a former flagship user.
The Real Showdown: Galaxy A56 vs. S25 FE
At the end of this thought experiment, the real contenders were the Galaxy A56 and the Galaxy S25 FE.
- The S25 FE offered more power and premium features, but at a significantly higher price.
- The A56, on the other hand, struck the perfect balance of affordability and quality.
It’s hard to ignore the €300 difference, especially when the A56 still ticks so many boxes for everyday users.
Why the Galaxy A56 Wins on Value
Here’s why the Galaxy A56 became one of my favorite phones of 2025:
- Price: At around £450 or less, it offers unbeatable value.
- Battery life: A two-day battery makes it a standout in its class.
- UI performance: Surprisingly smooth and consistent, even for an ex-flagship user.
- Display: A quality AMOLED panel that doesn’t feel cheap.
- Build quality: The only A-series phone with an aluminum frame — a premium touch.
No, it doesn’t offer flagship cameras, Samsung DeX, or Galaxy AI extras like AOD wallpapers or on-device generative editing, but for most users, those aren’t dealbreakers.
A Practical, Budget-Conscious Choice
If I had to step away from the high-end Galaxy S24+ I’m used to, the A56 would be the most painless downgrade. It delivers on the fundamentals: good design, solid software, excellent battery, and smooth UI — all at a price that makes sense for real-world budgets.
While the Galaxy S25 FE remains a very attractive alternative (and maybe my second favorite), the A56’s affordability ultimately gives it the edge.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy A56 might not scream luxury, but it whispers something more important: value. If premium phones were off-limits, I’d be more than content using the A56 — and that says a lot about how far mid-range phones have come.
