4 min read
Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy A series continues to evolve, and the Galaxy A56 is its latest flagship in the lineup. While it brings a subtle upgrade over its predecessor, especially in terms of processing power, it’s not without stiff internal competition, particularly from the Galaxy S24 FE.
Though technically from different product families, both phones are priced closely enough that potential buyers might pause and ask: Which one should I pick? Let’s dive into a full comparison to find out.
Design and Build
At first glance, both phones are almost identical in size, sporting 6.7-inch displays and similar footprints:
- Galaxy A56: 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm, 198g
- Galaxy S24 FE: 162.0 x 77.3 x 8.0 mm, 213g
The A56 wins points for being slimmer and lighter, making it a tad more ergonomic. It also introduces a refreshed, curvier design with a brushed metal frame, a sleek contrast to the S24 FE’s flatter and more understated aesthetic.
Both phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back with aluminum frames, offering premium durability. However, the S24 FE edges ahead with an IP68 rating, making it more water-resistant than the A56’s IP67.
Display
Display Type: 6.7″ OLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
HDR Support: HDR10+ on both
Brightness
- A56: Up to 1213 nits
- S24 FE: Up to 1372 nits
While both displays offer a crisp and fluid viewing experience, the S24 FE provides a brighter panel, which could make a difference in outdoor visibility. Otherwise, they perform similarly in everyday use.
Performance
Here’s where the real difference kicks in:
- A56: Exynos 1580 (4nm), 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM
- S24 FE: Exynos 2400e (4nm), 8GB RAM standard
Benchmark Scores
| Test | A56 | S24 FE |
| AnTuTu | 10 908,689 | 1,548,896 |
| Geekbench 6 (multi-core) | 3,899 | 6,299 |
| 3D Mark Wild Life | 1,332 | 3,889 |
The S24 FE clearly outclasses the A56, especially for gaming and multitasking. It’s nearly twice as powerful in CPU performance and three times stronger in GPU benchmarks.
Battery and Charging
Battery:
- A56: 5,000mAh
- S24 FE: 4,700mAh
Charging Speeds:
- A56: 45W (65% in 30 mins)
- S24 FE: 25W (56% in 30 mins)
Wireless Charging:
- A56: ❌
- S24 FE: ✅ (plus reverse wireless charging)
Despite having a slightly smaller battery, the S24 FE offers better charging versatility with wireless options. However, the A56 charges a bit faster via cable, which is useful for quick top-ups.
Battery Life Highlights
| Task | A56 | S24 FE |
| Web Browsing | 34:02h | 37:52h |
| Video Playback | 12:27h | 15:30h |
| Gaming | 5:52h | 7:17h |
While both phones perform well, the S24 FE is more efficient in demanding tasks like gaming and media playback.
Audio
- A56: -26.2 LUFS (Good)
- S24 FE: -24.6 LUFS (Very Good)
The S24 FE delivers louder and clearer audio, offering a more immersive stereo experience. It is ideal for gaming or video consumption.
Software Support
- A56: Launches with Android 15; 6 years of updates
- S24 FE: Launches with Android 14; 7 years of updates
Samsung has upped its software commitment, and S24 FE buyers get an extra year of support — a crucial factor for users planning to keep their phone for the long haul.
Camera Capabilities
| Feature | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy S24 FE |
| Main | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | ❌ | 8MP, 3x Zoom |
| Macro | 5MP | ❌ |
| Selfie | 12MP | 10MP |
The S24 FE gains a significant advantage with a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for sharp zoom shots that the A56 simply can’t replicate. Photo samples also reveal crisper detail and better dynamic range on the S24 FE, especially at 2x and 3x zoom.
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy A56 if:
- You want a lighter, slightly thinner phone.
- Faster wired charging matters to you.
- You’re okay skipping wireless charging and telephoto photography.
Choose the Galaxy S24 FE if:
- You need better performance for gaming or multitasking.
- You value long-term software updates.
- You want wireless charging and a more capable camera system.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S24 FE delivers more value overall, despite being slightly heavier and more expensive. For users focused on performance, longevity, and versatility, it’s the smarter investment.
