Google’s Pixel A-series and Samsung’s Galaxy A5-series are long-standing rivals within the mid-range smartphone enviornment. Each manufacturers purpose to ship flagship-like options at a fraction of the worth, and 2025 isn’t any completely different. This yr, now we have the Google Pixel 9a and the Samsung Galaxy A56 – two telephones that promise nice worth however take completely different routes to get there.
The Pixel 9a focuses on providing a Pixel 9-like expertise at a less expensive value level, with Google’s signature AI options and wonderful cameras. The Galaxy A56, in the meantime, sticks to Samsung’s method: premium design, strong {hardware}, and a splash of Galaxy AI (even when it’s not the complete providing).
Each handsets begin at £499, so for those who’re questioning which telephone is greatest for you, right here’s our head-to-head comparability. Whereas I’ve used the Galaxy A56 first-hand, all the things concerning the Pixel 9a relies on spec sheets and a briefing with Google. We’ll be reviewing the smartphone shortly.
Design & Show
Each the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A56 observe acquainted design cues from their fully-fledged siblings, however every takes a barely completely different method to satisfy the mid-range temporary.
The Pixel 9a has had a notable redesign in comparison with final yr’s Pixel 8a. It swaps out Google’s signature digital camera bar for a extra understated oval-shaped rear module. It’s a cleaner look, matched with a matt composite again and a flat aluminium body that provides it a light-weight but premium really feel. It’s out there in 4 colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony and the all-new Iris. At 6.3 inches, the telephone strikes an incredible steadiness between portability and display screen dimension.
In the meantime, Samsung retains issues accustomed to the Galaxy A56, although there are refined refinements. It makes use of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on each the back and front, paired with a flat aluminium body. The rear cameras now sit in a unified housing, and there’s a brand new ‘key island’ for the facility and quantity buttons. It’s a bit of bigger and heavier, with a 6.7-inch display screen, however impressively slim at simply 7.4mm thick. You possibly can decide it up in Graphite, Pink, Olive or Mild Gray.
On show high quality, each telephones are sturdy contenders. The Pixel 9a sports activities a vivid 6.3-inch Actua OLED show with a Full HD+ decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. It reaches a formidable peak brightness of 2700 nits, promising wonderful out of doors visibility. Samsung’s Galaxy A56 matches the refresh charge with a 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED panel, peaking at a barely decrease 1900 nits.
Colors on each are vibrant, and viewing angles needs to be wonderful if the common Pixel 9’s show is something to go by. Although, the Pixel’s greater brightness offers it the sting, particularly because it additionally guarantees higher color copy.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is commonly the place mid-range telephones differentiate themselves, and the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A56 take completely different approaches right here.
The Pixel 9a packs a 5100mAh battery, which is bigger than even the usual Pixel 9. Google claims over 30 hours of normal use. And with Excessive Battery Saver mode, you may theoretically stretch it to 100 hours. In real-world use, it ought to comfortably final a full day and even stretch right into a second. Charging speeds aren’t groundbreaking, with 18W wired and normal Qi wi-fi charging on supply, however the longevity of the battery life makes up for it.
The Galaxy A56 has a barely smaller 5000mAh battery, nevertheless it’s no slouch. You possibly can count on all-day battery life right here too, with Samsung’s power-efficient Exynos 1580 chipset taking part in its half. The place it shines is in charging speeds. Wired charging tops out at 45W, double the velocity of the Pixel 9a. There’s no wi-fi charging on supply, although, which is a miss at this value level.
Each telephones ship dependable battery life, however for those who’re after sooner top-ups, the Galaxy A56 has the benefit.
Software program Updates
Software program longevity is one space the place each telephones impress, providing among the greatest replace insurance policies within the mid-range house.
The Pixel 9a runs Android 15 out of the field and comes with Google’s promise of seven years of main Android model upgrades, Pixel Function Drops, and safety updates. That’s pretty much as good because it will get for Android proper now, matching the dedication provided by Google’s flagship telephones.
Samsung isn’t far behind. The Galaxy A56 ships with Android 14 and One UI 7, and it’ll get six years of software program assist – protecting each Android model updates and safety patches. Samsung’s One UI is likely one of the slickest Android skins round, providing a variety of options and customisation choices. Nevertheless, the A56 skips most of the Galaxy AI instruments discovered on Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 collection.
If you need the longest software program assist, the Pixel 9a edges forward. However each telephones are wonderful picks for those who’re planning to carry onto your system for the long run.
Cameras
Digital camera efficiency is one other deciding issue. The Pixel 9a’s 48Mp foremost sensor, mixed with Google’s picture processing, guarantees to ship wonderful pictures in most situations.
Anticipate Night time Sight to work wonders in low mild, and Magic Editor instruments we’ve examined on different Pixels make it straightforward to wash up pictures after the actual fact. You additionally get a 13Mp ultrawide digital camera and a 13Mp selfie digital camera, each able to 4K video recording.
Samsung’s Galaxy A56 has a 50Mp foremost digital camera, 12Mp ultrawide, and 5Mp macro lens. The primary sensor captures first rate pictures in daylight however struggles a bit extra in low mild, which we count on the Pixel to excel in based mostly on our time testing final yr’s 8a. The 12Mp entrance digital camera does a good job for selfies and video calls, nevertheless it doesn’t supply 4K recording on the front-facing lens.
Different Variations
You possibly can count on strong efficiency on each gadgets, however there are key variations price noting.
The Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. It’s not the quickest chip round, nevertheless it’s tuned for AI duties and integrates tightly with Android, guaranteeing easy day-to-day use. We’ve used it on the common Pixel 9 and had been impressed. You additionally get entry to Google’s full suite of Gemini AI options, together with Circle to Search, Gemini Reside, and Pixel Studio.
The Galaxy A56 makes use of Samsung’s Exynos 1580 chip, additionally paired with 8GB of RAM. It delivers respectable efficiency for on a regular basis duties and informal gaming, although it’s a step behind in GPU-intensive workloads. AI options are restricted in comparison with the Pixel, and Samsung reserves its greatest instruments for the Galaxy S line.
The Pixel 9a can also be IP68-rated, providing higher water and dirt resistance than the Galaxy A56’s IP67. Neither telephone has a microSD card slot, although each include 128GB or 256GB storage choices.
Value & Availability
The Pixel 9a is obtainable to pre-order now, beginning at £499 within the UK, $499 within the US, and €559 in Europe. It’s out there straight from Google and main retailers, with 4 colors on supply: Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and Iris. It ships with both 128GB or 256GB of storage.
It formally releases at first of April.
The Galaxy A56 can also be extensively out there now, priced at £499/$499 for the 256GB model. It is available in Graphite, Pink, Olive, and Mild Gray. You possibly can decide one up from Samsung’s web site and main retailers like Amazon and Currys.
With near-identical pricing, the selection largely comes right down to which ecosystem you like and which options matter extra.
Verdict
The Pixel 9a and Galaxy A56 each ship spectacular worth within the mid-range market, however they attraction to completely different customers.
The Pixel 9a guarantees a greater digital camera expertise, longer software program assist, and a brighter show in a extra compact kind issue. It’s an incredible selection for those who prioritise pictures, AI options, and well timed software program updates.
The Galaxy A56 affords a bigger display screen, sooner wired charging, and a design that intently mirrors Samsung’s premium Galaxy S collection. It’s supreme for customers preferring Samsung’s One UI and need a larger telephone with out forking out on a flagship.
For most individuals, the Pixel 9a’s mixture of digital camera prowess and software program longevity makes it the higher purchase. However if you would like a much bigger display screen and sooner charging, the A56 continues to be a strong selection.