Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

Samsung guarantees six OS upgrades and six years of security patches from the A56's March 2025 launch, so it stays patched until roughly March 2031 — one of the longest commitments you'll find at this price. Samsung announced the same policy for the A56, A36, A26 and A16 at MWC 2025, which is what separates this tier from most mid-range Android.

Yes, comfortably. It is only in its second year of a six-year window, so buying in late 2026 still leaves more than four years of security updates. Nothing about its support status should give a buyer pause this year or next.

The A56 uses Samsung's faster Exynos 1580, an aluminium frame, and a genuine 12MP ultra-wide; the cheaper A36 runs a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in a plastic frame with an 8MP ultra-wide. They share the same 120Hz screen and the same update promise, so the A56 is worth the premium mainly for the nicer build and the better camera — not for longevity, where they tie.

No. It charges at up to 45W over USB-C but ships without a brick, and there is no wireless charging. With a compatible 45W adapter a full charge takes a little over an hour.

For casual titles, yes. The Exynos 1580 with 8GB of RAM runs everyday games smoothly but throttles in demanding 3D games at high settings, so serious gamers are better served by a Snapdragon phone in the same price band.

Very. It carries an IP67 rating for dust and short water immersion, an Armor Aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back — unusually tough for a mid-ranger, and still a manageable 198g.