Galaxy A34 Vs Galaxy A56

Galaxy A34
Galaxy A34
Starting at

Refurbished price:135.00

Versus €399.00 new

See options
Galaxy A56
Galaxy A56
Starting at

Refurbished price:259.00

Versus €502.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A34, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy A56, launched in March 2025, are both mid-range Android smartphones from Samsung's A series. While they share a similar design philosophy and core Android operating system, the Galaxy A56 introduces several enhancements, particularly in its internal components, build quality, and extended software support, setting it apart as a newer generation device. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI over Android, offering a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A34, launched with Android 13, is expected to receive four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2027. The newer Galaxy A56, released with Android 15, offers a more extended commitment with six major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, potentially stretching to March 2032.
  • Build Materials and Protection: The Galaxy A34 features Gorilla Glass 5 on its front display and a plastic back, offering a good level of protection for daily use. The Galaxy A56 elevates this with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, providing a more robust and premium feel. Both devices carry an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: Both models are designed with repair in mind, with the Galaxy A34 having a repairability score of 8.0 out of 10, and the Galaxy A56 a slightly higher score of 8.4 out of 10.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A34 is powered by a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking competently. The Galaxy A56 features a newer generation processor, which offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother operation for demanding apps and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various RAM configurations, with the A56 generally providing higher options, which can contribute to more fluid multitasking. The A34 supports expandable storage via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries. The A56, however, does not include microSD card support, meaning users rely solely on the internal storage options.
  • Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy A56 supports faster charging speeds compared to the A34, potentially reducing the time needed to fully recharge the device.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy A34 and A56 offer vibrant displays, but there are some distinctions in their visual experience and outdoor usability.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature Super AMOLED displays with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), delivering sharp images and vibrant colors with deep blacks. The pixel density is around 390 ppi for both, ensuring clear text and detailed visuals.
  • Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A34 has a 6.6-inch display, while the Galaxy A56 offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen. Both devices boast a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall visual experience.
  • Brightness: The Galaxy A56's display can achieve higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility and readability in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy A34.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture everyday moments, with some differences in sensor capabilities and overall image processing.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A34 features a triple rear camera setup with a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy A56 upgrades to a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens, potentially offering more detailed images and improved ultrawide shots.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones are capable of capturing good photos in well-lit conditions. User feedback suggests the A56 offers excellent video recording and strong selfie performance, while the A34's camera is considered average, with some limitations in zoom quality.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy A34 includes a 13MP front camera, while the Galaxy A56 features a 12MP front camera, both suitable for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

48 megapixels

4K@30fps

Front camera

13 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile networks and utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A34 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, while the Galaxy A56 features the newer Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both the Galaxy A34 and A56 incorporate an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. User feedback for both devices occasionally mentions that the fingerprint scanner may not be as fast as some alternatives. The A56 also features a virtual proximity sensor, which some users have found less reliable than a physical one.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A34 measures 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm and weighs 199g. The Galaxy A56 is slightly larger and thinner at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 198g. The A56's construction with a glass back and aluminum frame offers a more premium feel compared to the A34's plastic back.

Weight

199 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A34 often highlights its excellent battery life, vibrant AMOLED display, and solid performance for general use. Some users have noted its thick bezels and that the camera, while capable, is not its strongest feature, particularly for zoom. Occasional reports of the fingerprint scanner being slow and some heating during intensive gaming have also been mentioned.

The Galaxy A56 receives praise for its more premium build quality, brighter display, and improved performance, especially for video recording and selfies. Common criticisms include the absence of a charger in the box, a fingerprint sensor that could be faster, and issues with the virtual proximity sensor. Some users have also reported overheating during heavy use and a lack of microSD card support.

Users prioritizing extended software support and a more robust, premium build with enhanced performance for demanding applications and gaming may find the Galaxy A56 well-suited to their needs. Its improved camera system for videos and selfies also makes it a strong contender for content creators. Conversely, users who value expandable storage, a slightly more compact design, and a device that offers a strong balance of features for everyday tasks without the need for the absolute latest performance may lean towards the Galaxy A34. Both devices offer a reliable Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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