Galaxy A57 vs A56: What’s New & Is It Worth Upgrading?
Samsung’s Galaxy A56 was a standout product in 2025, offering a surprisingly responsive experience for its price range, with smooth performance thanks to One UI and a noticeably improved camera system. Now, the successor, the Galaxy A57, is officially here, bringing a collection of upgrades. But do those improvements justify the increased price tag? Let’s break down what’s new with the Galaxy A57 and whether it’s worth considering for those already owning the A56, or looking for a new mid-range device.
Key Improvements in the Galaxy A57
Instead of a comprehensive list of similarities, here’s a focused look at the key new features and upgrades the Galaxy A57 brings to the table, specifically for those coming from the A56.
- Display Enhancement: The A57 features a Super AMOLED+ display, an upgrade from the Super AMOLED panel found in the A56. Sammobile notes this contributes to a brighter, more premium-looking screen.
- Processor Boost: The A57 is powered by the newer Exynos 1680 chip, a step up from the Exynos 1580 in the A56. NanoReview reports a 51% performance increase in AnTuTu benchmarks (1380K vs 912K).
- Improved Cooling: Samsung has increased the size of the vapor chamber in the A57 by 13%, aiming for better thermal management during demanding tasks. Sammobile details this change.
- Increased RAM: The A57 comes standard with 8GB of RAM, an increase from the 6GB found in the A56. This should contribute to smoother multitasking and overall performance.
- Storage Options: A new 512GB storage option is available on the A57, doubling the maximum storage capacity of the A56, which topped out at 256GB. Sammobile highlights this expanded storage.
- Camera Enhancements: The A57 features an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP) and Low Noise Mode, promising better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. It also addresses a common issue with ultrawide lenses – eliminating blur during transitions between wide and ultrawide shots.
- Connectivity Upgrades: The A57 is the first non-flagship Galaxy phone to support Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to the Wi-Fi 6 standard in the A56. Sammobile confirms this. It also includes Bluetooth 6.0, an upgrade from the A56’s Bluetooth 5.3.
- Durability and Water Resistance: The A57 boasts IP68 dust and water resistance, an improvement over the A56’s IP67 rating. Sammobile details this upgrade.
- Design Refinements: The A57 is thinner (6.9mm vs 7.4mm) and lighter (179g vs 198g) than the A56, making it more comfortable to hold. The bezels around the display have also been reduced, measuring 1.5/1.5/2.5mm compared to the A56’s 2.2/2.0/3.3mm. Trusted Reviews notes these design changes.
- Software: The A57 ships with One UI 8.5, featuring upgraded Awesome Intelligence capabilities, including improvements to Gemini and Circle to Search. A new Voice Transcription tool has also been added for productivity.
These upgrades collectively suggest a solid step forward for the A-series. The improvements to the display, processor, and camera, combined with the refined design, should provide a noticeably better user experience.
The Price Consideration
Still, these enhancements come at a cost. The Galaxy A57 carries a price increase of approximately €50/$50 compared to the launch price of the A56. The A56 launched at €479 in Europe and $499 in the US, while the A57 starts at €529 and $549. This price jump is a significant factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade.
The decision to upgrade will likely depend on individual needs, and priorities. Trade-in offers could help offset the increased cost, and those coming from older Galaxy A-series models will likely experience a more substantial improvement. For A56 owners, the upgrade is less compelling, but the improvements in camera performance, processing power, and display quality might be worthwhile for some.
the Galaxy A57 builds upon the strong foundation of the A56, offering meaningful upgrades in several key areas. However, the higher price point means potential buyers need to carefully weigh the benefits against the cost to determine if it’s the right choice for them.
As Samsung continues to refine its mid-range offerings, it will be interesting to see how these incremental improvements translate into real-world user experience and market reception. The A57 represents a continuation of Samsung’s commitment to delivering competitive features at accessible price points, but the price increase introduces a new layer of complexity for consumers.