When it comes to choosing a smartphone in 2025, Samsung remains a dominant player in the Android world. From flagship models that rival any premium device on the market to affordable mid range options that deliver impressive value, the South Korean giant has something for everyone. Two devices currently making waves are the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. At first glance, they both promise exceptional performance, great cameras, and long software support. But if you dig deeper, you’ll notice that these two phones cater to very different audiences.
So, which one is the better buy for you? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into their design, performance, cameras, battery life, software experience, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which device fits your needs and your wallet best.
A Tale of Two Galaxies: Where They Stand in Samsung’s Lineup
Before we dive into the nitty gritty specs, let’s set the stage. Samsung’s smartphone ecosystem is like a well organized city. The Galaxy S series represents the luxurious downtown the flagship zone where cutting edge innovation lives. The Galaxy A series, on the other hand, is more like the bustling suburbs, practical, affordable, and reliable, yet increasingly stylish and feature packed.The Galaxy S24 FE belongs to the flagship family, even though the “FE” (Fan Edition) models are positioned slightly below the ultra premium siblings like the S24 Ultra. They’re built for users who want flagship performance and design but at a relatively lower price.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy A56 is a mid range hero. It’s designed for value seekers people who want a phone that handles everyday tasks with ease, looks modern, and lasts for years without breaking the bank. Think of it as the smart, budget friendly alternative that still carries Samsung’s DNA.
On paper, both sound appealing. But the question is, do the extra bells and whistles of the S24 FE justify the extra cost? Or is the A56 good enough for most people in 2025? Let’s find out.
Design & Build: Premium vs Practical
Design often makes the first impression, and Samsung rarely disappoints in this department. Both the A56 and S24 FE feature sleek, minimalist aesthetics with Samsung’s signature symmetrical camera layout. But look closer, and the differences start to emerge.The Galaxy S24 FE exudes premium from the moment you hold it. Its aluminum frame feels robust, and the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back adds durability and sophistication. It’s also rated IP68, meaning it can survive dust storms and even a dunk in water for up to 30 minutes. If you’re the type who accidentally drops your phone in the sink while watching TikToks, that’s peace of mind money can buy.
The Galaxy A56, while not as luxurious, still holds its own. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ offer solid protection, and it even comes with an IP67 rating not quite as tough as IP68, but still good enough for accidental splashes or rain showers. In the hand, it feels sturdy but slightly lighter compared to the S24 FE, which some users might prefer for comfort during long texting sessions or Netflix binges.
Another point worth mentioning is color options. Samsung knows people love a little flair in their gadgets, and both models come in attractive shades. However, the S24 FE offers more exclusive and bold colors, reinforcing its premium identity.
Display: Brightness Battles and Fluid Scrolling
If you’ve ever walked outside on a sunny day and struggled to read your screen, you’ll appreciate what Samsung has done here. Both devices feature Super AMOLED panels with 120 Hz refresh rates, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth.The Galaxy A56 boasts a 6.7 inch Full HD+ display, complete with HDR10+ support and up to 1900 nits peak brightness. For a mid range device, that’s impressive. Watching YouTube videos, browsing social media, or gaming feels immersive and vibrant.
The S24 FE Its brightness levels can reach around 1900 nits too, making it almost immune to harsh sunlight glare. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, this could be a game changer. The color calibration also leans more toward accuracy and natural tones, whereas the A56 tends to be slightly more saturated (which many users actually prefer for that punchy look).
In short, both displays are excellent but the S24 FE is brighter, sharper in tone accuracy, and overall more flagship like.
Performance: Everyday Smooth vs Flagship Power
Performance is where the gap between these two phones really starts to widen. The Galaxy A56 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 1580 processor paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This setup is more than capable for day to day tasks think social media, video streaming, light gaming, and multitasking. It even handles apps like Canva or photo editing without breaking a sweat.But when you throw heavy gaming or demanding multitasking into the mix, you’ll notice its mid range roots. Titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run fine on medium settings but won’t give you that silky smooth experience at max graphics.
Now enter the Galaxy S24 FE, powered by Exynos 2400e (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in some markets). This is flagship level silicon. Whether you’re gaming, editing 4K videos, or juggling multiple productivity apps, the S24 FE remains snappy and fluid. It’s built for power users who demand performance without compromise.
If performance is your top priority especially for gaming or professional tasks the S24 FE clearly wins. But for most average users, the A56’s performance is plenty good and more than enough for everyday needs.
Software Support: Future Proofing Your Phone
Both devices benefit from Samsung’s industry leading software update policy, which is a huge selling point in 2025. The Galaxy A56 comes with six years of OS and security updates, while the S24 FE extends that to seven years.Think about that, if you buy either phone today, it’ll still be supported well into the 2030s. That’s an incredible level of longevity and ensures you’re protected against security threats while enjoying the latest Android features.
Cameras: The Zoom Advantage
Cameras are often the deal breaker for many buyers, and here the S24 FE flexes its muscles.The Galaxy A56 packs a triple lens setup:
- 50 MP main (with OIS)
- 12 MP ultra wide
- 5 MP macro
- 12 MP front camera. For most users, this is more than enough. Photos are sharp, colors pop, and Samsung’s AI tricks like Object Eraser and Best Face make shooting fun and effortless.
Low light photography also tilts in favor of the S24 FE, thanks to its more advanced image processing and better sensor quality. While the A56 still performs admirably, especially for its price, night shots on the S24 FE have less noise and more dynamic range.
Battery & Charging: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Battery life can make or break your experience, especially if you’re on the go all day. The Galaxy A56 houses a beefy 5000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging. Samsung claims around 29 hours of video playback, and in real world use, it comfortably lasts a full day and a half for moderate users.The S24 FE, interestingly, has a smaller 4700 mAh battery and supports 25W charging. That’s quite a drop on paper, but the more efficient chipset helps offset the smaller capacity. Still, heavy users may need a top up by evening, whereas the A56 can push through without breaking a sweat.
So if battery life is critical for you say you travel a lot or work away from power outlets the A56 is the safer bet.
AI Features & Software Extras
AI integration is the buzzword of 2025, and Samsung hasn’t ignored it. Both devices come loaded with AI features like Circle to Search, Photo Remastering, Live Translate, and smart suggestions for productivity.However, the S24 FE handles these features faster and more smoothly, thanks to its more powerful processor. So if you plan to use AI driven tools frequently, the S24 FE delivers a more seamless experience.
Price & Value Proposition
Here’s the clincher, price. The Galaxy A56 starts around $499, while the Galaxy S24 FE costs closer to $649 (or regional equivalents). That’s a $150 gap a significant difference for most buyers.Is the S24 FE worth that extra cost? If you crave flagship power, superior cameras, and a premium feel, yes. But if you want the best value for money a phone that nails the essentials without emptying your wallet the A56 is hard to beat.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Galaxy A56 if:
- You’re on a budget but still want a stylish, modern phone.
- Battery life matters more than telephoto zoom.
- You’re a light to moderate user who values longevity.
Buy the Galaxy S24 FE if:
- You’re a gamer or a power user.
- You need the best camera versatility, including optical zoom.
- You prefer a truly premium design and build.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Galaxy S24 FE are excellent phones, but they serve different audiences. The A56 is the king of practicality great display, strong battery, capable cameras, and long term updates at a mid range price. The S24 FE, on the other hand, is for those who want a slice of flagship glory without going full Ultra.So the question isn’t which is better overall it’s which is better for you. And that, my friend, depends on your priorities.