Samsung Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 arrive with powerful chipsets and 6 years of software updates

The Galaxy A trio boasts One UI 7 and six years of software updates, all within a $500 budget.

Image: Samsung

The anticipation among One UI enthusiasts has reached its peak, and for good reason. Samsung has just unveiled its latest budget-friendly contenders: the Samsung Galaxy A26, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A56. These new additions to the Galaxy A series promise not only affordability but also a commitment to long-term usability with an impressive six years of software support. With price points of approximately $300 for the Galaxy A26, $400 for the Galaxy A36, and $499 for the Galaxy A56, Samsung aims to make its advanced technology accessible to a wider audience.

After a flurry of rumors, Samsung has officially introduced these highly anticipated models, showcasing a blend of refined design and significant chipset upgrades. The aesthetic across the new Galaxy A series has been subtly enhanced, featuring a unified camera design with three lenses housed in a single ring. However, the Galaxy A26 distinguishes itself with a drop-notch front camera, while the A36 and A56 maintain the punch-hole design reminiscent of the flagship Galaxy S25 series. Notably, the Galaxy A56 and A36 boast slimmer bezels compared to the A26, contributing to a more modern look.

The most significant upgrade lies in the chipsets powering these devices. In a market often saturated with MediaTek processors in this price range, Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to performance. The Galaxy A26 is equipped with the Exynos 1380 and 6GB of RAM, the Galaxy A36 features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 6GB of RAM, and the Galaxy A56 boasts the Exynos 1580 with 8GB of RAM. This strategic move to include robust processors in their affordable lineup underscores Samsung's dedication to delivering a seamless user experience.

Image: Samsung

Software is another area where Samsung excels. The promise of six years of software updates across the Galaxy A series is a testament to the brand’s focus on longevity. The new Galaxy A series comes with One UI 7 for a modern experience. Furthermore, Samsung is bringing its Galaxy AI capabilities, dubbed "Awesome Intelligence," to these devices. Features such as Circle to Search, Best Face, Nightography, Object Eraser, and Filters, previously exclusive to flagship models, are now available in these budget-friendly smartphones. This inclusion of AI features not only enhances user experience but also serves as a compelling selling point for those seeking advanced functionality without breaking the bank.

Regarding availability, the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26 are expected to launch by the end of this month. However, aligning with earlier reports, the Galaxy A56 will arrive later this year, potentially around June. Our insights suggest that Samsung might unveil the A56 alongside the anticipated Galaxy S25 edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7 lineup at a dedicated Unpacked event.