Is it worth paying twice as much for a mobile phone that has changed so little?

Samsung has been faithful to its annual event and presented a few hours ago the new Galaxy A57 (next to Galaxy A37). This is placed as the best mid-range phone that South Koreans havealthough you may very well be wondering how it is different from Galaxy A56last year’s model. To make it very easy for you, we are going to see the main differences so that you have it easier when choosing one or the other right now.

The differences between the Galaxy A57 and the Galaxy A56

Continuous design, but lighter and thinner

At first glance, both Samsung devices are quite similar. Both the Galaxy A56 and the Galaxy A57 rely on a metal edge and a glass back where the camera module sticks outso both one and the other will “limp” you if you place them with the screen facing up on a table. Now, there are changes in dimensions and weight.

Samsung has been insisting on making its phones thinner for some time (the Galaxy S26 family is the perfect proof of this) and the Galaxy A57 is no exception. We are faced with a mobile that It is only 6.9 millimeters thicka good cut if we take into account that the A56 is 7.4 millimeters. There is also a notable difference in weight: the new model weighs 179 grams compared to the 198 grams of its predecessor. All this translates into a better in-hand experience.

Processor and memory configurations

Samsung continues to rely on its own Exynos processors for its mid-range phones. The new Galaxy A57 mounts the Exynos 1680a direct evolution of the Exynos 1580 that its predecessor rides. We do not have data yet on the performance of this new CPU, but hopefully it will be more powerful and efficient. The Galaxy A56, as we told you in its analysis, offers plenty of power for everyday life and the most common apps, something that will not change with the new model.

There are also differences at the memory level. The Galaxy A56 started with 6 GB of RAM, although it had an 8 GB configuration. The new model raises the level and starts with 8 GB of RAMalthough with the possibility of purchasing a version with 12 GB of RAM. It also goes up a level in storage, now starting from 256 GB with the possibility of choosing 512 GB, something that the Galaxy A56 did not offer (which started from 128 GB and went up to 256 GB).

Lots of AI and six years of updates

As usual, the new Galaxy A They come hand in hand with a more modern version of One UI, Samsung’s custom layer based on Android. In this case it is One UI 8.5 (Android 16), although the most interesting thing is once again the years of support that the company offers for these phones. The Galaxy A57 has six years of guaranteed updatesso you will receive up to Android 22. Logically, coming out in 2025, the Galaxy A56 will receive one year less of updates at this point.

AI is one of the key pieces of Samsung software, also in the Galaxy A57. Beyond Galaxy AIwe can expect this device to come with features like voice transcription on the recorder, smart object erase or ‘Circle to Find’, as well as Gemini. However, all of these functions They should also be present on the Galaxy A56.

Few changes at the battery and camera level

We are mainly emphasizing the differences between both terminals, but it is also important to point out where there are no changes. The battery is one of these aspects, since both devices have a 5,000 mAh battery. Although it is true that this figure is far from silicon-carbon batteries that other manufacturers mount, Samsung devices are very well optimized. Both one and the other should give you more than a day of autonomy.

In addition to fast charging (which in both cases is 45 W via cable), they also repeat the same cameras, both rear and selfie camera. There may be differences when testing them thanks to the processing and artificial intelligence, although we still have to wait to issue a verdict here.

The price has a lot to say right now

Of course, if we talk about differences, we must put the price into the equation. The new Galaxy A57, which comes out on April 10, starts at 529 euros in its configuration with 128 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Galaxy A56 right now can be found much cheaper. In fact, the version with 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM comes out 284.12 euros (with the discount coupon ‘ASES43’).

In summary: which Galaxy to choose based on your needs

Why choose the Galaxy A57

Although there are not many changes, there are. The problem is that may not be enough to justify paying the price difference what’s there right now. This is where the new model stands out the most:

• It comes with a new processor: We don’t have figures yet, but the new Exynos chip, on paper, is more powerful and efficient.
• It is lighter and thinner– The Galaxy A57 has become lighter and thinner. With an almost identical design, this new mobile is more comfortable in hand.
• Initial storage configuration is better: Starting from 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, the cheapest version is better than the Galaxy A56.
• You are looking for the greatest possible longevity: Both devices have six years of updates, but this one has arrived a year later, so it will receive more updates (both operating system and security).

Why choose the Galaxy A56

It is not a new model, but the Galaxy A56 offers very good value for money if you are looking for a Samsung mobile. This is where it shines the most:

• The price: We have already mentioned it above, but we can find the Galaxy A56 right now at a great price.
• Autonomy and similar camera system: Both in terms of battery and cameras, this Galaxy A56 is the same as the new model. That, in terms of quality-price, makes it very interesting.
• Sufficient performance for everyday life: Perhaps the configuration with 6 GB of RAM may fall short, but with 8 GB it should already be a phone with sufficient performance for apps like WhatsApp, TikTok or similar.
• It’s still a cell phone with a cord for a while: It has one year fewer updates than the new model, but still has five years of guaranteed patches.

Technical sheet with the main differences between the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A56

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Images | Samsung

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