Samsung has unveiled its 2025 Galaxy A Series, a surprisingly well-rounded set of smartphones aimed at users looking for affordability without sacrificing too much on features. This year’s lineup includes the Galaxy A16 5G, A26 5G, A36 5G, and the flagship-esque A56 5G. These phones are all about delivering value, but Samsung has also packed in enhancements like Awesome Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features designed to improve performance and usability. 

The question is, does this series strike the right balance between premium feel and price-conscious design? Let’s take a closer look at each model to determine how well Samsung has hit its mark. 

Shared DNA Across the Lineup 

Before we break down each model, it’s worth pointing out some consistent features across the lineup. Samsung has made a push with its Awesome Intelligence, an AI-driven system meant to learn user habits to make the devices smarter and more efficient. While this includes adaptive photo optimization, better app management, and battery life enhancements, it’s not entirely unique. We’ve seen similar functionality in other budget and midrange devices, but Samsung’s execution feels polished and user-friendly. 

Design is another highlight. All four phones feature a minimalist exterior with clean lines, slim bodies, and well-placed camera arrays. Where the differences emerge is in the materials; the lower-tier models use plastic, which is expected, but the higher-end options feel more premium with better finishes. 

Galaxy A16 5G 

The Galaxy A16 5G is positioned as the beginner-friendly model. It packs a 6.6-inch FHD+ Infinity-V display. Though the panel lacks some of the vibrancy you’ll see in AMOLED-equipped models, it gets the job done for everyday browsing or streaming. 

Its dual-camera system is basic, offering a standard wide and ultrawide setup, with resolutions that keep performance functional but unremarkable. Bright outdoor shots turn out well, but low-light performance suffers despite the AI’s tweaks. Performance runs on a mid-tier MediaTek chipset, and while it’s fine for light users, this phone isn’t built for gaming or multitasking. 

Positives: 

  • Affordable pricing 
  • Reliable 5000mAh battery for long usage 
  • Does the basics well 

Drawbacks: 

  • Limited camera capabilities 
  • Mediocre low-light photos 
  • Plastic-heavy build 

If you have a Galaxy A16 5G then you should take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G cases and accessories available from Campad Electronics: https://www.campadelectronics.com.au/samsung-galaxy-a16-5g.php 

Galaxy A26 5G 

The A26 5G takes what the A16 does and applies meaningful upgrades. It sports a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which is crisp, vibrant, and a clear step up. The addition of a triple-camera system delivers more flexibility, and Awesome Intelligence’s camera improvements start to shine, particularly with portrait shots. 

Internal storage gets a boost to 128GB, which, paired with microSD support, makes this phone more versatile for everyday users. The battery matches the 5000mAh capacity of the A16 but benefits from smarter power management. 

Positives: 

  • Excellent value for its display and features 
  • Good midrange processor for smooth day-to-day performance 
  • Balanced combination of design and performance 

Drawbacks: 

  • Still some limitations when it comes to gaming or demanding apps 
  • As with the A16, the plastic back diminishes its premium feel 

If you have a Galaxy A26 5G then you should take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G cases and accessories available from Campad Electronics: https://www.campadelectronics.com.au/samsung-galaxy-a26-5g.php 

Galaxy A36 5G 

The A36 5G is where the Galaxy A Series starts to appeal to demanding users. With a buttery 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, it’s perfect for fluid scrolling and better gaming performance. The quad-camera array, led by a 64MP main sensor, produces detailed photos in most conditions, though the video capabilities remain limited compared to higher-end Samsung options. 

What makes this model stand out is its hardware. The chipset and RAM options are beefier here, so you can push this device harder without lag. Enhanced multitasking and app switching make this a solid choice for users who want midrange power without straying into flagship-territory pricing. 

Positives: 

  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display 
  • Improved camera system with respectable results 
  • Solid performance for multitasking and casual gaming 

Drawbacks: 

  • Pricing starts to creep closer to Galaxy S devices 
  • Video and low-light camera performance still lag behind higher-end options 

If you have a Galaxy A36 5G then you should take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G cases and accessories available from Campad Electronics: https://www.campadelectronics.com.au/samsung-galaxy-a36-5g.php 

Galaxy A56 5G 

The A56 5G sits at the top of the series and blurs the line between midrange and flagship devices. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is a head-turner, combining vibrant colours, sharp clarity, and a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals. It feels premium and is likely to attract gamers or heavy content consumers. 

One of the biggest leaps here is the 108MP main camera, which delivers crisp, detailed shots. It’s coupled with optical image stabilization, a key feature missing in the lower models, and 4K video recording brings it closer to flagship performance. The top-tier internals, with up to 12GB of RAM, ensure snappy performance even under heavy workloads. 

However, there’s an elephant in the room. The A56 is priced so close to mid-tier flagship competitors, including Samsung’s Galaxy S lineup, that it’s challenging to justify why you wouldn’t just upgrade to a full flagship device if your budget allows. 

Positives: 

  • Fantastic display with a flagship-caliber experience 
  • Superior camera array with standout 108MP sensor 
  • High performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking 

Drawbacks: 

  • Price diminishes its “accessible” appeal 
  • The feature set starts to overlap significantly with flagship devices 

If you have a Galaxy A56 5G then you should take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G cases and accessories available from Campad Electronics: https://www.campadelectronics.com.au/samsung-galaxy-a56-5g.php 

Final Thoughts 

The 2025 Samsung Galaxy A Series is a solid lineup of devices that aim to provide premium features at reasonable prices. Samsung’s Awesome Intelligence, though not groundbreaking, is a practical and functional addition that enhances the user experience. 

The Galaxy A16 5G and A26 5G are reliable options for users sticking to tighter budgets, with the A26 striking a sweet spot in balancing features and price. On the higher end, the A36 5G and A56 5G bring compelling upgrades but risk entering territory that overlaps the flagship segment. For cases and accessories for all other Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets take at look at the Campad Electronics’ range: https://www.campadelectronics.com.au/samsunglist.php 

If you’re looking for a reliable phone and can live with a few compromises, the A26 is the standout option. But if you crave a near-flagship experience without fully committing to the price tag, the A56 deserves your attention. Just be aware that it may leave you questioning whether you should have gone all-in on Samsung’s premium models.