Samsung is preparing to launch its latest mid-range smartphones — the Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 — positioning them as key competitors in the increasingly crowded R5,000–R11,000 price segment. With a March release on the horizon, the new A-series models are expected to bring 5G connectivity, updated designs, and improved hardware to Samsung’s most popular lineup. But with brands like HONOR aggressively expanding in South Africa — especially with the newly launched X9c — the A56 in particular faces stiff competition at its expected price point.
A familiar design with subtle refinements
Leaks suggest that as is Samsung’s strategy of late, the company is refining, rather than revolutionising, the A-series design. The Galaxy A56 is expected to feature a flatter, more squared-off frame, aligning it more closely with the flagship S-series aesthetic. The device will reportedly launch in a range of colours including a pale silver-grey, pink, black, and pale green. Meanwhile, the A36 and A26 are likely to maintain a similar approach, available in green, grey, and purple.
All three models are expected to support 5G, which is becoming standard in mid-range smartphones, ensuring better longevity as South Africa’s mobile networks continue to expand their high-speed coverage.
Performance and battery: Incremental upgrades
The Galaxy A56 is rumoured to feature Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1580 chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Battery life should be solid, with a 5,000mAh cell and 45W fast charging — placing it on par with devices like the HONOR X9c in terms of endurance.
The A36 is expected to ship with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, a notable step up in efficiency and AI-driven enhancements over last year’s models. Details on the A26’s chipset remain unclear, but it’s likely to be a MediaTek or lower-end Snapdragon option.
Cameras
For photography, the A56 is rumoured to feature a triple-lens setup, led by a 50MP primary sensor, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 5MP macro shooter. A 12MP front-facing camera rounds out the setup, which should deliver competitive imaging performance in its class. The A36 and A26 will likely offer pared-down versions of this configuration, focusing on a balance between quality and affordability.
Samsung promises extended software updates
A recent YouTube teaser from Samsung India hints at the new devices, mentioning six OS updates, if true, this could make the A-series one of the longest-supported mid-range smartphone lineups, rivalling even flagship devices in longevity. Additionally, the Galaxy A56 is expected to receive Galaxy AI, bringing some of Samsung’s latest artificial intelligence features — though details on exactly which AI-powered tools will make the cut remain unclear.
Pricing
According to network partners familiar with Samsung’s local plans, here’s what to expect in terms of pricing:
- Galaxy A56 – R10,999 (R500 cheaper than last year’s A55, which launched at R11,499)
- Galaxy A36 (256GB) – R8,999
- Galaxy A36 (128GB) – R7,499 (maintaining the same starting price as last year’s A35)
- Galaxy A26 – R5,999
The Galaxy A56’s pricing puts it directly in competition with the recently launched HONOR X9c, which boasts a curved AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and a 108MP main camera. Samsung will need to lean on brand loyalty, software support, and ecosystem integration to justify its positioning in this segment.
The Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 are shaping up to be solid contenders in the mid-range space, but Samsung isn’t alone in targeting this competitive price bracket. With brands like HONOR, Xiaomi, and Vivo aggressively expanding in South Africa, Samsung’s latest A-series will need to offer more than just incremental updates to stand out.
Gifs and featured image courtesy of Evan Blass