Galaxy A56 vs Pixel 9a

Both panels refresh at 120Hz, but the A56 is 0.4 inches larger while the Pixel lists 800 more nits of peak brightness and a slightly higher resolution. Which matters more depends on whether you prioritise screen size or outdoor visibility.

Both are 8-core 4nm chips from different vendors — Samsung's in-house Exynos against Google's Tensor. The Pixel pairs its chip with Gemini Nano, Circle to Search and Best Take, while the A56 lists Circle to Search, Object Eraser, Best Face and Auto Trim.

The two camera systems are closely matched: 50MP versus 48MP on the stabilised main sensor, 12MP versus 13MP on the ultrawide and 12MP versus 13MP on the front camera. Neither phone lists a telephoto lens.

Both shoot 4K, but the Pixel 9a doubles the frame rate at that resolution. The Pixel also lists Audio Magic Eraser, while the A56 lists Nightography for stills and no extra video features.

Capacities differ by only 100 mAh, but charging is split: the A56 nearly doubles the wired rate at 45W versus 23W, while only the Pixel lists wireless charging at 7.5W.

Google lists one extra year of OS and security updates over Samsung's commitment for this model. Both phones launched on Android 15, with One UI 7 on the A56.

Both ratings list a 6 for dust, but the water digit differs: 7 on the A56 and 8 on the Pixel 9a. The gap reflects the depth of water each phone is rated to handle rather than a difference in dust protection.

The Pixel supports the newer WiFi 6E band and lists a faster USB-C 3.2 port, while the A56 is limited to WiFi 6 and USB-C 2.0. Both list Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, 5G and Nano-SIM + eSIM.

The Pixel is 12 g lighter, a small margin that most users will only notice when holding the two phones side by side. Both are aluminium-framed devices.

Which phone is cheaper?

They cost the same at the entry level: both the Galaxy A56 5G and the Pixel 9a are listed at $499 for 128GB with 8GB of RAM. At 256GB Samsung is cheaper — $549 versus $599 for the Pixel 9a.

Which phone has better battery life?

Battery capacities are almost identical: 5,000 mAh in the Galaxy A56 5G and 5,100 mAh in the Pixel 9a. Charging is where they split — 45W wired on the Samsung against 23W on the Google phone, while only the Pixel lists wireless charging, at 7.5W.

Which phone has the better camera?

Both use a stabilised main camera — 50MP f/1.8 on the A56 and 48MP f/1.7 on the Pixel 9a — with 12MP and 13MP ultrawides respectively. The Pixel records 4K video at 60fps rather than 30fps and lists Audio Magic Eraser; the A56 lists Nightography. Neither phone has a telephoto lens.

Which phone will receive updates longer?

The Pixel 9a lists 7 years of OS updates and 7 years of security updates. The Galaxy A56 5G lists 6 years of each, and both phones launched on Android 15 — the A56 with Samsung's One UI 7 skin.

Which phone is more water resistant?

The Pixel 9a carries an IP68 rating while the Galaxy A56 5G carries IP67. Both list a 6 for dust protection, but the higher water digit on the Pixel indicates a greater rated depth of water exposure.