Are you looking for a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank? Mid-range phones are increasingly compelling, and two models stand out: the Google Pixel 9a and the Samsung Galaxy A56. Both manufacturers position these as “premium mid-rangers.” Let’s explore their strengths and differences together to help you make the best choice.
Price: A Clear Distinction
Right away, the price reveals a clear strategy. The Pixel 9a, in its 256GB version, carries a price tag of €650. The Galaxy A56, however, is much more affordable at €471 (prices observed on official sites at the time of this analysis). This significant price difference raises a question: does the Pixel 9a justify such a gap?
Design and Ergonomics: Two Elegant Approaches
Samsung and Google focus on simplicity and modernity. Both phones offer excellent build quality and refined ergonomics. The Galaxy A56 adopts Samsung’s signature design, with camera sensors aligned on the left. Google, on the other hand, integrates the camera module into the phone’s body, an approach I personally find more aesthetically pleasing. The finishes are exemplary, providing a more premium feel than found on Redmi or Realme devices.
The screen is a notable difference. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch Full HD+ OLED display. The Galaxy A56 features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. While both offer great image quality, the Pixel 9a stands out with superior brightness. Nevertheless, the Samsung suffers from much thicker bezels, a drawback in 2025.
Battery Life: Samsung Takes the Lead
The Galaxy A56 clearly dominates in battery life. Its 5000 mAh battery, paired with 45W fast charging, outperforms the Pixel 9a. The latter, despite a slightly larger battery (5100 mAh), only offers 23W charging. Contrary to some tests, real-world usage confirms the Samsung’s superior endurance.
Software and AI: Google Aims Higher
Both phones benefit from excellent software support. Google promises 7 years of updates for the Pixel 9a. Samsung ensures 6 years for the Galaxy A56. Both interfaces, pure Android for Google and One UI 7 for Samsung, are smooth and pleasant. However, Google sets itself apart with deeper artificial intelligence integration.
The Pixel 9a offers exclusive AI features worthy of high-end phones. These include “Magic Eraser,” “Best Take,” and the “Audio Magic Eraser” feature (initially reserved for the Galaxy S25 series). Although the Galaxy A56 also offers AI functions, they are fewer and less advanced.
Performance: A Matter of Priorities
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a uses a limited version of the Tensor G4, Google’s in-house processor. The Galaxy A56 is powered by an Exynos chip. In daily use, both offer a fluid experience. However, for gaming, the Galaxy A56 performs slightly better. Despite benchmarks favoring the Pixel, the Samsung provides a better gaming experience.
Photo and Video: Google’s Edge
In photography and video, the Pixel 9a gets my vote. Its dual-camera system (48MP + 13MP ultra-wide) and 13MP selfie camera often produce more convincing results. The Galaxy A56 offers a triple-camera setup (50MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), but its macro sensor proves not very useful. Its selfie camera is 12MP. Both phones shoot in 4K, but the Pixel 9a reaches 60 frames per second, compared to 30 for the Samsung.
Conclusion: A Tough Choice
The Pixel 9a impresses with its design, camera, AI, and software support. Its main drawbacks are its high price, less impressive battery life, and thick screen bezels. The Galaxy A56 shines with exceptional battery life, an immersive screen, and a more affordable price. It also performs better for gaming. The choice, therefore, depends on your priorities. If AI and photography are essential, the Pixel 9a might justify its cost. If battery life and budget are paramount, the Galaxy A56 is an excellent choice.
