Samsung Galaxy A56 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

The camera system is the A56's most contentious aspect. The 50MP main sensor delivers acceptable results in good light, and the selfie camera genuinely impresses, but still photography in challenging conditions falls noticeably behind competitors.

• Selfie camera is surprisingly excellent — among the best in the mid-range segment
• Video recording capabilities punch above the phone's weight class
• Still photography disappoints — the main camera struggles with dynamic range and detail in challenging light
• Ultrawide and macro lenses are serviceable but unremarkable for the price

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung has upgraded the main camera to a wider f/1.4 aperture (from f/1.7), claiming 47% more light intake. The 50MP 5x periscope telephoto also gets a wider f/2.9 aperture for 37% more light. Samsung's new APV codec enables visually lossless professional video. Early sample images look promising, but real-world camera performance awaits full reviews.

• The 200MP main sensor now has an f/1.4 aperture — the widest on any Samsung flagship, capturing 47% more light than the S25 Ultra
• The 50MP 5x periscope telephoto gets a wider f/2.9 aperture, which should significantly improve low-light zoom performance
• New APV codec enables visually lossless professional-grade video — a first for any Galaxy device, aimed at content creators
• The 12MP ultrawide and 10MP 3x telephoto are unchanged — Samsung continues to save its best camera hardware for the main and periscope lenses only