Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
There is no verified, current same-country price pair here, so a reliable price difference cannot be stated. On the specifications available, the Nothing Phone (4a) offers a larger, sharper display and a 50 MP periscope camera with 3.5× optical zoom; the Galaxy A56 5G has the higher listed water-and-dust resistance rating. Choose between them by checking matched storage prices in your market and weighing those differences against confirmed local support terms.
How the two phones compare on paper
The figures below are reported specifications, not independent performance tests. Regional configurations can differ, so check the exact model sold in your country before buying.
| Specification | Nothing Phone (4a) | Samsung Galaxy A56 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch, 2720 × 1224, 120 Hz [Gadgets360; TechRadar] | 6.70-inch, 2340 × 1080, 120 Hz [Gadgets360] |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP + 50 MP + 8 MP [Gadgets360]; TechRadar identifies a 50 MP periscope camera with 3.5× optical zoom [TechRadar] | 50 MP + 12 MP + 5 MP [Gadgets360] |
| Front camera | 32 MP [Gadgets360] | 12 MP [Gadgets360] |
| Ingress protection | IP64 [Gadgets360] | IP67 [Gadgets360] |
| Software reported | Android 16 with Nothing OS 4.1 [TechRadar] | Android 15 with One UI 7.0 at launch, according to Samsung investor-report search text [Samsung investor report] |
| Battery capacity | Conflicting published figures: 5,080 mAh in TechRadar and 5,400 mAh in Gadgets360; regional capacity is not resolved [TechRadar; Gadgets360] | 5,000 mAh in Gadgets360 [Gadgets360] |
| Charging | 50 W wired; no wireless charging reported by TechRadar [TechRadar] | not stated in the cited comparison evidence |
| Reported update commitment | Three years of OS updates and six years of security updates, as reported by TechRadar [TechRadar] | not established by the cited evidence |
Which display is the better fit?
The Nothing’s reported panel is 0.08 inches larger diagonally and has a higher listed resolution, while both phones are listed at 120 Hz. That makes the Nothing the more promising choice on paper for a larger, sharper viewing area. The figures alone do not establish brightness, color accuracy, or outdoor readability, so compare those qualities in person if they matter to you.
What the camera specifications do—and do not—tell you
The Nothing has the more clearly differentiated zoom hardware in the available evidence: TechRadar describes a 50 MP periscope camera with 3.5× optical zoom. Optical zoom can frame distant subjects without relying solely on digital enlargement. Samsung’s listed rear-camera combination is 50 MP, 12 MP, and 5 MP, but the comparison does not identify equivalent zoom capability. Neither megapixel totals nor sensor counts prove which phone takes better photos; image processing, focus, low-light performance, and video quality require separate evaluation.
#1 Best Overall
- 25W Samsung Super Fast Charger Included, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Exynos 1580 (4nm), Octa-core, Xclipse 540 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 12MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3
Durability: IP67 versus IP64
The listed IP67 rating for the Galaxy A56 is higher than the Nothing’s IP64 rating. That is a useful distinction if exposure to dust or water is a concern, but neither rating means a phone is damage-proof. Do not treat either device as safe from every spill, immersion, or impact; check the maker’s warranty and care terms for the model sold in your region.
Software and support need a market-specific check
TechRadar reports Android 16 with Nothing OS 4.1 for the Phone (4a), alongside a promise of three years of OS updates and six years of security updates. The Samsung investor-report search text identifies the Galaxy A56’s launch software as Android 15 with One UI 7.0, but the cited material does not establish Samsung’s support duration for this model. Because launch software can change with updates and support terms may be stated differently by market, check each manufacturer’s current local product and support information before making longevity a deciding factor.
Battery and charging: a comparison with an unresolved figure
The Nothing battery capacity is reported inconsistently: TechRadar gives 5,080 mAh, while Gadgets360 lists 5,400 mAh. Gadgets360 lists 5,000 mAh for the A56, but the conflicting Nothing figure means a precise capacity advantage should not be treated as settled without confirming the regional model. TechRadar reports 50 W wired charging and no wireless charging for the Nothing; the cited comparison evidence does not establish an equivalent A56 charging figure. Capacity alone also cannot predict real-world battery life.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 12GB, No SD Card Slot, Exynos 1580 (4nm), Octa-core, Xclipse 540 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 12MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28/38/40/41/66, 5G: N1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66/77/78 - Dual SIM
- International Model – Global Connectivity – Plug & Play with an active SIM on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most U.S. carriers. New activations are supported on T-Mobile and Its MVNO's in the U.S., as some carriers may not recognize International IMEI's as Compatible. (No U.S. manufacturer warranty; Seller Return policy applies.)
Price difference: compare local prices, not mixed currencies
The evidence does not establish a current, same-market price for both phones in matched storage configurations. The available amounts are from different markets and dates, so subtracting them would produce a misleading comparison.
- Nothing’s Mexico storefront displayed MX$8,999 for an 8 GB/128 GB option when accessed in 2026. This is a regional listing, not a universal current price. [Nothing Mexico]
- TechRadar reported UK launch prices in March 2026 of £349 for 8 GB/128 GB, £379 for 8 GB/256 GB, and £399 for 12 GB/256 GB. The same report gave Australian launch prices of AU$649, AU$749, and AU$849 for those respective configurations. These are launch-price reports, not current street prices. [TechRadar]
For a useful comparison, look up both phones in the country where you will buy them, match RAM and storage as closely as possible, and compare the price at the same retailer and time. Include any local warranty or bundled offer only if it applies to both options.
Which phone should you choose?
Choose the Nothing Phone (4a) if
- You value the larger, higher-resolution display listed in the comparison.
- A dedicated periscope camera and reported 3.5× optical zoom matter for your photography.
- The reported Nothing update commitment fits your expected ownership period, after confirming it applies in your region.
- Its matched-configuration local price is competitive with the A56.
Choose the Galaxy A56 5G if
- The higher listed IP67 ingress-protection rating is a priority.
- You prefer Samsung’s software and ecosystem, and have confirmed the support terms for the specific market and model.
- Its local price, storage configuration, or retailer offer is more attractive than the comparable Nothing option.
There is no evidence-based overall winner without a verified local price pair and a confirmed regional specification sheet. The strongest paper advantages are different: Nothing on display resolution and optical zoom, Samsung on the listed ingress-protection rating.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
