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
The Galaxy A56 5G has the stronger listed hardware: a 120Hz display, higher-resolution ultra-wide and macro cameras, IP67 protection and 45W charging. The Galaxy A17 5G shares the same 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display size and 50MP main-camera resolution, and Samsung lists six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security support for both. In Samsung’s US March 2026 MSRP list, the unlocked 128GB A17 is $199.99 and the A56 is $499.99—a $300 listed-price difference. That is dated MSRP evidence, not a current street-price quote.
Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Galaxy A17 at a glance
| Specification | Galaxy A56 5G | Galaxy A17 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED; up to 120Hz | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED; 90Hz |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main with OIS, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro; 4K/30fps video | 50MP main with OIS promoted by Samsung, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro; maximum video resolution not established on the cited Samsung page |
| Battery and charging | 5,000mAh typical capacity; up to 45W charging; Samsung claims up to 29 hours of video viewing | Battery capacity and charging speed are not stated in the cited Samsung page passages |
| Protection and materials | IP67 rating; metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP54 splash protection; Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Software support | Up to six OS generations and up to six years of security updates | Six OS upgrades and six years of security support |
| Samsung US listed MSRP, unlocked 128GB | $499.99 | $199.99 |
Specifications are Samsung’s published claims, not independent test results. The listed price comparison comes from Samsung’s March 2026 US MSRP sheet; it marks both entries EOL, and prices may change without notice. The UK product pages are the source for the specifications, and details or availability can vary by market. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G specifications; Samsung Galaxy A17 5G specifications; Samsung US March 2026 MSRP list.
What is the price difference?
Samsung’s US March 2026 list gives the unlocked 128GB Galaxy A17 5G an MSRP of $199.99 and the unlocked 128GB Galaxy A56 5G an MSRP of $499.99. Subtracting the A17 figure from the A56 figure gives a $300 difference. Both phones are marked EOL on that list, so these figures do not establish today’s retail price, stock, or availability. Check local sellers for current offers and confirm that you are comparing the same storage, carrier status and market.
Which phone has the better display?
Both have a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, so their stated size and panel technology match. The A56 is listed with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, compared with 90Hz for the A17. A higher refresh rate can make supported scrolling and animations look smoother, but the specification alone does not establish brightness, color accuracy or overall display quality.
#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
How do the cameras compare?
Samsung lists a 50MP main camera on each phone and promotes optical image stabilization (OIS) for both. Their secondary cameras differ: the A56 has a 12MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro, while the A17 has a 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro. Samsung lists 4K recording at 30fps for the A56; the cited A17 page does not establish its maximum video resolution.
These sensor resolutions describe hardware, not comparative photo results. They do not by themselves prove which phone takes better pictures, performs better in low light or produces more useful video. No independent side-by-side camera testing is established here.
Rank #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.)
Battery life and charging: what is known?
Samsung lists a typical 5,000mAh battery for the A56, up to 45W charging and up to 29 hours of video viewing. The video figure is Samsung’s stated claim, not an independent endurance-test result. The cited passages on Samsung’s A17 page do not state battery capacity or charging speed, so a direct battery or charging comparison cannot be made from these specifications.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Durability and water resistance
The A56 has an IP67 rating, a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+. Samsung describes the A17 as having IP54 splash protection and Gorilla Glass Victus. IP ratings indicate specified protection conditions; neither rating means a phone is waterproof, and the ratings are not evidence of comparative real-world durability.
Rank #3
- AWESOMELY LIGHT: The sleeker, lighter design of Galaxy A56 5G makes it easier and more comfortable to hold as you browse, snap and share as compared to Galaxy A54 5G.
- AWESOME MADE EASY: The Awesome Intelligence of Galaxy A56 is like having a suite of superpowers. You can find answers quicker using Circle to Search with Google.7 Plus, get the photos and videos you want with tools like Best Face and Auto Trim .
- AWESOMELY VIVID DETAIL: The ultra-clear 6.7” display of Galaxy A56 5G helps you enjoy the latest shows, your favorite pics or fun social videos in awesome detail.2
- DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS: Galaxy A56 5G comes equipped with a triple-lens camera. A 50MP main camera gets great details, even at a distance. The 12MP wide camera allows you to get stunning clarity in your broader shots.
- LASTS LONG. CHARGES FAST: The 5,000mAh battery in Galaxy A56 5G lets you do what you want without worrying about running out of power. And the 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 recharges your phone faster so you can get back to doing awesome things faster.3
Software support
Samsung says the A56 is eligible for up to six generations of OS upgrades and up to six years of security updates. For the A17, Samsung states six OS upgrades and six years of security support. Samsung cautions that update availability and timing can vary by device model and market, so these support commitments do not guarantee identical release dates in every region.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Galaxy A56 5G if
- You want the higher listed display refresh rate, 120Hz versus 90Hz.
- You value the A56’s higher-resolution ultra-wide and macro cameras, while recognizing that megapixels alone do not establish image quality.
- You want Samsung’s stated IP67 rating and up to 45W charging.
- You are comfortable paying more if current local pricing preserves a meaningful gap.
Consider the Galaxy A17 5G if
- You want the lower listed US MSRP for the unlocked 128GB model and can find it at a suitable current price.
- A 90Hz 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and the listed 50MP main camera meet your needs.
- You are comfortable with IP54 splash protection and do not need the A56’s stated 45W charging specification.
Both phones have Samsung’s stated six-generation OS-upgrade and six-year security-support terms, subject to market and timing variation. There is no independent performance benchmark in the cited material, so specifications alone are not enough to name a speed or overall-value winner.
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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
