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The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro are both large-screen Android phones with 120Hz-class AMOLED displays and 5,000mAh batteries, but their camera hardware and documented software support differ. Nothing lists a dedicated 3x optical-zoom periscope camera; Samsung’s announced M56 support promise is six Android upgrade generations and six years of security updates. Samsung’s India launch prices are historical, so a reliable current price difference requires checking same-day listings for matching storage.
Samsung Galaxy M56 vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: specifications
The table below uses manufacturer specifications. It describes hardware and published commitments, not independently measured performance or image quality.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy M56 5G | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+; 120Hz maximum refresh rate; 1080 × 2340 resolution | 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED; adaptive refresh up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 1480 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro | 50MP main with OIS, 50MP periscope with OIS and 3x optical zoom, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera | 12MP | 50MP |
| Video recording | Up to 4K at 30fps, according to Samsung’s specification page | 4K recording listed by Nothing; frame rate not stated on the cited product page |
| Battery and charging | 5,000mAh typical capacity; 45W charging | 5,000mAh; 50W fast charging |
| Water and dust resistance | Not stated in the cited Samsung materials | IP64 rating |
| Dimensions and weight | 162.0 × 77.3 × 7.2mm; 180g | Not stated in the cited Nothing product-page material |
| Software at launch | One UI 7 | Not stated in the cited Nothing product-page material |
| Documented software support | Samsung announced six generations of Android upgrades and six years of security updates. Its specification page states security updates valid until 31 December 2030; verify the current date on the page before relying on it. | A comparable support-duration commitment is not established by the cited product page. |
Samsung’s specifications are from its India launch announcement and product specification page. Nothing’s specifications are from its India Phone (3a) Pro product page. Display brightness figures are not included because the manufacturers’ measurement descriptions are not directly comparable.
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A verified current price difference for the two phones cannot be stated from the available price evidence. Samsung’s published figures are launch offers from 17 April 2025, not present-day retailer prices. Samsung announced introductory prices of ₹24,999 for the 8GB+128GB M56 and ₹27,999 for the 8GB+256GB version; each figure included a ₹3,000 instant bank discount. These are not directly comparable with a current Nothing price.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.)
To work out today’s difference, compare listings checked on the same date for the same storage capacity, and separate the ordinary selling price from bank or card offers. Confirm the exact variant and color before comparing: availability and discounts can change, and the cited official Nothing page does not establish a current transaction price.
Which phone has the better camera setup?
Choose the Nothing for a dedicated zoom camera
The Phone (3a) Pro’s listed 50MP periscope camera has 3x optical zoom and OIS. That gives it a dedicated telephoto option absent from the M56’s published rear-camera specification. Nothing also lists a 50MP front camera. These are hardware distinctions, not proof that one phone takes better photos in every situation.
Rank #2
- ELEVATED DESIGN. EVERYDAY EASE: Galaxy A57 5G features the best of A Series design that’s lighter, slimmer¹ and made to fit with your outfit
- A VIVID VIEWING EXPERIENCE: Dive deeper into your content with the Super AMOLED Plus display² on Galaxy A57 5G that features slimmer bezels for a more immersive viewing experience
- SNAP IT. LOVE IT. SHARE IT: The triple-lens camera on Galaxy A57 5G lets you capture everything from low-light videos with Nightography Video to landscapes in awesome detail
- BIG-TIME BATTERY LIFE: The 5,000mAh battery in Galaxy A57 5G lets you do what you want without worrying about running out of power and the 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0³ recharges your phone faster
- AWESOMELY FAST PERFORMANCE: Galaxy A57 5G⁴ keeps you connected with faster speeds so you can enjoy every online experience with ease. Stream videos, share photos, video call or simply surf your favorite sites without interruption
The M56 has a different three-camera mix
Samsung lists a 50MP OIS main camera, 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro camera, plus a 12MP front camera. Consider whether macro or periscope zoom better matches the subjects you photograph; the specifications alone do not establish comparative image quality, low-light results or video quality.
How do their screens, batteries and charging compare?
Both are large FHD+ AMOLED phones with refresh rates reaching 120Hz. The Nothing screen is listed at 6.77 inches and described as flexible AMOLED with adaptive refresh; Samsung lists a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ panel with a maximum 120Hz refresh rate. The small diagonal-size difference does not by itself establish which screen looks better.
Rank #3
- 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
Both manufacturers list a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung specifies 45W charging and Nothing specifies 50W. Those nominal charging rates do not establish actual charging time or battery endurance; no comparable independent charging or battery test is cited here. Nothing’s product page makes usage and charging claims, including “26 hours of YouTube” and a day’s power in under 20 minutes; these are Nothing’s claims, not independent test results.
What do the software-support promises mean?
Samsung announced six generations of Android upgrades and six years of security updates for the M56. Its specification page currently states that security updates are valid until 31 December 2030; check Samsung’s page for any updated information. The cited Nothing product-page material does not establish a directly comparable update-duration commitment, so this comparison cannot say that Nothing offers fewer updates.
Rank #4
- 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
Which phone should you buy?
- Consider the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro if a dedicated 3x optical-zoom camera, a higher-resolution listed selfie camera, or its IP64 rating is important to you.
- Consider the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G if Samsung’s explicit announced software-support commitment, its listed 180g weight and 7.2mm thickness, or its macro camera better fits your priorities.
- Let the current price decide only after matching configurations. Compare same-day prices for the same storage capacity, and account for bank discounts separately. Samsung’s 2025 launch prices are not today’s price quote.
The specifications do not settle processor speed, camera quality, battery life or charging time in real use. No equivalent independent comparison for those areas is established here, so choose based on the features and support information that are documented rather than assuming a performance winner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ELEVATED DESIGN. EVERYDAY EASE: Galaxy A57 5G features the best of A Series design that’s lighter, slimmer¹ and made to fit with your outfit
- A VIVID VIEWING EXPERIENCE: Dive deeper into your content with the Super AMOLED Plus display² on Galaxy A57 5G that features slimmer bezels for a more immersive viewing experience
- SNAP IT. LOVE IT. SHARE IT: The triple-lens camera on Galaxy A57 5G lets you capture everything from low-light videos with Nightography Video to landscapes in awesome detail
- BIG-TIME BATTERY LIFE: The 5,000mAh battery in Galaxy A57 5G lets you do what you want without worrying about running out of power and the 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0³ recharges your phone faster
- AWESOMELY FAST PERFORMANCE: Galaxy A57 5G⁴ keeps you connected with faster speeds so you can enjoy every online experience with ease. Stream videos, share photos, video call or simply surf your favorite sites without interruption
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.
