Pixel 9a vs Galaxy A56 5G: This is the one I’d get

I’ve not used either device yet but have experience with Samsung’s mid-range products and Google’s Pixel series. The two firms’ products are so close on paper that I suggest you wait until reviews are available before making a concrete decision. Nevertheless, I’ve picked a favorite that offers the most bang for the buck.

Four things are crucial to me when considering a phone: size and design, battery and power efficiency, camera performance, and support. There’s one device that stands a head above the other.

Let’s tackle my first consideration: size and design. The Pixel 9a trends towards the smaller side of the spectrum for modern handsets. Its 6.3-inch display is a comfortable measurement for my hands should I ever need to use it one-handed. It also isn’t so small that vital content is left beyond the bezels. You’ll fit much more on the Galaxy A56 5G’s 6.7-inch screen, but it appears far more cumbersome to wield. The Pixel 9a is also lighter than the Galaxy A56 5G, something I also appreciate. The 13-gram difference between the two devices isn’t massive, but it’ll be noticeable. I like that the Pixel’s camera bump is also considerably smaller.

Ironically, the Pixel 9a packs a slightly larger battery (5,100mAh vs 5,000mAh) despite its much smaller stature. Both phones offer plenty of potential power stuffed away beneath their skins, but it’s remarkable that Google’s finally getting a leg up over Samsung in this department. I value having more power on tap than faster-charging potential, so even though the Galaxy A56 5G now packs Galaxy S25 Ultra-like 45W charging speeds, I’d take the Pixel 9a’s 23W, simply due to its larger battery. The bonus of wireless charging is a winner for me, too.

Granted, power consumption is also related to a phone’s chipset efficiency. The Pixel 9a uses Google’s latest Tensor G4 SoC, which has proven efficient in other devices in the Pixel 9 range. In turn, Samsung employs the Exynos 1580, a chipset that promises plenty of improvements over its predecessor but is, nonetheless, still a mid-range product. We’ve yet to benchmark Samsung’s silicon, but I’d expect the Tensor G4 to outperform the Exynos 1580. Efficiency remains a question mark, though.

Google and Samsung have shoveled plenty of resources into camera development over the years, and the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A56 5G offer intriguing kit lists. As our current best mid-range camera phone pick, the Pixel 8a is a tough act to follow. The Pixel 9a swaps out the 64MP 1/1.73-inch sensor for a 48MP 1/2-inch f/1.7 camera, which trades sensor size and megapixels for a larger aperture than its predecessor. It’s joined by that customary 13MP ultrawide.

Samsung opts for three lenses, but interestingly, neither phone provides a telephoto lens. That’s a shame. Nevertheless, the Galaxy A56 5G brings a 50MP f/1.8 main camera alongside a 12MP ultrawide and a dedicated 5MP macro lens. Incidentally, the Pixel 9a melds this functionality into its primary camera, which is an efficient solution it uses on its mainline Pixel Pro series. Overall, I’m most intrigued by the Pixel 9a’s camera loadout, but again, I’d wait until we review both devices before making a concrete decision.

Finally, let’s talk about my biggest deal maker: software support. Google continues offering its mid-range devices with flagship-level backing, providing the Pixel 9a with seven years of OS, features, and security updates. Samsung comes oh-so-close with the Galaxy A56 5G but settles for six years. Despite falling a year short of Google, Samsung’s promise is nothing to sniff at. The Galaxy A56 5G will still serve me well into 2031 if I grab one, perhaps even beyond. However, the Pixel 9a wins this round for me.

• Google Pixel 9a: Starts at $499
• Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Starts at $499

My winner in the Pixel 9a vs Galaxy A56 5G battle is pretty straightforward. The Google Pixel 9a offers a more petite build with a larger battery, a more exciting camera kit, a flagship-level chipset, and more extended software support than the Samsung. Both phones start at $499, making my choice much easier. However, your choice may come down to more specific elements.

One UI is a far more feature-packed Android skin than Google’s. Pixel Launcher lacks the minor quality-of-life details that One UI Launcher offers, from widget stacking to more customization options. Unfortunately, that’s not enough to sway me.

Samsung could’ve made the Galaxy A56 5G stand out more in this crowded segment. If anything, the Galaxy A26 5G and A36 5G look like much better mid-range options for $200 and $100 less, respectively.