Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A56
Starting at
£209.56£422.50 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A56 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A56 starts at £209.56, £190.44 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Galaxy A56 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy A56, 5060 mAh on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Galaxy A56 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy A56 offers a strong battery, a large Super AMOLED screen, and 8 GB of RAM, making it a solid choice for everyday use and those seeking good value. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM, a higher screen resolution with a slightly larger LTPO OLED display, and a much higher resolution front camera, which suits users who want more power, sharper visuals, and detailed selfies. Storage options are broader with the Pixel, offering up to 1TB. Both support 5G and unlocked carrier use, but the Pixel is slightly heavier and thicker. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise performance and screen detail or a simpler but capable device for daily tasks.
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price
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Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
Battery size, operating system, and release year shape how long and smoothly these phones last in daily use. Both devices support 5G and come unlocked, but their battery capacities and software versions differ slightly.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A56 has a 5000 mAh battery, which supports extended use through the day for most tasks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's battery is slightly larger at 5060 mAh, which may provide a bit more runtime if you use power-intensive apps or features regularly.
Operating System Version
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android, known for timely software updates.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Performance depends on the chipset and RAM, which affect how the phone handles apps and multitasking. Storage size also influences how much data and media you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The Galaxy A56 uses an Exynos 1580 chipset, suitable for smooth everyday performance including browsing, social media, and moderate multitasking. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features the Google Tensor G4 built on a 4 nm process, which is designed for more advanced tasks and AI functions, offering a more powerful experience.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy A56 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doubles this with 16 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open at once and supports heavier multitasking and demanding applications.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A56 is stocked with 128GB and 256GB storage options, enough for typical users to store apps, photos, and media. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more flexibility with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, catering to users who need extensive storage for large files or many apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to use. Refresh rate, resolution, size, and screen type all play a role in the viewing experience.
Refresh Rate
Both the Galaxy A56 and Pixel 9 Pro XL have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive touch, which benefits gaming and general use alike.
Resolution
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, which means sharper text and more detailed images, ideal if you watch a lot of video or edit photos. The Galaxy A56's resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels is still clear and vibrant, suitable for everyday viewing.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy A56's 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen produces bright colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display, which can adjust its refresh rate dynamically to save battery and deliver smooth visuals, making it well suited for those who watch media or use their phone extensively.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Camera quality is a key factor for many buyers, especially for selfies and main photography. Both phones have a 50 megapixel main camera, but their front cameras differ notably.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A56 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which is good for video calls and selfies with clear detail. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a high resolution 42 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and potentially sharper self-portraits or video recordings.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 50 megapixel main camera, which should deliver detailed and high quality photos for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Size, weight, SIM options, and connectivity features affect how the phone fits into your daily life. Both devices are unlocked and support 5G, but differ in physical dimensions and SIM card setup.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A56 is 162.2 mm tall, 77.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 198 g, making it a bit slimmer and lighter. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly larger at 162.8 mm tall, 76.6 mm wide, and 8.5 mm deep, weighing 221 g, which may feel more substantial in hand.
SIM Card Configuration
The Galaxy A56 supports Dual Physical SIM cards plus eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to manage two physical numbers alongside a digital SIM. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users with simpler SIM needs.
Connector Type
Both phones use a USB Type-C connector, which is the current standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A56 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A56 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £209.56, £190.44 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- you want a lighter build (198 g vs 221 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (42 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Aug 2031 vs until Mar 2031)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A56 looks and feels like a brand new phone, with many appreciating its excellent battery life and fast performance for everyday use. Several reviews mention the phone in spotless condition and recommend it for those seeking a reliable refurbished device that handles daily tasks with ease. Some customers highlight a smooth transition from Samsung models and report long-lasting battery life suitable for typical daily activities.
Users of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL praise its near-new condition and powerful performance, especially noting the impressive camera and speed. The high RAM and detailed front camera are appreciated by those who want a phone that performs well with demanding apps and captures sharp photos. Customers also mention the phone's good battery health and the quality of the screen and overall build. Reviews often mention satisfaction with the Pixel's speed and camera capabilities.
Both phones suit different users: the Galaxy A56 is ideal if you want a simpler, capable device with good battery life and solid performance at a lower price point. The Pixel 9 Pro XL fits well for those who want a higher resolution screen, more RAM, and advanced camera features for photo and video use.
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy A56 is cheaper refurbished, from £209.56 compared with £400 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Galaxy A56 has 5000 mAh and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has 5060 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A56 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
