Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A56
Starting at
£209.56£422.50 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus?
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy A56 starts at £209.56, £378.44 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy A56 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Refresh rate
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The Galaxy A56 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy A56, Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 16 Plus.
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus both offer large 6.7 inch screens and 8 GB of RAM, making them well suited for everyday use and multitasking. The Galaxy A56 features a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who prioritise smooth scrolling and longer battery life. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a slightly higher screen resolution and the Apple A18 chipset, appealing to those who want detailed visuals and strong performance. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 16 Plus offering a 512GB model for those needing more space. Both phones support 5G and unlocked use, but the Galaxy A56 includes dual physical SIM slots while the iPhone 16 Plus has a single physical SIM slot. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS and which features matter most to you.
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus price
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Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, operating system, and release year shape how long a phone lasts through daily use and what software experience you get. The Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus differ in these key areas.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A56 has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers a larger capacity than the iPhone 16 Plus's 4674 mAh. This means the Galaxy A56 may last longer between charges, suiting those who need extended battery life during the day. The iPhone 16 Plus still provides a substantial battery size suitable for typical daily use.
Operating System
The Galaxy A56 runs on Android 15, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses iOS 18. This difference affects app availability, user interface, and system features. If you prefer a highly customisable experience and wider hardware compatibility, Android may appeal more. If you value a tightly integrated ecosystem and regular software updates, iOS offers those benefits.
Release Year
The Galaxy A56 was released in 2025 and the iPhone 16 Plus in 2024. This contextual detail helps place each phone in its product generation but does not by itself affect daily use or feature sets.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones have the same amount of RAM but differ in their processors and available storage sizes, affecting speed and how much you can keep on your device.
Chipset
The Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 chipset, while the iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 built on a 3 nm process. The Apple A18 chipset suits users looking for high efficiency and strong performance for demanding apps. The Exynos 1580 is a capable processor designed for everyday use and multitasking.
RAM
Both the Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus come with 8 GB of RAM. This amount of memory helps keep everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking without frequent reloads.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A56 is stocked with 128GB and 256GB storage options, while the iPhone 16 Plus adds a 512GB option. For those who store large amounts of media or apps, the iPhone's larger storage variant may be appealing. Both phones offer sufficient space for typical use at the lower capacities.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type determine how content looks and feels when you use your phone. The Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus share screen size but differ in resolution and refresh rate.
Screen Size
Both phones have a 6.7 inch display, providing a large viewing area that suits watching videos, gaming, and reading comfortably.
Resolution
The iPhone 16 Plus has a resolution of 1290 x 2796, offering slightly sharper images and text compared to the Galaxy A56's 1080 x 2340 screen. Users who prioritise detail in photos and text may prefer the iPhone's higher resolution.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A56 supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear smoother compared to the iPhone 16 Plus's 60 Hz screen. This higher refresh rate benefits users who notice and appreciate fluid motion in games and apps.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED screen while the iPhone 16 Plus features a Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing and general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution affect how well you capture photos and video calls. Both phones have high-resolution cameras but with slight differences in megapixels on the main sensor.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16 Plus have 12 megapixel front cameras. This resolution supports clear selfies and video calls with good detail.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A56 has a 50 megapixel main camera, while the iPhone 16 Plus offers 48 megapixels. The higher megapixel count on the Galaxy A56 can capture more detail in photos, which suits users who enjoy photography or want sharper images.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Various design and connectivity features can influence daily convenience. Carrier compatibility, SIM options, and physical dimensions vary subtly between these two phones.
Carrier Compatibility and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. The Galaxy A56 offers dual physical SIM slots plus eSIM, which suits users who want to manage two physical SIM cards simultaneously. The iPhone 16 Plus has a single physical SIM slot plus eSIM, fitting users who use one physical SIM with digital eSIM options.
Connector Type
This may affect data transfer speed and charging accessories compatibility depending on your setup.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A56 measures 162.2 mm in height, 77.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 198 g. The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly shorter at 160.9 mm, a bit wider at 77.8 mm, thicker at 7.8 mm, and weighs 199 g. These differences are minor but might affect hand feel or pocket fit for some users.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy A56 or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A56 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £209.56, £378.44 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy A56 frequently comment on how the phone looks like new and feels reliable. Many appreciate the battery life, with some reporting it lasts about two days before needing a charge. The large screen and smooth performance suit everyday use, and several customers mention moving from older Samsung models was hassle-free. The phone is often described as spotless and well made, with users recommending refurbished Galaxy A56 models to others.
Reviews for the iPhone 16 Plus highlight its like-new condition and excellent quality. Customers enjoy the screen and battery life, noting it lasts twice as long as some previous devices. Some mention minor issues with software updates or features they do not prefer, but many praise the phone's performance and appearance. The iPhone 16 Plus appeals to those who want a premium feel and the iOS ecosystem. Some customers have found the condition less satisfactory, but others find it immaculate and comparable to a new device.
Overall, the Galaxy A56 suits buyers looking for a large screen with a high refresh rate and long battery life on Android. The iPhone 16 Plus is well suited to those who prioritise iOS, a higher resolution display, and extensive storage options.
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Galaxy A56 vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy A56 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
The Galaxy A56 is cheaper refurbished, from £209.56 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The Galaxy A56 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
The Galaxy A56 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A56 gets updates until Mar 2031. The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
