Samsung Galaxy A Series: A Smartphone Buying Guide

Samsung’s Galaxy A series continues to be one of the safest bets in the mid-range smartphone market. The whole point of the lineup is simple: make great phones accessible, without forcing people into flagship prices. And honestly, Samsung keeps nailing that brief.

With features that used to be reserved for Galaxy S devices, AMOLED displays, high refresh rates, long software support, and solid cameras, the Galaxy A range proves you don’t need to spend top dollar to get a phone that feels genuinely good to use.

That said, the lineup is big. And when model numbers start blurring together, choosing the right one can get confusing fast. So, we’ve broken things down from entry-level to most premium, let's check it out!

Budget A Series – Samsung Galaxy A07

Samsung’s Galaxy A07 is the most affordable entry into the A series, but it doesn’t feel like a throwaway phone. It’s built for everyday reliability: calls, messages, social media, streaming, and the odd photo, without cutting too many corners.

You get a large 6.7-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, which is impressive for an entry-level phone, plus a 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day and then some. The 50MP rear camera is more than capable for casual photography, while the phone’s IP54 rating means it’ll handle splashes and dust better than older budget models.

One of the biggest wins here is longevity. Samsung promises up to 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, which is excellent for a phone in this category and makes the A07 a genuinely sensible long-term buy.

Entry-Level A Series – Samsung Galaxy A17

Stepping up to the Galaxy A17 is where things start feeling properly modern. Available in both 4G and 5G variants, the A17 brings noticeable gains in display quality, camera versatility, and overall polish.

The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display looks sharp and vibrant, with a 90Hz refresh rate that makes everyday scrolling feel fluid. Around the back, you’ll find a triple-camera setup, led by a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilisation, which is still a standout feature at this level.

Performance is snappy enough for daily multitasking, battery life remains strong thanks to the 5,000mAh cell, and once again you get 6 years of OS and security updates, which is quickly becoming one of Samsung’s biggest advantages over the competition.

If you want a phone that feels current and well-rounded without stepping too far up the ladder, the A17 is an easy recommendation.

Mid-Range A Series – Samsung Galaxy A26

The Galaxy A26 5G is where the A series really starts flexing. It feels less like a budget phone and more like a trimmed-down flagship.

You’re getting a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and IP67 water and dust resistance, a feature that’s still surprisingly rare in this part of the market. Performance is noticeably smoother thanks to the upgraded chipset and improved cooling, making it far better suited to multitasking and casual gaming.

Samsung also includes Knox Vault security, along with 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, making the A26 a strong option if you plan on keeping your phone for several years.

For many people, this will be the real sweet spot in the lineup.

Upper Mid-Range A Series – Samsung Galaxy A36

If you want something that feels genuinely premium without jumping into Galaxy S territory, the Galaxy A36 5G delivers.

The headline feature here is the 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. It’s bright, smooth, and excellent for video, gaming, and everyday use. Performance gets another boost thanks to a more capable processor and a larger vapour chamber designed for sustained workloads.

Battery life remains excellent, but you also get 45W Super Fast Charging, which makes a real difference day to day. Add IP67 protection, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and Samsung’s full 6-year update commitment, and the A36 starts feeling like a phone that comfortably punches above its weight.

Top A Series – Samsung Galaxy A56

Sitting at the top of the A series lineup is the Galaxy A56, and it’s the closest thing Samsung offers to a true flagship-lite experience.

You get 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a powerful upgraded Exynos chipset, and a stunning 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Camera performance takes another step up as well, with improved processing, better low-light results, and support for 4K video recording.

Build quality is excellent, with a metal frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and IP67 water and dust resistance. Like the rest of the range, it’s backed by 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, making it one of the most future-proof phones in the A series.

If you want premium features without stepping into full flagship territory, the A56 is the clear standout.

Samsung wasn’t kidding when it said “Awesome is for everyone.” From the ultra-accessible Galaxy A07 right through to the near-flagship A56, there’s a Galaxy A phone that makes sense at every level of the market.

If you’re after maximum performance, camera capability, or premium materials, it may be worth looking at the Galaxy S series. Otherwise, the Galaxy A lineup remains one of the strongest all-round smartphone ranges you can buy right now.

You can explore the full Samsung range via PB Tech’s Samsung brand store.