Galaxy A56 VS Pixel 9a

76

Galaxy A56

6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz · Exynos 1580 · 5000mAh · 50MP · IP67

$499

MSRP

82

Pixel 9a

6.3-inch OLED 120Hz · Tensor G4 · 5100mAh · 48MP · IP68

$499

MSRP

$499

MSRP

Check price

$499

MSRP

Check price

Our verdict

The Pixel 9a takes the performance lead, 8% ahead overall, driven by its Tensor G4 and an AnTuTu score of 1,150,000.

On value the Pixel 9a stands out at $499, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 5100mAh battery.

For most buyers the Pixel 9a is the smarter choice.

Performance winner

Pixel 9a

8% faster overall

Best value for money

Pixel 9a

5% better value per dollar

Galaxy A56 best for

Value for money

5% better value per dollar

Overview

The Pixel 9a comes out ahead overall, scoring 82 to the Galaxy A56's 76. Priced at $499 against $499, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the Pixel 9a takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 1,150,000 against 820,000, driven by its Tensor G4. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The Galaxy A56 pairs a 50MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The Pixel 9a answers with 48MP, zoom and a 13MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the Pixel 9a, with a 5100mAh cell against 5000mAh. For refills the Galaxy A56 is quickest at 45W, spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy A56 measures 6.7" and peaks at 1900 nits, while the Pixel 9a is 6.3" and reaches 2700 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the Pixel 9a is the one we would steer most buyers toward. Consider the Galaxy A56 instead if camera versatility matters more to you.

battery

Battery
5000mAh
5100mAh
Wired charging
45W
23W

camera

Main camera
50MP
48MP
Ultrawide
12MP
13MP
Front camera
12MP
13MP
Max video
4K30
4K60

display

Display size
6.7"
6.3"
Display type
Super AMOLED
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
1900 nits
2700 nits
Resolution
2340x1080
2424x1080

Performance

Chipset
Exynos 1580
Tensor G4
RAM
8GB
8GB
Storage
128GB
128GB

Physical

Weight
198g
186g
Thickness
7.4mm
8.9mm
Water resistance
IP67
IP68

software

OS updates
6 years
7 years

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
4,300 pts
4,600 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
1,450 pts
1,950 pts
AnTuTu v11
820,000 pts
1,150,000 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy A56 better than the Pixel 9a?

Overall the Pixel 9a scores 82 out of 100 against the Galaxy A56's 76, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the Galaxy A56 or the Pixel 9a?

The Galaxy A56 has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 50MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy A56 offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy A56 or the Pixel 9a?

The Pixel 9a carries the larger 5100mAh battery against 5000mAh, and the Galaxy A56 charges fastest at 45W. For heavy all-day use the Pixel 9a is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the Galaxy A56 or the Pixel 9a?

In benchmarks the Pixel 9a is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 1,150,000 against 820,000 thanks to its Tensor G4. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Pixel 9a pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the Galaxy A56 or the Pixel 9a?

For most buyers the Pixel 9a is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. Choose the Galaxy A56 if camera versatility is your priority.

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