The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G has hit the Indian market with a lot of buzz, promising a blend of style, performance, and affordability. Priced at around Rs. 25,000 (after offers), this mid-range smartphone is positioned as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy M55 5G. With a sleek design, improved display, and long-term software support, it aims to compete in the crowded sub-Rs. 30,000 segment. But does it live up to the hype? Is it worth your money? In this detailed review, we’ll break down the Galaxy M56 5G’s design, display, performance, camera, software, and more to help you decide if this is the right phone for you. Written in a simple and clear style, this article is tailored for users looking for an honest and comprehensive take on this new Samsung offering.
Design and Build: Sleek, Premium, and Durable
The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G feels like a breath of fresh air in the M-series lineup. When you hold it, the first thing you notice is how light and slim it is. At just 7.2mm thick and weighing around 180g, it’s one of the slimmest and lightest phones in its category. This is a big improvement over the Galaxy M55 5G, which was 7.8mm thick and felt bulkier. The M56’s compact design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos.
The phone sports a premium glass back with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back. This is a major upgrade from the plastic back of the M55, giving the M56 a more luxurious look and feel. The glass back catches the light beautifully, making the phone look more expensive than its price tag suggests. Available in Black and Light Green, the M56 has a subtle yet elegant aesthetic that appeals to younger users like Gen Z and millennials.
The camera module is another highlight. It features a floating design with metal rings around the lenses, adding a touch of sophistication. The phone feels sturdy, and Samsung claims it can withstand drops from up to 2 meters, thanks to the Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. To test this, we dropped the phone from 1.5 meters onto a hard surface (not wood, but proper flooring!), and it came out unscathed—no scratches or cracks. This durability is a big plus for clumsy users or those who want a phone that can handle everyday wear and tear.
On the downside, the phone has a single speaker instead of the stereo speakers found on the M55. While the sound is loud and clear for casual use, stereo speakers would have elevated the multimedia experience. The phone also lacks an IP rating for water resistance, which is a bit disappointing in this price range. However, the dual SIM tray with 5G support for both slots is a thoughtful addition for users who need multiple numbers or fast connectivity.
Display: Vibrant and Immersive
The Galaxy M56 5G comes with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus display, and it’s a stunner. Compared to the M55, the M56 has 36% slimmer bezels and a 33% brighter screen, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits. This makes it one of the best displays in the sub-Rs. 30,000 segment. Whether you’re watching Netflix, scrolling through Instagram, or playing games, the colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the visuals are sharp.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making the phone feel snappy and responsive. The Vision Booster technology enhances visibility in bright sunlight, so you can easily read texts or view icons outdoors. The display also supports HDR, which enhances the viewing experience for supported content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
The flat display design gives the phone a modern, edge-to-edge look, and the slim bezels make it feel more immersive. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or reading an e-book, the Galaxy M56’s display delivers a premium experience that’s hard to beat at this price.
Specifications: A Quick Overview
Here’s a detailed look at the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G’s specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits, Vision Booster |
| Processor | Exynos 1480 (4nm) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 (no microSD slot) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, OIS) + 8MP (f/2.2, ultra-wide) + 2MP (f/2.4, macro) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (f/2.2, HDR) |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W fast charging (no charger included) |
| Operating System | One UI 7 based on Android 15 |
| Software Updates | 6 years of Android upgrades (up to Android 21) and security updates |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Build | Glass back, Gorilla Glass Victus+ (front and back), 7.2mm thick, 180g |
| Sensors | In-display fingerprint, face unlock, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass |
| Colors | Black, Light Green |
| Price | Rs. 24,999 (8GB + 128GB, after Rs. 3,000 bank discount), Rs. 30,999 (8GB + 256GB) |
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
Under the hood, the Galaxy M56 5G is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1480 processor, built on a 4nm process. This is a step up from the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the M55, offering a 27% faster CPU and a 62% faster GPU. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the phone delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and multitasking.
For gamers, the M56 handles popular titles like BGMI at 60 FPS with high graphics settings. We also tested Genshin Impact, and the phone maintained a stable 40-41 FPS during extended gaming sessions of 1.5 hours. The vapor cooling chamber, which is 33% larger than the one in the M55, keeps thermals in check, ensuring consistent performance without overheating. In benchmark tests, the phone scored between 7.35L and 7.40L on AnTuTu, which is impressive for a mid-range device.
The phone comes in two variants: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. However, there’s no microSD card slot, which might be a drawback for users who need expandable storage. Still, the base 128GB storage should be sufficient for most users, and the UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast app loading and data transfer speeds.
Software: Future-Proof with One UI 7
One of the biggest highlights of the Galaxy M56 5G is its software. It runs on One UI 7, based on Android 15, and Samsung promises an impressive 6 years of Android upgrades (up to Android 21) and security updates. This is unheard of in the mid-range segment, where most phones offer 3-4 years of support. For a phone priced at Rs. 25,000, this makes the M56 future-proof and a great value for money.
One UI 7 is smooth, intuitive, and packed with features. The Now Bar provides real-time updates on the lock screen, while the Auto Blocker feature enhances security by protecting against malicious apps. The phone also integrates Gemini and Bixby assistants, giving you options for voice commands and AI assistance. Some pre-installed apps are present, but you can easily uninstall them, which is a nice touch.
The software experience is clean and user-friendly, with a redesigned home screen and widgets that make customization a breeze. Features like object eraser and image clipper add a fun element to photo editing, making it easy to create stickers or remove unwanted objects from images. Overall, the software is a major strength, ensuring the phone stays relevant for years.
Camera: Versatile but Not Perfect
The Galaxy M56 5G sports a triple-camera setup on the rear: a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, there’s a 12MP selfie camera with HDR support. Compared to the M55’s 50MP selfie camera, the M56’s front camera is a downgrade, but it aligns with the 12MP sensors found on Samsung’s flagship S-series phones, promising better optimization.
The primary camera performs well in daylight, delivering vibrant colors and good dynamic range. The OIS helps capture sharp, shake-free photos and videos, even in slightly unsteady hands. The night photography, or “Nightography,” is a standout feature. Thanks to AI enhancements, Big Pixel Technology, and Low Noise Mode, low-light photos are surprisingly clear with minimal grain and restored colors. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is decent but shows a noticeable color shift compared to the primary sensor. The 2MP macro lens is underwhelming, as is common in this segment, producing average close-up shots.
Both the front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30 FPS with 10-bit HDR, which is a nice addition for video enthusiasts. The camera app is packed with modes like Portrait, Pro, Night, Food, Panorama, Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, and Dual Recording. AI-powered features like object eraser and edit suggestions make photo editing quick and fun. While the camera setup is versatile and performs well for the price, it’s not the best in its class, especially when compared to rivals like the OnePlus Nord 4 or Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
The Galaxy M56 5G comes with a 5000mAh battery, which is standard for the M-series. It easily lasts a full day of moderate use, including browsing, streaming, and gaming. With heavy usage, you might need to charge it by the evening, but the 45W fast charging support ensures quick top-ups. Unfortunately, Samsung doesn’t include a charger in the box, which is a common practice but still inconvenient.
The battery life is reliable, and the fast charging capability means you can get back to full power in about an hour. Compared to the M55, the charging speed remains the same, but the slimmer design makes the battery integration even more impressive.
Multimedia: Great for Streaming
The Galaxy M56 5G offers a solid multimedia experience, thanks to its vibrant Super AMOLED display and HDR support. Watching videos on platforms like YouTube and Netflix is a treat, with rich colors and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through feeds or navigating apps feel smooth and enjoyable.
However, the single mono speaker is a letdown. While it’s loud and clear for casual use, it lacks the depth and immersion of stereo speakers. If you’re someone who enjoys watching movies or listening to music without earphones, you might find this limiting. The phone supports Widevine L1, so you can stream HD content on supported platforms, which is a plus.
Connectivity and Sensors: Well-Equipped
The Galaxy M56 5G supports all the modern connectivity options you’d expect, including 5G (with 8 bands), 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. The dual SIM tray supports 5G on both slots, which is great for users who need fast internet on multiple numbers. The phone also includes a full suite of sensors, including an in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. All sensors work reliably, and the fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate.
Is the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G Worth Buying?
At Rs. 24,999 (after a Rs. 3,000 bank discount), the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G is a compelling option in the sub-Rs. 30,000 segment. It offers a premium design, a stunning display, reliable performance, and an unmatched software update promise of 6 years. The camera is versatile, especially for low-light photography, and the battery life is solid for all-day use. However, the single speaker, lack of a microSD slot, and no charger in the box are minor drawbacks.
Compared to the Galaxy M55 5G , the M56 brings significant upgrades: a slimmer design, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, a brighter display with slimmer bezels, and a more powerful Exynos 1480 processor. The extended software support also makes it a better long-term investment. In the market, it competes with phones like the OnePlus Nord 4, Motorola Edge 50 Pro, and OPPO K13, which offer strong performance and cameras but may not match the M56’s software longevity or display quality.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a stylish, durable, and future-proof smartphone under Rs. 25,000, the Galaxy M56 5G is a great choice. It’s ideal for users who value a premium design, a vibrant display, and long-term software updates. Gamers and multimedia enthusiasts will appreciate its performance and screen quality, though the lack of stereo speakers might disappoint some. If you prioritize camera performance or expandable storage, you might want to explore alternatives like the Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G strikes a fine balance between style, performance, and affordability, making it a worthy contender in the mid-range segment. For Samsung fans or anyone seeking a reliable phone with excellent software support, the M56 is definitely worth considering.
