I used the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Motorola Edge 2025; here’s why I’m torn

I would love to say there is a clear winner between the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Motorola Edge 2025, but there isn’t.

It’s a matchup of two midrange favorites, and it’s a more complicated conversation than merely picking one set of specs over another.

Samsung’s done an excellent job with its more expensive midrange A-series phones over the last few years.

The Galaxy A55 was an outstanding device, and I’m still disappointed we didn’t get a US release last year. The Galaxy A56 builds on the success, and now we get to enjoy it stateside.

The Motorola Edge is consistently a fantastic value, but never at launch. Moto confounded me again this year with a high initial $550 MSRP, which made the Edge a non-starter.

However, like in previous years, that price melted away, and for sub-$400 or on a tempting carrier deal, the Motorola Edge becomes a force.

Here’s why you should consider both as your next smartphone.

What I like about the Samsung Galaxy A56

When I’m talking about the Galaxy A56, I typically begin with the display.

However, if you’re looking for a primary reason to pick up Samsung’s top midrange phone over the Motorola Edge 2025, software is where to start. It’s the main advantage Samsung has over Motorola, and it’s significant.

Samsung promises six years of software support and security updates for the Galaxy A56. It’s a figure Motorola won’t match, and it’s worth considering if you keep your phone for longer.

One UI 7 is also a much different experience from Hello UI on the Motorola Edge.

If the latest and greatest Android features are important to you, and you want to receive updates in a timely fashion, the Galaxy A56 is your choice.

As expected, the Galaxy A56 has plenty of other things going for it. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is excellent. It’s a saturated and vibrant 1080p panel.

The Galaxy A56 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, with an aluminum frame. It’s a premium-feeling phone, and you’ll definitely think you spent more than you did.

The Galaxy A56 carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, falling short of the Motorola Edge, but good enough to not have to worry about your phone in the rain or out at the beach.

I was looking forward to using the Exynos 1580 chipset in the Galaxy A56, and it hasn’t disappointed. Performance is smooth, and the Exynos 1580 is power-efficient, not plagued by the overheating of previous Exynos chipsets.

In the United States, the Galaxy A56 comes with 8GB of RAM, more than enough to ensure a smooth experience, as I never encountered any undue slowdowns during testing.

Light to medium gaming is enjoyable, and multitasking is smooth on the Galaxy A56.

The battery life on the Galaxy A56 is also excellent. I consistently enjoy two full days of mixed use on a single charge from its 5,000mAh battery.

Wired recharging speeds are decent for Samsung at 45W, but it’s nothing compared to the 68W offered on the Motorola Edge.

Wireless charging is not available on the Galaxy A56 — another win for the Edge.

Samsung desperately needed to improve the cameras on the Galaxy A55, and it’s done so with the Galaxy A56.

Photos from its primary 50MP sensor are sharper with much better color reproduction and contrast.

The 12MP ultrawide lens and 5MP macro sensor show the usual limitations of midrange smartphone cameras, but I’m pleased with the outputs I get from the primary lens.

What I like about the Motorola Edge 2025

Motorola took a different approach when creating the Edge. Its curved display is a throwback to the flagship phones of yesteryear, and it’s not for everyone.

If you still love curved glass on your smartphones and feel that it’s required for a premium device, the Edge is your phone.

Its 6.7-inch pOLED Super HD panel is fantastic, with deep contrast and poppy colors.

It’s a close race between the display on the Edge and the Galaxy A56. You won’t be disappointed with either, and better displays on midrange phones have been my favorite trend over the last few years.

Motorola made a point of improving durability across its entire lineup in 2025, and that resulted in a Motorola Edge that carries a higher IP rating than the Galaxy A56.

It’s IP69 rated for dust and water resistance, and it’s MIL-STD-810H drop test compliant.

I wouldn’t make a habit of dropping my Motorola Edge, but it’s still welcome to know that the occasional bump and fumble won’t be the end of my smartphone.

I love that Motorola uses eco-leather backs on its midrange phones. It provides added texture and grip, and it feels more premium than plastic.

The Motorola Edge may not match the feel in the hand of the Galaxy A56, but no one can confuse it with a poorly made phone.

The performance of the Motorola Edge 2025 is smooth thanks to its Dimensity 7400 chipset and 8GB of RAM. It’s ideal for light gaming, and the Motorola Edge breezes through daily tasks.

However, the Exynos 1580 is an overall more powerful chipset, so if raw performance matters to you, it might be worth it to spend a few dollars more picking up a Galaxy A56.

I mentioned software support earlier, but that doesn’t matter to everyone. I’ll always advocate for more years of support, but if you swap phones every two or three years, the Motorola Edge will serve you well.

Android 15 runs smoothly on the phone, and Hello UI is pleasant to use.

Although the Motorola Edge will eventually receive Android 16, it’s challenging to predict when Moto will release software upgrades.

Although the Galaxy A56 has good battery life, the Motorola Edge offers even better performance.

Thanks to its power-efficient chipset and massive 5,200mAh cell, I can get two full days and into a third day of use on a single charge.

Recharging is also faster, thanks to 68W wired charging. Motorola also includes 15W wireless charging on the Edge.

It’s down to personal preference whether you enjoy the photos taken from the Galaxy A56 or the Motorola Edge, but the Moto does have a more versatile camera system.

It features a capable 50MP primary lens, which produces excellent images with deep contrast and saturated colors.

The Motorola Edge is better than expected at capturing movement, making it ideal for photographing your children or pets.

It also features a 50MP ultrawide, meaning there is less drop off in quality when capturing more of the frame. Moto includes a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, adding more possibilities.

I’ll always opt for a telephoto lens and a higher-quality ultrawide sensor over something like the 5MP macro lens on the Galaxy A56.

As always, the price weighs heavily into the decision. I wouldn’t consider the Motorola Edge a viable option for $550. There’s no reason to pay more than you would for the Galaxy A56.

However, Motorola and several carriers offer aggressive discounts on the Motorola Edge.

If it’s available for $400 or less, that’s when you should put the Edge near the top of your list.

It’s not an easy decision between the two

If you enjoy getting new Android updates faster, and you’re already a fan of Samsung’s ecosystem, you’ll enjoy the near-flagship experience you get with the Galaxy A56.

It’s a premium phone with a gorgeous display, and it’s my favorite midrange device the company makes.

If you’re looking for a fantastic value and want an outstanding phone with a likewise fantastic display, the Motorola Edge 2025 is definitely worth considering.

Yes, software support is lacking, but on a carrier deal or for sub-$400, that doesn’t feel so limiting.

Unlike many comparisons, there’s no wrong answer here. You’re going to love either phone you buy, and that’s more than I used to be able to say for under $500.

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  Samsung Galaxy A56
  

  SoC

  Exynos 1580

  RAM

  8GB

  Storage

  128GB

  Battery

  5000 mAh

  Operating System

  OneUI 7.0, Android 15

  Connectivity

  Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC

  The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a strong mid-ranger for everyday use. It boasts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display for smooth visuals and a triple-camera rear setup headlined by 50MP wide shooter. 

  It’s powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and is designed for long-term use with six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. 
   

  
  

  
  

  $500 at Amazon
  $500 at Samsung

  
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  Moto Edge (2025)
  

  SoC

  Mediatek Dimensity 7400

  RAM

  8GB

  Storage

  256GB

  Battery

  5200 mAh

  Operating System

  Android 15

  Front camera

  50MP

  Moto Edge (2025) is the company’s latest Android mid-ranger, packing serious specs like the MediaTek 7400 chipset, a large 5200mAh battery with 68W fast charging, and solid durability with IP68 and IP69 ratings. The Edge 2025 also includes several built-in AI features and boasts a 6.7-inch Super HD pOLED display.

  
  

  
  

  $550 at Motorola

  
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