The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G has hit the Indian market with a promise of premium features at a budget-friendly price. Launched on April 17, 2025, this phone is a successor to the Galaxy M55 5G, bringing notable upgrades in design, performance, and software. Priced at an effective Rs. 24,999 (after offers), it aims to compete in the crowded sub-Rs. 30,000 segment. But does it deliver enough to stand out? In this detailed review, we’ll explore its design, display, performance, camera, software, and more to help you decide if the Galaxy M56 5G is worth your money.
Let’s dive into the details and see if this “monster” from Samsung’s M series lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Premium, and Durable
The Galaxy M56 5G feels like a significant step up from its predecessor, the M55 5G, in terms of design. Samsung has focused on making this phone slimmer and lighter, and it shows. At just 7.2mm thick, it’s 30% slimmer than the M55, making it one of the thinnest phones in its category. Weighing only 180 grams, it feels surprisingly light for a device with a 5,000mAh battery.
The phone sports a glass back with a metal camera module, giving it a premium look that’s subtle yet classy. The floating camera design adds a touch of sophistication, and the matte finish on the back keeps fingerprints at bay. Available in Black and Light Green, the color options are vibrant and appealing, especially the Light Green variant, which catches the eye under different lighting.
What impressed me most is the durability. The M56 comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back, which Samsung claims is four times more scratch-resistant and can withstand drops from up to 2 meters. To test this, I dropped the phone from 1.5 meters onto a hard surface (not wood, but proper flooring). The result? No scratches or damage, even when dropped on its back. This kind of durability is a big plus for clumsy users or those who want a phone that lasts.
The button placement is ergonomic, with the volume rocker and power button positioned for easy access. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port, a speaker grill, and a microphone, while the top has a SIM tray and a noise-canceling microphone. The SIM tray supports dual nano-SIMs but lacks a microSD card slot, which might disappoint some users. Overall, the M56’s design is a highlight—it feels premium, comfortable, and built to last.
Display: Immersive and Vibrant
The Galaxy M56 5G features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Compared to the M55, the bezels are 36% slimmer, making the screen feel more immersive. With a peak brightness of 1,200 nits and HDR support, the display is bright enough for outdoor use, even in direct sunlight. The Vision Booster mode enhances visibility by optimizing colors and contrast, ensuring icons and text remain clear.
Watching videos on this phone is a treat. Whether it’s streaming on Netflix or YouTube, the colors are vibrant, and the blacks are deep, thanks to the AMOLED panel. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, making everything from gaming to social media browsing feel fluid. However, the phone has a mono speaker, which is a bit of a letdown for multimedia enthusiasts. Stereo speakers would have elevated the experience, especially at this price point.
The display also supports Widevine L1, so you can enjoy HD streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix. Overall, the M56’s screen is one of its strongest features, offering a premium viewing experience that’s hard to beat in the sub-Rs. 25,000 segment.
Specifications: Power-Packed for the Price
The Galaxy M56 5G is equipped with solid hardware that makes it a strong contender in its segment. Here’s a detailed look at its specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,200 nits, HDR support |
| Processor | Exynos 1480 (octa-core, 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) |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W fast charging (no charger included) |
| Operating System | One UI 7 based on Android 15 |
| Software Updates | 6 years of OS upgrades (up to Android 21), 6 years of security updates |
| Connectivity | 5G (8 bands), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C, GPS |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus+ (front and back), 7.2mm thick, 180g |
| Sensors | In-display fingerprint, face unlock, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Colors | Black, Light Green |
| Price | Rs. 27,999 (8GB+128GB), Rs. 30,999 (8GB+256GB); effective Rs. 24,999 with offers |
The Exynos 1480 processor, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, is a significant upgrade over competitors that still use LPDDR4X and UFS 2.2. The vapor cooling chamber, 33% larger than the M55’s, keeps thermals in check during heavy usage. At Rs. 24,999 (after a Rs. 3,000 bank discount), the M56 offers excellent value for its specs.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
The Exynos 1480 chipset delivers impressive performance for a mid-range phone. In AnTuTu benchmarks, the M56 scores between 7.35L and 7.40L, which is competitive for its price range. For gamers, the phone handles popular titles like BGMI at 60FPS with smooth visuals. Even demanding games like Genshin Impact run at a stable 40-41FPS for extended sessions (1-1.5 hours) without significant overheating.
The vapor cooling chamber ensures thermals remain under control, with the phone reaching only 74-75% of its thermal limit during stress tests. This is a big improvement over the M55, which had occasional heating issues. For everyday tasks like multitasking, social media, and video streaming, the M56 feels snappy and responsive, thanks to the fast RAM and storage.
The software experience is another highlight. The M56 runs One UI 7 based on Android 15, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. Samsung’s commitment to six years of OS upgrades (up to Android 21) and six years of security updates is unmatched in this segment. Even phones priced at Rs. 40,000 rarely offer this level of software support, making the M56 future-proof.
Features like Now Bar, Auto Blocker, and Samsung Knox Vault enhance security by protecting against malicious attacks and securing sensitive data. The integration of Gemini and Bixby as assistants adds versatility, though some pre-installed apps are present. Thankfully, these can be uninstalled easily, reducing bloatware concerns.
Camera: Decent but Not the Best
The Galaxy M56 5G sports a triple rear camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The front camera is a 12MP sensor, a downgrade from the M55’s 50MP selfie camera. However, Samsung claims the 12MP sensor, similar to the one used in its flagship S series, delivers better output.
In daylight, the primary camera captures vibrant photos with good dynamic range and accurate colors. The ultra-wide lens performs adequately but shows a noticeable color shift compared to the primary sensor. The macro lens, as expected, is underwhelming and best avoided unless you’re in perfect lighting conditions.
Low-light photography is where the M56 shines, thanks to AI-powered “Nightography.” The AI reduces noise and restores colors, resulting in impressive night shots from both the rear and front cameras. Selfies are sharp and detailed, even in dim lighting, making this a great phone for social media enthusiasts.
Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30FPS, with 10-bit HDR support for vibrant videos. Additional features include fun mode, portrait (with 2X zoom), pro mode, night mode, slow motion, hyperlapse, dual recording, and single take. AI-powered tools like object eraser, image clipper, and sticker creation add creative flexibility, making photo editing fun and easy.
While the camera setup is versatile, it’s not the best in its class. Competitors like the OnePlus Nord 4 or Motorola Edge 50 Pro offer slightly better camera performance, especially in ultra-wide and macro shots. Still, for most users, the M56’s cameras are more than adequate.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
The M56 packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate usage, including streaming, gaming, and social media. With 45W fast charging, the phone can charge from 0 to 100% in about 60-90 minutes, though you’ll need to buy a compatible charger separately, which is a minor inconvenience.
The battery life and charging speed are on par with competitors, and the efficient Exynos 1480 chipset ensures minimal power drain during idle or light usage. For users who need a reliable phone that doesn’t require constant charging, the M56 delivers.
Connectivity and Other Features
The M56 supports 8 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS, ensuring robust connectivity options. The in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock work quickly and reliably. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, covering all the essentials.
The phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio, which might disappoint some users. There’s also no notification light, but the Always-On Display compensates by showing notifications on the lock screen. The SAR value is within safe limits, ensuring compliance with radiation standards.
Multimedia Experience: Great Display, Average Audio
The M56’s display makes it a fantastic device for multimedia consumption. Whether you’re watching movies, browsing Instagram, or playing games, the AMOLED panel delivers a rich and immersive experience. HDR support enhances video quality, and the slim bezels make the screen feel larger than it is.
However, the mono speaker is a weak point. While it’s loud enough for casual use, it lacks the depth and clarity of stereo speakers. For a better audio experience, you’ll need to use earphones or a Bluetooth speaker. If multimedia is a priority, this is one area where the M56 falls short of competitors like the Nothing Phone (2a).
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M56 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G is a well-rounded mid-range phone that excels in design, display, software, and durability. Its sleek 7.2mm profile, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, and vibrant AMOLED display make it feel premium. The Exynos 1480 chipset delivers reliable performance for gaming and multitasking, while the six years of software updates ensure it stays relevant until 2031. The camera, while not the best, is versatile and performs well in low light, thanks to AI enhancements.
However, it’s not perfect. The mono speaker, lack of a microSD slot, and absence of a charger in the box are drawbacks. Competitors like the OnePlus Nord 4 or Motorola Edge 50 Pro offer better cameras or stereo speakers, but they may not match the M56’s software support or design.
At an effective price of Rs. 24,999, the M56 offers excellent value for money. It’s ideal for:
- Users who want a stylish, durable phone with a premium feel.
- Those who prioritize long-term software updates and security.
- Casual gamers and multimedia enthusiasts who value a great display.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable Samsung phone under Rs. 25,000.
If you’re upgrading from an older M-series phone or want a future-proof device on a budget, the Galaxy M56 5G is worth considering. It’s not the absolute best in every category, but it strikes a solid balance that makes it a compelling choice in 2025.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G is a strong contender in the sub-Rs. 25,000 segment, offering a premium design, vibrant display, and unmatched software support. While it has minor flaws, its overall package is hard to beat at this price. If you’re looking for a stylish, reliable, and future-proof phone, the M56 is a safe bet. Check it out on Amazon or Samsung’s official website, where it’s available with attractive bank offers.
