Event coverage: Samsung Galaxy A56, A36 & A26 5G launch | Johannesburg, South Africa
Despite their mid-range pricing, Samsung’s most recent A-series devices are packed with premium features that are specifically targeted at South African consumers’ top concerns: performance, security, camera quality, and useful AI that improves daily life. The Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 5G are unquestionably worth a look if you’re in the market for an upgrade.
Samsung’s most recent Galaxy A series lineup, which includes the A56, A36, and A26 5G, is increasing the amount of innovation and value. These new devices, which were unveiled at a packed media event in Johannesburg, demonstrate Samsung’s obvious intention to improve the mid-range and low-cost smartphone market in South Africa—not just in terms of specifications, but also in terms of strategy.
The need for durable, reasonably priced smartphones is rising as a result of the economic realities that millions of South Africans face. Samsung is taking on this challenge head-on while maintaining affordability by offering better features, longer software support, and tighter integration within its growing ecosystem.
A Plan Based on Local Facts
Kgomotso Mosiane, Samsung South Africa’s Head of Marketing for Mobile Experience, spoke with us at the event and provided us with an open window into the company’s driving forces.
Q: What motivated Samsung to make recent enhancements to its line of low-cost phones?
Every year, we observe that the majority of South Africans, particularly those with low to moderate incomes, use their phones for longer periods of time. Having a dependable gadget is even more crucial because they frequently have little to no access to personal or home security, according to Mosiane. They also want access to newer technologies, improved performance, and longer software support. In the A Series, we have concentrated on getting better at that.
This realisation serves as the foundation for the A56, A36, and A26 5G models, which are perfect long-term partners because they now provide up to four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches.
Features That Outperform Their Cost
Super AMOLED screens, enhanced camera systems, and integrated Samsung Knox security are features shared by all three models. With a vibrant 120Hz display, a 50MP OIS-enabled camera, and a potent Snapdragon processor, the A56 is the star of the trio and is appropriate for light gaming and content production. Additionally, all models now have longer battery lives, and 5G support is now commonplace. These changes demonstrate Samsung’s dedication to democratising access to high-end features, which were previously exclusive to flagship phones.
Will a Samsung OS Be Released Soon?
We also questioned Mosiane about Samsung’s long-term ecosystem goals and whether the company intends to create an operating system of its own, a la Apple.
Q: Will Samsung, like Apple, develop its own operating system and ecosystem?
Google and Samsung have a solid strategic alliance. Android enables us to grow internationally and innovate. We continue to be the world’s biggest Android manufacturer,” she said. Nevertheless, we are creating our own ecosystem, particularly with the integration of AI. As local Windows support improves, we plan to extend the Galaxy ecosystem to additional categories, such as watches, tablets, and eventually Chromebooks.
As AI features become more widely available across Samsung’s devices, this vision supports the company’s efforts to create a seamless device-to-device experience. These days, a connected lifestyle is more important than just phones.
What It Means for the South African Market
There is more to the Galaxy A series update than just a spec increase. Samsung recognises the particular difficulties and desires of the South African customer.
Samsung is establishing a new benchmark for what low-cost phones should offer in 2025 by fusing affordability, durability, and innovation. Upgrading without sacrificing features is now simpler than ever, thanks to the new models’ nationwide availability and availability through major carriers. The Galaxy A56, A36, or A26 may be the perfect phone if you’ve been putting off updating. With their long-term support, high-end design, and expanding ecosystem, they provide significant value and portend a more intelligent future for the entry-level mid-range smartphone market.
Presenting Samsung SOS+: A New Mobile Safety Standard
Samsung has made a bold choice by incorporating emergency response capabilities straight into its devices in a nation where people worry about their personal safety on a daily basis. Users of the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 5G can sign up for a free 12-month subscription to the recently released Samsung SOS+, which was created in collaboration with AURA, the top emergency response platform in South Africa.
Access to a nationwide network of more than 3,500 armed and medical responders is available around the clock through this service. Users can use a dedicated app or a toll-free number to activate the service in an emergency, instantly providing the closest responders with their current location. Help is sent automatically, even if the user is mute, guaranteeing prompt assistance when it’s most needed.
Samsung Users must register via the Samsung Members app, accept the terms of AURA, and finish the onboarding procedure in order to activate Samsung SOS+. After it is set up, the service becomes a crucial component of the user’s safety net, providing comfort in a convenient, small package.
Power under the hood
Every gadget has performance optimisation:
| Model | Processor | Battery | Charging | Extras |
| Galaxy A56 5G | Exynos 1480 | 5,000mAh | Super Fast Charging 2.0 | Best Face AI, 6.7” 120Hz AMOLED |
| Galaxy A36 5G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 5,000mAh | Super Fast Charging 2.0 | Stereo Speakers, Vision Booster |
| Galaxy A26 5G | Octa-Core SoC | 5,000mAh | Fast Charging | Gorilla Glass Protection |