Samsung’s latest mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, have arrived, offering some surprising upgrades that make them an even better deal than the company’s flagship models in certain aspects. While they may not generate as much buzz as Google’s Pixel 9a or Apple’s iPhone 16e, Samsung’s mid-rangers are quietly making the Galaxy S25 and S24 look outdated in some areas.
Faster Charging Than the Flagships
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 is their 45W wired charging—a speed that Samsung reserves for its high-end devices. Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus also offer 45W charging, making this a “flagship feature” available on more affordable models.
The real embarrassment? The standard Galaxy S25 and even the premium Galaxy Z Fold 6 are stuck with only 25W wired charging, the same speed as the entry-level Galaxy A26, which costs significantly less. In 2025, a premium phone with slower charging than mid-range models feels outdated and frustrating.
One UI 7: Mid-Rangers Get It First
Samsung’s latest One UI 7 software update, based on Android 15, is currently available only on the Galaxy S25 seriesand, surprisingly, the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. Meanwhile, last year’s Galaxy S24 series still doesn’t have the update—unless users enrolled in the beta program.
For context, when Android 14 launched, Samsung rolled out One UI 6 to the Galaxy S23 within just 26 days. Now, six months after Android 15’s release, Samsung’s update timeline has slowed dramatically, with Galaxy S24 users waiting until April 7 (Europe & Asia) or April 10 (US) for the official rollout.
While this delay is frustrating, it still doesn’t compare to Apple’s massive setback—the much-hyped Apple Intelligencefeatures, including an improved Siri, have been delayed until 2026, sparking a class-action lawsuit over false advertising.
Samsung’s Flagship Stagnation
Samsung has become increasingly complacent with its flagship lineup. Over the past few years, the standard Galaxy S series has seen minimal upgrades in charging, camera advancements, and software improvements. The Galaxy S25, in particular, feels like the most neglected device in Samsung’s premium lineup.
With mid-range models offering similar or even better features, Samsung needs to rethink its strategy before the appeal of its flagship phones starts to fade completely.
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