Best Samsung A Series Phones

A cheaper phone is only good value if it does what you need. The best Samsung A series phones in 2026 range from affordable everyday models to more capable mid-range options, but the newest phone is not automatically the smartest purchase for every budget.

Our overall recommendation is the Galaxy A57 5G for buyers who want the current upper-tier A-series experience. The Galaxy A37 5G deserves a look when it costs meaningfully less, while a refurbished A56 5G can offer attractive value at a substantial discount. For a tighter budget, compare the A26 5G and A17 5G against your storage, camera and condition requirements.

This guide explains the trade-offs behind those choices. Once you have a shortlist, browse ourSamsung Galaxy A series phones to compare available models and conditions.

Best Samsung A Series Phones in 2026 at a Glance

These are buying recommendations, not laboratory performance rankings. Samsung documents the newer models in itsA57 and A37 announcement; itsA56, A36 and A26 announcement provides the older-generation comparison. Features and memory options can vary by market.

How We Selected These Samsung Galaxy A Phones

We considered each phone's position in the range, published specifications, software support and the purchase decisions UK shoppers face. Our shortlist includes new and refurbished options because the price difference between conditions can change which model makes the most sense.

We have not assigned invented camera scores or battery test results. Instead, each recommendation explains who the phone suits and what would make us choose an alternative. Check the linked listing for its exact storage, RAM, condition, warranty and availability.

Galaxy A57 5G: Our Overall A-Series Recommendation

The Galaxy A57 5G is our starting point for buyers who want a current upper-tier A-series phone without moving into Samsung's flagship range. Samsung specifies a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Its 179g weight and 6.9mm thickness also distinguish its design from the A37.

That combination makes it worth considering if your phone handles a mixture of photography, streaming and everyday multitasking. The ultra-wide camera gives you another framing option for landscapes and group shots; however, hardware specifications alone do not establish how much better your photographs will look.

Our buying rule is to choose the A57 when its extra capabilities matter and the price premium is manageable. If you mainly use messaging, maps and browsing, a cheaper model may cover your needs comfortably. Check the availableSamsung Galaxy A57 variants, or read ourSamsung Galaxy A57 review for a more detailed model discussion.

Galaxy A37 5G: A Current-Generation Value Option

The Galaxy A37 5G is worth considering when you want a newer A-series model at a lower cost than the A57. It has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung advertises IP68 water and dust resistance and up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates for both models.

The important decision is the price gap between comparable variants. If the A37 is substantially cheaper, it may be the sensible choice for routine apps and entertainment. If the gap is small, assess whether the A57's design and camera hardware justify spending more.

Compare storage as carefully as model names: a cheaper low-storage variant may be less useful over several years than the version you actually need. View theSamsung Galaxy A37 listing to check its current options.

Refurbished Galaxy A56 5G: Value When the Discount Is Right

A refurbished Galaxy A56 5G deserves a place on your shortlist when it is meaningfully cheaper than newer alternatives. Samsung'sofficial A56 specifications describe a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and support for up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. Its published hardware remains relevant to everyday use.

However, a low headline price is only part of the decision. Check the cosmetic grade, battery policy and exact storage, then compare the total saving against a new A37 or A57. A small saving may not compensate you for the older generation and condition differences.

Choose the refurbished A56 when the discount is worthwhile and its condition meets your expectations. You can compare available options on ourrefurbished Samsung Galaxy A56 page.

Galaxy A26 5G: A Budget Choice with Expandable Storage

The Galaxy A26 5G is useful to consider if you want an affordable A-series model and expandable storage matters to you. Samsung'spublished A26 specifications confirm microSD support up to 2TB and optical image stabilisation on its main camera. Check the exact variant's SIM arrangement before combining dual-SIM use with a memory card.

A memory card can give you room for compatible media files, but it does not replace adequate internal storage for apps or make a slower phone faster. That distinction matters if you install large games, record lots of video or expect the phone to last several years.

Consider the A26 when its final price is sufficiently below the alternatives and its storage flexibility serves a real need. Check the grade and options for ourrefurbished Samsung Galaxy A26 before deciding.

Galaxy A17 5G: An Affordable Everyday Option

The Galaxy A17 5G belongs on the shortlist for shoppers prioritising routine communication over high-end performance. Samsung'sofficial A17 5G page lists a Super AMOLED display, an optically stabilised main camera, and six generations of OS upgrades with six years of security support.

For messaging, browsing and occasional photographs, that feature set is worth assessing against the purchase price. Our recommendation is to move up the range if demanding games, heavy multitasking or more advanced photography are central to how you use your phone.

Make sure you select the 5G version if that connectivity matters: the A17 4G is a different purchase. Compare the availableSamsung Galaxy A17 5G configuration before ordering.

When Is It Worth Spending More?

Spend more when the upgrade addresses something you will notice regularly. A better camera system matters if photography is a daily priority; additional internal storage matters if you keep large apps and videos. A model's higher position in the range is not, by itself, a reason to stretch your budget.

Compare the exact variants side by side. A higher-tier refurbished phone and a lower-tier new phone can have similar prices, yet offer different benefits. Include condition, warranty and remaining software support in the comparison rather than judging by the model number alone.

Battery capacity also needs context. Two phones with similarly sized batteries can deliver different running times because displays, networks, apps and battery condition affect consumption. Treat manufacturer endurance claims as estimates rather than a promise of your personal usage.

Should You Buy a New or Refurbished Samsung A-Series Phone?

A new phone is appealing if you prioritise unused condition and a straightforward starting point for ownership. A refurbished phone can reduce the purchase price, but you should understand its grade and battery terms before comparing it with a new device.

Zextons'refurbished Samsung phones collection states an 18-month warranty for eligible faults and returns within 30 days of delivery, subject to the applicable policies. Read those terms and the exact product listing so you know what is covered.

Software support does not restart when a phone is resold. A model launched with a six-year security commitment has already used part of that period by the time you buy it later. If you plan to keep your next phone for several years, compare its remaining support window as well as today's saving.

Which Samsung A-Series Phone Should You Choose?

Start with the A57 5G if you want the current upper-tier option, then compare the A37 5G if keeping the cost down matters more. A refurbished A56 5G becomes compelling when the discount is substantial. For a smaller budget, consider the A26 5G for expandable storage or the A17 5G for an affordable everyday handset.

Your final choice should match your use, storage needs and comfort with refurbished condition. Browsenew and refurbished Samsung A series phones at Zextons to check current prices and available variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best Samsung A series phone in 2026?

Our overall shortlist starts with the Galaxy A57 5G because of its position in the current range and published feature set. The A37 or a discounted refurbished A56 may be a better purchase if they meet your needs at a significantly lower price.

Is the Samsung A56 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, when its price and condition make it a worthwhile alternative to newer models. Compare the exact storage, warranty, battery terms and remaining software support before choosing it over a new A37 or A57.

Are all Samsung A series phones 5G?

No. Samsung sells both 4G and 5G models within the A series, including separate A17 versions. Check the full product name and network specifications rather than assuming the entire range supports 5G.

Which Samsung A series phone supports a memory card?

The Galaxy A26 5G is one confirmed option, with Samsung listing microSD support up to 2TB. Memory-card support varies by model, so verify the exact phone and any shared SIM-slot limitations before buying.

Will a refurbished Samsung receive software updates?

Refurbished condition does not create a new update commitment. Check whether the exact model remains within Samsung's support window and whether its region and software configuration affect update availability.

Should I choose 128GB or 256GB?

Check how much storage your current phone uses, then allow room for future apps, photographs and videos. Choose 256GB if your files are already approaching 128GB or you expect heavier use; a lightly used phone may need less.