With advanced AI features and improved build quality, Samsung's Galaxy A26 5G, A36 5G, and A56 5G show what affordable hardware is capable of.

Samsung says the A36 and A56 have a larger vapor chamber cooling system for better heat dissipation during intense processing activities like gaming, and that this system is nearly the same size as last year's Galaxy S24+. They also support 45-watt fast charging, which should get you up to 70 percent in 30 minutes.

The Galaxy A36, A26 and A56 get display and camera upgrades and six years of OS and security updates. Despite the budget-friendly prices, they offer a surprisingly premium feel.