Rating: Budget (5.9/10) | Mid-Range (8.3/10) | Flagship (10/10) ⭐
Last Updated: January 2025 | Complete Comparison Across 6 Categories
TL;DR – Quick Verdict
🎯 Final Scores (Out of 60 Points):
- Galaxy A07 ($100): 29.5 points → 49% value
- Galaxy A56 ($500): 41.5 points → 69% value
- Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1000): 54.5 points → 91% value
The Bottom Line: You DO get significantly more when you spend significantly more on Samsung phones in 2025.
Quick Recommendations:
✅ Buy Galaxy A07 if: First smartphone, basic needs only, tight budget
✅ Buy Galaxy A56 if: You’re part of the “vast majority” – want good features without flagship price
✅ Buy Galaxy S25 Ultra if: You need ALL the features, best performance, and money isn’t the primary concern
The Ultimate Question: How Much Better Is a $1,000 Phone?
Everyone knows expensive phones are better than cheap phones. That’s obvious. But HOW MUCH better? Is a $1,000 phone 10x better than a $100 phone? Twice as good as a $500 phone?
I conducted a comprehensive 6-category test comparing Samsung’s 2025 budget, mid-range, and flagship devices to answer this exact question. The results might surprise you.
The Phones:
- Budget: Galaxy A07 (~$100)
- Mid-Range: Galaxy A56 (~$500)
- Flagship: Galaxy S25 Ultra (~$1,000)
Let’s break down every single category and see where your money actually goes.
Category 1: Design & Build Quality
The Visual Test
If I showed these three phones to anyone and asked them to identify the budget, mid-range, and flagship models, everyone would guess correctly just by looking.
Why? Because the differences are THAT obvious.
Materials Breakdown
| Phone | Back Material | Frame Material | Premium Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A07 | Glossy plastic | Plastic | Budget-tier |
| Galaxy A56 | Glass | Aluminum | Mid-premium |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Glass | Titanium | Ultra-premium |
From the Back: Clear Hierarchy
From the rear view, the S25 Ultra wins effortlessly. The titanium frame, refined glass back, and camera module design scream “flagship.” The A56 looks good with its glass back and aluminum frame—definitely a step above budget.
The A07? It’s got that shiny, glossy plastic back that immediately telegraphs “cheap phone.” Not necessarily bad, but there’s no hiding what it is.
From the Front: The Shocking Difference
This is where things get brutal for the A07.
The A07’s front display features:
- Chunky, thick bezels (looks dated)
- Ugly U-shaped notch (seriously outdated)
- Overall cheap appearance
Here’s the kicker: This isn’t even a budget phone limitation. Other budget phones have smaller bezels and modern punch-hole cutouts. Samsung deliberately chose not to make the front of this phone attractive. That’s the harsh reality.
The progression:
- A07: Chunky bezels + U-notch
- A56: Much smaller, symmetrical bezels
- S25 Ultra: Ultra-thin bezels, modern design
You could identify these phones from the front alone with 100% accuracy.
Speaker Quality: Listen and Judge
A07: Single bottom-firing speaker
A56 & S25 Ultra: Dual speakers (bottom + earpiece)
I tested all three with the same audio. The difference isn’t subtle—you can clearly distinguish budget from mid-range from flagship just by listening. The A07 sounds tinny and flat. The A56 has decent stereo separation. The S25 Ultra delivers rich, balanced audio.
Fingerprint Sensors: Three Different Approaches
Galaxy A07:
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Old-fashioned but functional
- Noticeably slow
Galaxy A56:
- Optical under-display sensor
- More modern
- Quicker than A07, but not instant
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Ultrasonic under-display sensor
- INSTANTANEOUS unlock
- Night and day difference from the A56
The jump from optical to ultrasonic is massive. The S25 Ultra’s sensor feels like magic compared to the others.
Durability & Protection
Screen Protection:
- A07: No Gorilla Glass (concerning)
- A56: Gorilla Glass Victus+ (front & back)
- S25 Ultra: Gorilla Glass Armor (highest protection)
Water & Dust Resistance:
Surprisingly, all three have IP ratings, but with major differences:
- A07: Splash-resistant only (light rain, accidental spills)
- A56: Full submersion up to 30 minutes (IP67)
- S25 Ultra: Extended submersion protection (IP68)
Design & Build Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9/10
Premium in every way. Titanium frame, best protection, flawless execution.
Galaxy A56: 7.5/10
Solid build, good materials, satisfying for most users.
Galaxy A07: 5/10
That notch is unforgivable. Otherwise acceptable for first-time users.
Key Takeaway: The average consumer would find the A07 functional but lacking, be satisfied with the A56, and more than satisfied with the S25 Ultra.
Category 2: Display Quality
Display Specifications Compared
| Spec | Galaxy A07 | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 (HD+) | 1080 x 2400 (FHD+) | 1440 x 3120 (QHD+) |
| Panel Type | PLS LCD | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz (LTPO) |
| Peak Brightness | 800 nits | 1,900 nits | 2,600 nits |
Real-World Visual Differences
Budget vs. Mid-Range/Flagship:
The gap is NOTICEABLE. Everyone can tell the A56 and S25 Ultra displays are significantly better than the A07:
- Colors are much more vibrant and accurate
- Videos look noticeably sharper
- Overall clarity is in a different league
Mid-Range vs. Flagship:
This is where it gets interesting. The S25 Ultra technically has:
- Higher resolution (QHD+ vs FHD+)
- Better panel technology (Dynamic AMOLED 2X)
- Superior brightness (2,600 vs 1,900 nits)
But here’s the truth: Unless you’re really looking for differences or have “special eyes,” you might not see a huge gap between the A56 and S25 Ultra in everyday use. The A56’s display is THAT good for a mid-ranger.
Refresh Rate Reality
90Hz (A07) vs 120Hz (A56 & S25 Ultra):
Animations on the A56 and Ultra look quicker, snappier, and smoother than the A07. Scrolling through apps, swiping between screens—the 120Hz difference is immediately noticeable.
The LTPO Advantage (S25 Ultra Only)
Even though both the A56 and S25 Ultra have 120Hz displays, the flagship has a secret weapon: LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology.
What LTPO does:
- Dynamically adjusts refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz
- Massively improves battery efficiency
- Keeps display smooth while saving power
The A56 is stuck at 120Hz whether you need it or not. The S25 Ultra intelligently scales based on what you’re doing.
Brightness Showdown
Peak brightness matters for outdoor visibility:
- A07: 800 nits (struggles in bright sunlight)
- A56: 1,900 nits (very good outdoor visibility)
- S25 Ultra: 2,600 nits (readable even in harsh sunlight)
Display Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9/10
Technically superior in every metric. LTPO and brightness give it the edge.
Galaxy A56: 8/10
Exceptional mid-range display. Satisfies 95% of users’ needs.
Galaxy A07: 5.5/10
Functional but clearly budget-tier. The LCD panel and lower resolution show their limitations.
Key Takeaway: Most people would be fine with the budget phone but find it lacking. The mid-range phone would satisfy all their needs. The Ultra gives them everything they want and more.
Category 3: Performance & Processing Power
This Is Where the Flagship FLEXES
If there’s one category where the S25 Ultra truly separates itself from the pack, it’s performance.
Chipset Breakdown:
- Galaxy A07: MediaTek Helio G99 (budget processor)
- Galaxy A56: Exynos 1580 (Samsung’s mid-range chip)
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (absolute beast)
Geekbench Results: The Gap Is MASSIVE
Single-Core Performance:
- A56 scored 2x the A07’s score
- S25 Ultra scored 2x the A56’s score
Multi-Core Performance:
- S25 Ultra scored 2.5x the A56’s score
Let that sink in. The flagship is exponentially more powerful.
Real-World Performance Differences
This isn’t just “on paper” better. You’ll notice these gaps in daily use:
App Loading:
- A07: Noticeable delay
- A56: Quick
- S25 Ultra: Instant
Multitasking:
- A07: Occasional slowdowns
- A56: Smooth most of the time
- S25 Ultra: Seamless
Gaming:
- A07: Low-medium graphics settings
- A56: High graphics settings
- S25 Ultra: Maximum graphics settings, best frame rates
Video Editing/Exporting:
- A07: Slow, limited capabilities
- A56: Decent speed
- S25 Ultra: Professional-grade speed
RAM Progression: Where One Ends, Another Begins
This blew my mind:
Galaxy A07: 4GB – 8GB RAM
Galaxy A56: 8GB – 12GB RAM
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 12GB – 16GB RAM
Where the A07 stops (8GB), the A56 starts. Where the A56 stops (12GB), the S25 Ultra starts. It’s a perfectly tiered system.
Stuttering & Lag Experience
Important observation: On both the A07 and A56, I occasionally experienced stuttering and lag during use. On the S25 Ultra? Never. Not once.
The flagship’s optimization and raw power eliminate any performance hiccups.
Performance Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9.5/10
Significantly ahead. No compromises.
Galaxy A56: 7/10
Good for most tasks, but the gap to flagship is real.
Galaxy A07: 4/10
Struggles with anything demanding. Basic tasks only.
The Gap Is Widening: This category shows the clearest hierarchy of all.
Category 4: Camera Systems
Camera Hardware Comparison
| Camera | Galaxy A07 | Galaxy A56 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 50MP | 50MP | 200MP |
| Ultrawide | None | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto 1 | None | None | 10MP (3x) |
| Telephoto 2 | None | None | 50MP (5x) |
| Macro | 2MP | 5MP | None |
| Front | 8MP | 12MP | 12MP |
Camera count progression: A07 has 2 cameras, A56 has 3 cameras, S25 Ultra has 4 cameras. More cameras, more money—that’s the Samsung way.
Main Camera Performance: The A07 Surprises
I expected the A07 to be demolished by the others. That didn’t happen.
Under ideal lighting conditions:
- The A07 actually holds its own
- Samsung’s software processing does heavy lifting
- Photos are usable and decent quality
- Only slightly less vibrant and sharp than the A56/S25 Ultra
Credit where it’s due: Samsung did an excellent job with this budget camera. It’s far better than expected.
When Lighting Gets Tricky
This is where the budget phone shows its limits.
In challenging lighting:
- A07 struggles noticeably
- A56 handles it better but still has issues
- S25 Ultra doesn’t break a sweat
The flagship’s superior sensor and processing power shine when conditions aren’t perfect.
Versatility: Rear Camera Options
Galaxy A07:
- One useful camera (main)
- Macro camera is essentially useless
Galaxy A56:
- Two useful cameras (main + ultrawide)
- Macro camera questionable utility
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- FOUR useful cameras
- Wide, ultrawide, 3x telephoto, 5x telephoto
- Massive versatility for any shooting scenario
The flagship gives you creative flexibility the others simply can’t match.
Selfie Camera Quality
A07 (8MP): Clearly the worst
- Bad colors, sometimes oversaturated
- Lacking detail and sharpness
A56 (12MP): Solid mid-range quality
- Good colors, decent detail
- Satisfactory for most users
S25 Ultra (12MP): Best overall
- I wasn’t blown away, but it’s noticeably better than the A56
- More accurate colors, better processing
Video Capabilities
I recorded simultaneously on all three phones to compare:
Recording Specs:
- A07: 1080p maximum (no 4K)
- A56: 4K maximum
- S25 Ultra: 4K tested (can do 8K)
Video Quality Observations:
Galaxy A07:
- Oversharpened, artificial look
- Colors aren’t great
- NO video stabilization (major issue)
Galaxy A56:
- Decent 4K quality
- Some stabilization
- Good but not flagship-level
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Footage just looks nicer, no debate
- Superior stabilization
- Best colors and detail
- Clear flagship advantage
Verdict: When it comes to video, the S25 Ultra truly sets itself apart.
Camera Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9/10
Superior in versatility, processing, and video.
Galaxy A56: 7/10
Solid mid-range performance. Good enough for most.
Galaxy A07: 4/10
Surprisingly decent photos in good light, but limited overall.
The Gap Is REALLY Wide: This category shows massive differentiation, especially in versatility and video.
Category 5: Software & Features
Same Software, Different Features
All three phones run One UI 8 based on Android 16. They’re on the same software version, right?
Wrong. They don’t get the same features.
Feature Gaps: What Each Phone Is Missing
Galaxy A07 Limitations:
- ❌ No native screen recorder
- ❌ Virtually NO AI features
- ❌ Missing numerous One UI 8 features
- It’s One UI 8… but the budget version
Galaxy A56 Features:
- ✅ Screen recorder included
- ✅ Some AI features:
- Stroke to search
- Object eraser
- Best face
- AI select
- Transcribe recordings to text
- ❌ No writing tools
- ❌ Can’t solve math questions
- ❌ Can’t generate wallpapers
- ❌ No Google Assistant
Galaxy S25 Ultra Features:
- ✅ ALL the AI features:
- Writing tools
- Math solver
- Wallpaper generation
- Google Assistant
- Advanced image editing
- And much more
The Hierarchy: Flagship gets most features, mid-range gets some, budget gets next to none.
Software Support: Surprisingly Equal
Here’s where Samsung impresses across the board:
- Galaxy A07: 6 years of updates
- Galaxy A56: 6 years of updates
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: 7 years of updates
My Take: While impressive on paper, I question whether the A07 will physically survive 6 years. Will the 4GB RAM still be functional in 2031? Probably not.
The 6-year support makes more sense on the A56 and is genuinely valuable on the S25 Ultra.
Software Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9/10
All features + longest support.
Galaxy A56: 7/10
Good feature set for mid-range.
Galaxy A07: 5/10
Basic features only, but decent support promise.
Category 6: Battery Life & Charging
Battery Capacity: All the Same?
All three phones have 5,000mAh batteries on paper. So they should last the same time, right?
Wrong again.
Real-World Battery Test Results
Rankings:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra (Best battery life)
- Galaxy A07 (Second place)
- Galaxy A56 (Third place)
Yes, the budget phone outlasted the mid-ranger. Why? Likely because:
- Lower resolution display (less power)
- Less powerful processor (more efficient for basic tasks)
- Fewer background features running
Charging Speeds Matter
Battery capacity is one thing. How fast you can charge it is equally important.
Wired Charging:
- A07: 25W fast charging
- A56: 45W fast charging
- S25 Ultra: 45W fast charging
Wireless Charging:
- A07: ❌ Not supported
- A56: ❌ Not supported
- S25 Ultra: ✅ Wireless charging supported
Reverse Wireless Charging:
- A07: ❌ Not supported
- A56: ❌ Not supported
- S25 Ultra: ✅ Can charge other devices
Battery & Charging Scores
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 9/10
Best battery life + fastest charging + wireless options.
Galaxy A56: 5/10
Decent charging speed, but worst battery life of the three.
Galaxy A07: 6/10
Good battery life offsets slower charging.
Final Scores: The Complete Breakdown
Category-by-Category Results
| Category | A07 Score | A56 Score | S25 Ultra Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | 5 | 7.5 | 9 |
| Display | 5.5 | 8 | 9 |
| Performance | 4 | 7 | 9.5 |
| Camera | 4 | 7 | 9 |
| Software | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Battery | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| TOTAL (out of 60) | 29.5 | 41.5 | 54.5 |
What These Numbers Actually Mean
Galaxy A07 (29.5/60 = 49%):
- You’re getting basically half of what’s possible
- For those getting their first smartphone
- People who need just the basics
Galaxy A56 (41.5/60 = 69%):
- Solid value proposition
- For the “vast majority” of users
- Decent features without flagship pricing
Galaxy S25 Ultra (54.5/60 = 91%):
- Near-perfect execution across all categories
- All the features you need (and some you won’t)
- For those who want the absolute best
Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Buy the Galaxy A07 ($100) If You:
✅ Are buying your first smartphone
✅ Need only basic features (calls, texts, social media)
✅ Have a very tight budget
✅ Don’t care about camera quality
✅ Can tolerate older design language
✅ Want a phone that “just works” for simple tasks
❌ Skip if you: Game, take lots of photos, need smooth performance, care about modern design
Buy the Galaxy A56 ($500) If You:
✅ Want good value for money
✅ Need decent performance without flagship price
✅ Take photos regularly but aren’t a photography enthusiast
✅ Want a modern-looking phone
✅ Need good battery life and fast charging
✅ Are part of the “vast majority” of smartphone users
❌ Skip if you: Need the absolute best performance, want versatile camera system, need all AI features
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,000) If You:
✅ Want the best Samsung has to offer
✅ Need maximum performance (gaming, editing, multitasking)
✅ Take photography and videography seriously
✅ Want all the latest AI features
✅ Can afford the premium price
✅ Keep phones for 4+ years
✅ Need versatility (multiple cameras, zoom options)
❌ Skip if you: Are budget-conscious, don’t use advanced features, satisfied with “good enough”
The Value Proposition: Where Does Your Money Go?
Breaking Down the Price Jumps
From A07 to A56 (+$400):
You gain:
- Much better display (AMOLED vs LCD)
- 2x performance improvement
- Better cameras (ultrawide added)
- More AI features
- Faster charging
- Premium build materials
Worth it? For most people, YES. This is where you see the biggest jump in daily usability.
From A56 to S25 Ultra (+$500):
You gain:
- Best-in-class performance (another 2x jump)
- Four-camera system vs two
- All AI features
- Wireless charging
- Titanium frame
- Brightest display
- Longer software support
Worth it? Only if you need the extras or want the absolute best.
Samsung 2025 Lineup: Room for Improvement
My Honest Take
While this comparison shows clear differentiation, there’s significant room for improvement in Samsung’s 2025 lineup, especially in the budget and mid-range categories.
Budget Phone Issues:
- That U-notch is unacceptable in 2025
- Other brands offer better-looking budget phones
- Performance is barely adequate
Mid-Range Concerns:
- Battery life shouldn’t be worst of the three
- Missing some AI features feels arbitrary
- Could use better video stabilization
Flagship Observations:
- Excellent execution overall
- Price is getting steep
- Some features feel like they should trickle down faster
Comparison With Competitors
How These Stack Up Against Other Brands
Budget Segment ($100):
- Xiaomi Redmi series offers better specs
- Realme has more modern designs
- Motorola has cleaner software
Samsung’s advantage: Better software support (6 years vs 2-3 years)
Mid-Range Segment ($500):
- OnePlus Nord series offers similar performance
- Google Pixel A-series has better cameras
- Nothing Phone has unique design
Samsung’s advantage: More features, better ecosystem integration
Flagship Segment ($1,000):
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (better video, ecosystem)
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (better AI, camera)
- OnePlus 13 (better value)
Samsung’s advantage: S Pen, versatile camera system, best display
Final Verdict: The Truth About Samsung’s 2025 Lineup
The Clear Conclusion
You DO get significantly more when you spend significantly more on Samsung phones in 2025.
The scoring proves it:
- 49% value at $100
- 69% value at $500
- 91% value at $1,000
The progression is linear, predictable, and intentional.
My Recommendations
Best Overall Value: Galaxy A56
Best First Phone: Galaxy A07
Best Performance: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best Camera: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best Battery: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best Design: Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Bottom Line
Samsung has created a clear hierarchy in 2025. Each phone serves a specific audience:
- A07 = First-time users, extreme budget
- A56 = The masses, the majority
- S25 Ultra = Enthusiasts, professionals, “money is no object”
There’s no wrong choice—only the wrong phone for YOUR needs.
Figure out what type of user you are, and the decision becomes obvious.
What’s Your Take?
I think Samsung’s 2025 lineup works as intended but has room for improvement. The budget phone needs a design refresh. The mid-range needs better battery optimization. The flagship needs to justify its increasing price.
What do you think?
- Are you considering any of these phones?
- Is the mid-range the sweet spot?
- Does the flagship justify its $1,000 price tag?
Let me know in the comments below!
#SamsungGalaxy #GalaxyA07 #GalaxyA56 #GalaxyS25Ultra #PhoneComparison #TechReview2025 #BudgetPhone #FlagshipPhone
