Well, there is a lot of smartphones with different form factor and prices, and ZTE continues to carve a niche for itself by delivering affordable yet practical devices. The ZTE nubia A56, launched in mid-2025, is one such entry-level smartphone that promises long battery life, a smooth display, and a simple user experience, all without breaking the bank. Here’s our in-depth look at what it offers in this review.
Design and Build
At first glance, the nubia A56 looks modern and minimalistic. It sports a slim 8.3 mm body, weighs just 193 g, and uses a matte plastic back that feels sturdy while resisting fingerprints. Rounded edges and a comfortable grip make it easy to handle, and although it doesn’t use premium materials, the phone looks and feels better than most devices in its price category.
Display
One of the biggest highlights of the nubia A56 is its 6.75-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is limited to 720 × 1600 pixels (HD+), the higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations, and app transitions feel noticeably smoother compared to typical 60Hz budget phones.
Colors are fairly accurate, and the waterdrop notch helps maximize screen space with an 84.8% screen-to-body ratio. Outdoor visibility under strong sunlight could be better, although the glass protection type is not mentioned, but with everything else is included, it is still a pleasant surprise at this price.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the nubia A56 runs on the Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) processor, paired with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage. Storage is expandable via microSD, which is useful for storing media files and documents.
Performance is best described as basic but reliable. Everyday tasks such as calls, messaging, browsing, and social media run smoothly, but heavier apps and multitasking can introduce some lag. Gamers should look elsewhere, unless you are playing very basic titles, but for general use, it holds up well.
On the software side, the device ships with Android 15, offering a clean and lightweight interface. ZTE also includes extended RAM technology up to 8GB, letting you borrow some storage space to improve multitasking.
Cameras
The nubia A56 isn’t built to be a camera powerhouse, but it does cover the essentials:
- 13MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
- 8MP front camera for selfies and video calls
Daytime photos are decent, with good color balance and enough detail for casual sharing. However, low-light performance is limited, with noticeable noise and softness even when using the built-in “Super Night” mode. Video recording maxes out at 1080p @ 30fps, which is serviceable for simple clips but not standout especially recording over darker areas, where noise is highly noticeable.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is a strong point for this device. The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day and can stretch up to 1.5 days with lighter use. Charging is handled via USB-C but capped at 10W, meaning a full charge can take 2.5 to 3 hours. While it’s not fast by today’s standards, it is dependable, and the phone avoids overheating during charging.
Connectivity and Extras
Despite its low cost, the nubia A56 packs a useful set of features:
- Dual Nano-SIM with 4G LTE
- Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, GPS
- 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio
- USB-C with OTG support
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock
The only notable omission is NFC, but given its segment, this isn’t surprising but payment via NFC would be a challenge especially we live in a world where we just simply rely our phone to tap and pay.
Verdict & Conclusion
The ZTE nubia A56 is a practical entry-level phone that focuses on delivering essentials done right. Its smooth 90Hz display, long-lasting battery, and clean Android 15 software make it a dependable daily driver. Performance and cameras are modest, and charging is slow, but at a low price of RM299 (or less than 80USD), it represents solid value for money.
Who Should Buy It?
- Students or first-time smartphone users
- Budget-conscious buyers needing reliable performance
- Users who prioritize battery life and a smooth display over advanced photography
Pros
- Affordable price
- 90Hz large display
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
- Clean Android 15 experience
- Useful extras (FM radio, microSD slot, headphone jack, fingerprint sensor)
Cons
- HD+ resolution only
- Average camera performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Not suitable for heavy multitasking or gaming
Final Word: The ZTE nubia A56 proves that even in 2025, you can still get a capable and well-rounded smartphone without spending a fortune. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and that’s exactly what many users need a phone that is functional yet modern.