Travel Tech on a Budget: My 3 Favorite Samsung Galaxy A Series Features!

As a traveler, especially one who loves budget-friendly adventures, having the right smartphone is essential. I prefer bringing a smartphone while traveling rather than a bulky camera because a smartphone can do everything, from capturing stunning landscapes to providing navigation and helping me search for must-visit spots. Essentially, having the right device can truly enhance the travel experience.

Samsung just launched the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, and they bring some flagship-like AI features without the hefty price tag! Let’s be real: AI has totally changed the way we travel. From planning itineraries to finding hidden gems and even translating signs in a foreign country, it’s like having a personal travel assistant in your pocket. And with these new AI-powered features, figuring things out on the go became even easier.

Samsung flew me and other Cebu bloggers to their media event for the launch of the new Galaxy A series, where I got to try out some of its awesome features firsthand. Here are my top 3 features that I think make the Samsung Galaxy A Series a must-have for travelers.

Best Face

We’ve all been there, finally getting the perfect shot with your travel buddies, only to realize that someone blinked or looked away. Best Face, exclusive to the Galaxy A56 5G, fixes that! This AI-powered tool selects and merges the best expressions from a motion photo so everyone looks their best in a single frame.

Why travelers will love it:

• No more wasted shots due to awkward blinks.
• Perfect for capturing group memories effortlessly.
• Saves editing time. Your best photo is created instantly!

Circle to Search

You're strolling through a local market in a new country, spotting an exotic fruit, and wondering what it is. Or maybe you hear a song in a beachside café that perfectly matches the moment, but you don’t know the name. Circle to Search, powered by Awesome Intelligence, lets you get answers without switching apps!

And guess what? Last year’s Circle to Search just got even better. Now, it can recognize phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs directly from your screen, so you can take action instantly. No more copying and pasting. Just circle it and go.

Why it’s perfect for travelers:

• Song Identification on the Go - Ever traveled to a new country, heard an amazing song, and had it stuck in your head but had no clue what it was? With Awesome Intelligence, you can instantly identify it! Just hum the tune or tap the music button while it's playing nearby. No more endless guessing! 
• Instant Info - Circle anything on your screen - text, landmarks, outfits - to search for it right away.
• No more typing - If you don’t know what something is, just circle it and find out.

Personally, as someone who constantly gets lost, I find these features to be a game-changer. You discover and learn about your surroundings in seconds!

Object Eraser: Bye bye, Photobombers!

Travel photos should be all about the experience, but random distractions like an unexpected passerby or an ugly sign can ruin the shot. That’s where the fine-refined Object Eraser on the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G comes in.

Why it’s a must-have:

• Easily erase unwanted objects with just a tap.
• No need for extra apps. The tool is built right into the phone!
• Perfect for content creators who want polished, professional-looking shots without spending hours editing.

For travel bloggers and content creators who are constantly on-the-go, this tool is a lifesaver when you need clean, distraction-free images! 

Why I Think This Should Be Your Next Travel Phone

You don’t need to splurge on a flagship phone to get next-level AI, awesome camera tools, and all-day battery life. Samsung’s new Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G prove that you can have it all without draining your travel fund. With Awesome Intelligence, solid durability (IP67 water and dust resistance), and a massive 5,000mAh battery, these phones are built for adventure, just like you.

• Get flagship-like features at a budget price.
• Super Fast Charging keeps you going.
• Samsung Knox Vault protects your data.

The Samsung A56 5G is priced at Php 25,990 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Php 23,990 for the 8GB + 128GB variant (e-store). Meanwhile, the Samsung A36 is available for Php 21,990 (8GB + 256GB) and Php 19,990 (8GB + 128GB, e-store).

If you’re a budget traveler who needs a phone that can keep up with all your adventures, the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G won’t let you down. Upgrade your travel tech without burning a hole in your wallet!

Where to Get It?

The Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G will be available in the Philippines by March 17, 2025, at Samsung Experience Stores and partner retailers, and in the Samsung online store by March 24, 2025.

Disclosure: This post is based on my personal experience at a Samsung media event showcasing the new Galaxy A Series. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and Samsung had no input on the content.

tags:Events

Johanna Marie Frejoles

A travel writer based in the Philippines with countless tales to share but often struggles to find the right words to do them justice.