It has not been round for very lengthy and retails for $199.99 a pop: That is the Galaxy A16 5G, one other entry-level smartphone from Samsung. It appears similar to the earlier mannequin and is recognizable by its barely bigger show. Nevertheless, a better look reveals the A16 5G is an excellent higher deal for the long run than the A15 5G. Discover out why that is so in nextpit’s Samsung Galaxy A16 5G overview!
Abstract
Purchase
Good
Software program updates till 2030
Stunning 6.7-inch show
Very lengthy battery life
Expandable reminiscence supported
Unhealthy
Disappointing digicam high quality, particularly at night time
May come up brief performance-wise within the subsequent few years
No extra 3.5 mm audio port
Lengthy charging occasions
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: All offers
Worth and Availability
A implausible replace assure, show, and a long-lasting battery life: should you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced smartphone in the meanwhile, the Galaxy A16 5G is the right selection. Launched within the US on January 9, 2025, it comes with a $199.99 price ticket and is obtainable by way of Samsung’s official web site and from numerous nationwide retailers and carriers.
Sadly, there isn’t any 3.5 mm audio port on this 12 months’s version, and the producer has not improved on the insufficient digicam system. It is a buy suggestion with some caveats, so learn on to seek out out extra.
Design & construct high quality
First off, the Galaxy A16 5G is barely bigger than its predecessor. Though Samsung managed to put in a bigger show, the chassis dimension has elevated to 16.4 x 7.8 x 7.9 mm. The burden has remained the identical at 200 g and, upon nearer inspection, we took notice of a painful loss: Samsung has now additionally accomplished away with the three.5 mm audio port in its entry-level fashions.
Professionals:
Fairly again with the look of a pocket mirror
Responsive fingerprint sensor situated within the energy button
IP54 waterproof ranking
Cons:
3.5 mm audio port is not any extra
Design appears just a little outdated in 2025
Evaluation models usually arrive as a part of a bundle. At first, I wasn’t certain whether or not Samsung had despatched the right mannequin. It’s because the Galaxy A16 5G appears similar to its predecessor. I reviewed the A15 5G final 12 months and nearly all the pieces has remained unchanged. Now we have a solidly constructed, massive smartphone with the standard Samsung design language and a trio of cameras behind.
A fingerprint sensor is situated inside the energy button and could be very responsive! © inside digital / Benjamin Lucks
A Samsung brand is embedded within the reflective again. Good! © inside digital / Benjamin Lucks
Just a little outdated? The show has a waterdrop notch. © inside digital / Benjamin Lucks
The USB-C port is situated on the backside and sadly, it comes with solely the USB 2.0 customary. © inside digital / Benjamin Lucks
A more in-depth look reveals solely the marginally bigger chassis. Nevertheless, the expansion of some millimeters is imperceptible: the Galaxy A15 5G was already a comparatively massive smartphone. The again now appears just a little extra enticing because of the reflective floor and the three.5 mm audio port on the backside is not round because it was on the A15 5G.
For those who spend a whole lot of time with smartphones, the design appears just a little old style in 2025. Nevertheless, since Samsung provides IP54 safety towards mud and water splashes, there may be little or no to complain about total. Sure, the Galaxy A16 5G continues to be manufactured from plastic throughout, however you should not anticipate extra from a $200 handset. Nevertheless, because of the high-quality workmanship, I discovered it good to carry within the fingers. Samsung did a very good job of hiding the truth that it had to save cash when choosing the construct materials.
Lastly, the insufficient loudspeaker, which emits audio from the underside of the handset, is typical of an entry-level smartphone. The amount degree is okay, however you usually cowl it along with your hand when enjoying movies or cell video games. Since there isn’t any second speaker, this severely limits the audio high quality.
Show
The show, which measures a formidable 6.7 inches throughout diagonally, is just a little higher. It’s also based mostly on Samsung’s personal “Super AMOLED” expertise, which works at variable refresh charges of as much as 90 Hz. The decision stands at 1,080 x 2,340 pixels, which ensures a strong pixel density of round 385 ppi. Nevertheless, the low value is unquestionably noticeable in entrance because the Galaxy A16 5G options an antiquated teardrop notch.
Professionals:
Very high-quality show for this value vary
Narrower bezels than its predecessor
Variable refresh fee of as much as 90 Hz
Cons:
Teardrop notch appears just a little outdated
Show is just not notably brilliant at solely 800 nits
Colour modifications seen at lateral viewing angles
Samsung is thought for its excellent smartphone shows, which is why the 6.7-inch AMOLED panel within the Galaxy A16 5G additionally impressed. The show picked up factors with good shade copy and can also be very sharp with a pixel density of 385 ppi. Because the show helps a refresh fee of as much as 90 Hz, content material appears buttery clean. In fact, Samsung has extra highly effective shows, which implies this isn’t the perfect show there may be (as anticipated).
Though Samsung makes use of an AMOLED panel, you may see shade modifications once you look together with the handset. White display screen content material turns into bluish. The truth that Samsung nonetheless depends on a transparent teardrop notch additionally appears just a little outdated.
Software program: Even longer Android updates
The Galaxy A16 5G comes with Android 14 proper out of the field, the place Samsung put in its personal Android pores and skin referred to as OneUI model 6.1. Instantly after unboxing, the smartphone confirmed us it was operating on the November 2024 safety replace in January 2025. In response to the producer’s promise, it will stay the case for six years, with as much as six years of recent Android variations.
Professionals:
Notably lengthy replace promise
OneUI strikes steadiness between performance and user-friendliness
Cons:
Pre-installed apps similar to Temu or Royal Match
No assist for Samsung’s Galaxy AI
A transparent argument in favor of the Galaxy A16 5G is the lengthy replace guarantee of six years. For lower than $200 a pop, you might be bringing residence a smartphone you could theoretically be used till 2030 with none drawbacks when it comes to safety updates and working system variations. The truth that Samsung additionally ensures six additional Android variations is extraordinarily welcome, the place flagship handsets from different producers aren’t even supported that lengthy! If you’re glad with the Galaxy A16 5G, you get lots in your cash!
The working system interface has been tailored to the telephone’s look. © nextpit
You understand what’s annoying? There’s pre-installed software program which fortunately might be uninstalled. © nextpit
After an replace, the A16 5G runs on the newest working system. © nextpit
For those who want, you too can use the Galaxy A16 5G in darkish mode. © nextpit
Within the PC Mark benchmark, the telephone lasted notably lengthy. © nextpit
Sadly, this total bundle additionally contains some bloatware, which fortunately, might be uninstalled after establishing the smartphone. As an entry-level telephone, it additionally lacks assist for Samsung’s in-house AI referred to as Galaxy AI. Nevertheless, if you’re , you may nonetheless use Google’s Gemini on the handset or set up ChatGPT as a separate app. You possibly can learn our detailed OneUI overview to know extra. Screenshots of the working system might be discovered within the photograph gallery above!
Efficiency & {Hardware}
Samsung switched to its personal Exynos SoC for the Galaxy A16 5G from MediaTek. The Exynos 1300 was manufactured utilizing the extra trendy 5 nm course of and will provide a efficiency benefit in concept. The entry-level SoC is paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of inner reminiscence as customary. This may be expanded by way of microSD playing cards. The Galaxy A16 5G connects wirelessly by way of WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G, with the one wired connection being USB 2.0.
Professionals:
Higher efficiency than final 12 months
At the very least 128 GB of inner reminiscence
Expandable flash reminiscence
Cons:
Little or no room for higher efficiency over the subsequent few years
Accommodates relatively outdated connectivity requirements
The efficiency degree has elevated in comparison with its predecessor, albeit marginally. By switching from the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC to the Exynos 1300, we gained round 40 p.c in single-core efficiency and just below 10 p.c in multi-core, in keeping with benchmark outcomes. Nevertheless, for the reason that efficiency of the Galaxy A15 5G was merely ample final 12 months, the Galaxy A16 5G is under no circumstances a powerhouse. That is partly because of the comparatively small quantity of 4 GB RAM that comes with the smartphone as customary. Nevertheless, the 128 GB inner reminiscence is okay.
In on a regular basis use, we have now to stay with occasional stutters and relatively lengthy ready occasions when launching apps and loading web sites. The Galaxy A16 5G can play cell video games similar to Name of Responsibility: Cellular on the bottom graphics settings, however if you’d like extra right here, it’s best to take a look at older refurbished smartphones. Older flagships provide higher efficiency that may nonetheless be extra highly effective than the Galaxy A16 5G in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Poco M6 Professional
Poco X5 Professional 5G
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Samsung Galaxy A53
OnePlus Nord 2
Google Pixel 6a
3D Mark Wild Life
1.379
1.223
–
2.457
1.205
2.280
4.175
5.762
3D Mark Wild Life Stress Take a look at (Extreme¹)
Greatest loop: 1,230Worst loop: 1,220
Greatest loop: 1,230Worst loop: 1,220
¹ Greatest loop: 346
Worst loop: 344
Stability: 99.4
Greatest loop: 2,459
Worst loop: 2,438
Greatest loop: 1,208
Worst loop: 1,109
Greatest loop: 2,298Worst loop: 2293
Greatest loop: 4181Worst loop: 2515
Greatest loop: 4,941Worst loop: 2,860
Geekbench 5
Single: 973Multi: 2,043
Single: 696Multi: 1,872
Single: 725Multi: 1,902
Single: 768Multi: 2,685
Single: 1,208Multi: 4,310
Single: 1,155Multi: 3,356
Single: 811Multi: 2,690
Single: 1,038Multi: 2,890
The A16 5G is equally outdated when it comes to connectivity. Whereas present flagships already characteristic WiFi 7, the A16 5G works with WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, which is not the newest customary. Nevertheless, the gradual information switch with the USB 2.0 port is especially annoying, though it a minimum of works by way of a Kind-C port.
The Galaxy A16 5G overview unit additionally helps the brand new 5G transmission customary. In fact, you may solely reap the benefits of this in case your smartphone contract helps 5G connectivity.
Digicam
Flipping it over, we discover a triple digicam configuration with a 50 MP wide-angle shooter, a 5 MP extremely wide-angle shooter, and a 2 MP macro digicam. If we have been to check the A16 with the technical specs of its predecessor, we discover that nothing has modified right here. The identical applies to the entrance digicam, which nonetheless contains a 13 MP shooter and has no autofocus. The Galaxy A16 5G data movies in a most of 1,080p at 30 frames per second.
Professionals:
Produces usable images throughout the day
Zooming out potential because of the extremely wide-angle lens
Cons:
Evening pictures are nonetheless disappointing
Poor high quality of the extremely wide-angle digicam stays the identical
Falls far in need of total expectations
A few of my largest criticisms when reviewing the Galaxy A15 5G have been associated to the digicam setup. Samsung relied on a top quality degree that’s typical for entry-level units, which may produce stunning photos with the wide-angle digicam throughout the day, however that is about it. Since Samsung makes use of the identical digicam module, the identical factors of criticism stay. Examples might be discovered within the following gallery:
Broad-angle digicam © nextpit
Extremely wide-angle digicam © nextpit
2x zoom © nextpit
10x zoom © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at nightfall © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at nightfall with motion © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at nightfall © nextpit
2x zoom at nightfall © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with out Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with out Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with out Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with out Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with out Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam at night time with Evening Mode © nextpit
Broad-angle digicam © nextpit
Extremely wide-angle digicam © nextpit
Undergood lighting situations, similar to a sunny winter day, the primary digicam can actually rating with good picture high quality. The Galaxy A16 5G reduces the 50 MP decision of the primary digicam to 12 megapixels by way of pixel binning. Nevertheless, should you have been examine the total decision with the outcomes produced by pixel binning, there isn’t any actual distinction in high quality.
Relatively, the massive variety of megapixels signifies that the digicam tends to provide noise in poor lighting situations. The smartphone suppresses this noise and pictures develop into muddy-looking. The issue can also be not solved if we have been to allow Evening Mode. Theoretically, a excessive decision ought to carry benefits when zooming in. Sadly, this didn’t occur as we see a excessive lack of element right here.
The triple digicam configuration from the earlier 12 months has sadly been retained! / © inside digital / Benjamin Lucks
Selfies are additionally hardly convincing with the Galaxy A16 5G, with the entrance digicam being extra appropriate for video telephony.
Battery and charging
Like most sub-$200 smartphones, the Galaxy A16 5G boasts a big 5,000 mAh battery. This should be charged utilizing a cable, and the quick-charging perform ought to work with 25 W. Nevertheless, charging occasions are comparatively lengthy in actuality.
Professionals:
Cons:
No wi-fi charging assist
Quick charging is gradual even with an appropriate charger
In our overview, the Galaxy A16 5G stood out positively for its lengthy battery life. The battery benchmark from PC Mark gave the smartphone a runtime of 12h 47m, so it’s best to be capable to get by with the telephone for 2 days with out a energy outlet. This additionally makes the A16 5G companion for multimedia functions. Along with the attractive show, this makes it an excellent companion for lengthy commutes.
Charging occasions Galaxy A16 5G
Charging standing
Cost time
0 %
0h 0m
10 %
0h 12m
20 %
0h 23m
50 %
0h 56m
75 %
1h 29m
100 %
2h 05m
Nevertheless, because the desk of charging occasions reveals, the A16 5G must be plugged in for a comparatively very long time when the battery is empty. Though Samsung offers the smartphone with a quick charging perform that may cost the telephone at 25 W, it’s important to wait over 20 minutes even for a 20% battery cost. The entry-level smartphone additionally doesn’t assist wi-fi charging.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G technical specs
Technical specs
Machine
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Picture
Show
6.7″, AMOLED1,080 x 2,340 px90 Hz refresh fee
SoC
RAM
Storage
128 GB, 109.3 out there, expandable by way of microSD as much as 1.5 TB
Software program
OneUI 6.1 based mostly on Android 146 Android updates + 6 years of safety updates
Foremost digicam
Foremost digicam: 50 MP, f/1.8Ultra vast angle: 5 MP, f/2.2Macro lens: 2 MP, f/2.4
Selfie
Battery capability
5,000 mAhFast charging with as much as 25 W
IP ranking
Connectivity
5G / LTE / Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth 5.3 / NFC
Dimensions and weight
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm, 200 g
Conclusion
Samsung makes it troublesome for us tech journalists as soon as once more! For lower than $200, the Galaxy A16 5G is a smartphone that’s undoubtedly value recommending. That is attributed to the nice show, the excellent battery life, and the lengthy replace guarantee of six years. If you wish to primarily use your smartphone for browsing the net, making calls, and utilizing apps similar to Instagram or TikTok, you can be glad for half a dozen years.
Affiliate provide
Nevertheless, those that need just a little extra will quickly be dissatisfied with the Galaxy A16 5G all too shortly. Even for this 12 months, there may be little or no efficiency functionality left by the processor. You possibly can anticipate occasional stutters and lengthy app loading occasions. It’s merely annoying that Samsung has omitted the three.5 mm audio port and carried over the relatively poor digicam setup from final 12 months. The Galaxy A16 5G stays a purchase order suggestion—however with extreme limitations!
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
To system database
