Samsung Galaxy A16 5G review
Discover Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: a solid phone with great features but struggles with performance and value compared to rivals.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G isn’t cheapest Galaxy phone, but it’s close. Built on budget hardware, it comes with a few compromises and we’re here to find out if these affect its value.
This review covers Galaxy A16 5G model which differs from 4G version mainly in chipset, as the 5G model has either Samsung Exynos 1330 or MediaTek Dimensity 6300, depending on the market. We’re testing Exynos 1330 version but we can’t compare it to Dimensity 6300 yet.
Our unit has 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage with a microSD slot for expansion, though 4GB RAM may limit future performance.
Key Specs:
- Size: 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm, 200g; dust and splash resistant.
- Screen: 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080×2340 resolution.
- Chip: Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 6300, depending on region.
- Memory: 4GB or 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage with microSD slot.
- Cameras: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro (rear); 13MP (front).
- Battery: 5000mAh, 25W fast charging.
- Software: Android 14, up to 6 years of updates.
- Other: 5G, fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC.
| 📱 Display | 6.7″ 1080 x 2340 pixels | 💾 Memory | 4/8 GB RAM |
| 📷 Camera | 50 MP 1080p video | 🔧 Chipset | Dimensity 6300 |
| 🔋 Battery | 5000 mAh 25W charging |
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📶 Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 📏 Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm; 200 g |
| 🛠️ Build | Glass front, plastic back and frame |
| 💳 SIM | Single or Hybrid Dual SIM, IP54 dust & splash resistant |
| 📱 Display | 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| 📲 OS | Android 14 with up to 6 major updates |
| 🔧 Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5nm) or MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) |
| ⚙️ CPU | Octa-core with two setups depending on chipset |
| 💾 Storage/RAM | 128GB/4GB, 128GB/8GB, 256GB/8GB microSD slot (uses SIM slot) |
| 📷 Main Camera | Triple: 50 MP (wide), 5 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro) Video: 1080p at 30fps |
| 🤳 Selfie Camera | 13 MP (wide), 1080p video |
| 🔊 Audio | Loudspeaker, no 3.5mm jack |
| 📡 Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC (regional) |
| 🔌 USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 🧲 Sensors | Side fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| 🔋 Battery | 5000 mAh, 25W charging |
| 🎨 Colors | Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold, Light Green |
| 💵 Price | ₹18,999 / $259.99 / £199.00 |
| 📊 Performance Tests | AnTuTu: 368854 (v9), GeekBench: 2090 (v5), Brightness: 824 nits, Battery Use: 12:08h |
Design and Build Quality of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a clean, modern Samsung look with recognizable triple vertical camera setup on the back (no camera island). It’s compact, with smooth, rounded edges that feel comfortable to hold. However, glossy plastic back easily picks up fingerprints. Despite being plastic, build feels solid with no flex.
Available in Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold and Light Green, phone’s back and frame are made of plastic, while front is glass (type unspecified). IP54 rating means it’s resistant to light splashes and dust and SIM tray has a rubber gasket for added protection.
Bezels are fairly wide, with a teardrop notch for the selfie camera, giving it a budget look. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint reader embedded in the power button which is quick and reliable. Buttons are responsive and tactile.
Right side has the power button and volume keys while left side has the SIM slot. Bottom houses loudspeaker, mic, and USB-C port.
Display of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Galaxy A16 5G features 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It has pixel density of about 385, making screen sharp and clear.
Samsung claims a maximum brightness of 800 nits but testing showed it can reach 824 nits which is decent for outdoor use. Display adjusts brightness automatically using a sensor hidden beneath the screen.
A16 5G supports 90Hz refresh rate which enhances smoothness compared to standard 60Hz. Users can choose between a 60Hz mode for battery saving and a 90Hz mode. There is no HDR support but it has Widevine L1 certification for streaming in Full HD.
Battery Life of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Phone is equipped with 5,000 mAh battery, providing decent battery life with Active Use Score of around 12 hours. While this is acceptable, it is shorter compared to previous models.
Charging Speed of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Galaxy A16 5G supports 25W fast charging. It charges from 0% to 25% in 15 minutes and a full charge takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes.
Speakers of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
A16 5G has single bottom-firing speaker, which performs well in loudness tests but offers only average sound quality, focusing mainly on high frequencies with little bass.
Connectivity of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
As a 5G device, Galaxy A16 5G supports both SA and NSA Sub-6 connectivity. It offers options for a single SIM or dual SIM (with a hybrid slot) but lacks eSIM support. Phone includes GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC (availability varies by market). It does not have 3.5mm audio jack or FM radio.
Type-C port supports USB 2.0, with a maximum data transfer speed of 480 Mbps and it has USB OTG support. Sensors include a virtual proximity sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor and magnetometer but there is no barometer.
Android 14 with One UI 6.1of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Galaxy A16 5G runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1. Samsung offers six major Android updates which is impressive for a budget phone. However, it’s important to see if the hardware can handle smooth performance over these updates.
Features of One UI 6.1
- User Experience: Galaxy A16 5G features a user-friendly version of One UI 6.1 similar to what is found in Galaxy S series phones.
- Improvements: Update includes a redesigned Quick Panel, better notifications, a simplified camera app and enhanced gallery tools.
- Software Availability: Many features that were previously exclusive to flagship models are now available on mid-range devices.
Performance
Processor Options
- Galaxy A16 5G may have either Samsung Exynos 1330 or MediaTek Dimensity 6300, depending on the region. Review unit tested has the Exynos 1330.
- Exynos 1330: A 5nm chip with a dual-core (2.4 GHz) and six-core (2.0 GHz) CPU, paired with a Mali-G68 MP2 GPU.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300: A 6nm chip with a similar CPU setup but uses a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Memory and Storage
- Available in 4GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage.
- Storage type is UFS 2.2, which is better than budget eMMC options and expandable via microSD.
Thermal Management
- Exynos 1330 manages heat well, remaining lukewarm even during prolonged use indicating efficient thermal throttling.
Camera of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
The Galaxy A16 5G has a basic triple-camera system. The main camera is 50MP, while the selfie camera is 5MP, and there’s a 2MP macro camera for close-ups.
- Main Camera: Uses a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL sensor. It captures good photos, but detail can be soft, and dynamic range isn’t great. It records video in 1080p.
- Ultrawide Camera: 5MP ultrawide camera offers a wider view but lacks autofocus and produces soft, blurry images with poor detail.
- Macro Camera: 2MP macro camera is okay for close-up shots, but it requires careful positioning as it has a fixed focus.
- Selfie Camera: 13MP selfie camera can record 1080p video and takes decent photos, showing good skin tones and features, though it’s not particularly special.
Daylight Performance
- Main Camera: In good lighting, main camera takes solid 12.5MP photos with nice colors but can struggle with contrast and dynamic range. Portraits look good with effective background blur.
- Ultrawide Camera: Ultrawide camera’s quality is less impressive often producing soft images with poor contrast and detail.
Low-Light Performance
- Main Camera: Although there is considerable noise, main camera does a respectable job of capturing colors and details in low light. For optimal performance you must manually enable night mode as it lacks an automatic feature.
- Ultrawide Camera: Low-light shots from the ultrawide camera are soft and lack detail with highlights often blown out.
- Selfie Camera: Selfie camera does okay in low light, providing passable images with some softness.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Nice and sturdy design | 💡 Screen isn’t very bright |
| 📱 Up to six major OS updates | 🔄 No automatic refresh rate |
| 📸 Good main camera | 🔊 No stereo speakers |
| 🤳 Great selfie camera | 🐢 Slow performance sometimes |
| 🔋 Long battery life | 📉 Basic ultrawide camera |
| 🌐 Supports 5G, NFC and microSD | 🎥 No 4K video recording |
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Conclusion
Galaxy A16 5G is decent phone with good features. We like that it gets up to six major Android updates. One UI has helpful tools.
However, Galaxy A16 5G feels a bit old. It has low water resistance (IP54), no stereo speakers and screen is only 90Hz with average brightness. Exynos 1330 processor is just okay and phone can be slow. With only 4GB of RAM, it might struggle especially after updates. Camera can only record 1080p video and quality isn’t great. Charging is also slow.
There’s a saying: “There are no bad products, just bad pricing.” This applies to Galaxy A16 5G. Its price is too close to better Galaxy A35 and if you want to save money, Galaxy A15 5G is a better choice. If price drops, Galaxy A16 5G might be worth considering but for now, we suggest looking at other options.
