Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Budget-Friendly Performance with Next-Gen Connectivity

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is not the cheapest Galaxy phone, but it’s close. With budget hardware and a few compromises, this phone aims to deliver 5G connectivity and solid features at an affordable price. In this review, we’ll cover its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your money.

Key Specifications of Galaxy A16 5G

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels).
• Chipset: Samsung Exynos 1330 or MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (depending on the region).
• Memory: 4GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB; expandable via microSD.
• Cameras: Triple rear setup (50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro); 13MP front.
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging.
• Software: Android 14 with One UI 6.1; up to six years of updates.
• Price: Around ₹18,999 / $259.99 / £199.00.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a simple, modern design. It features a triple-camera setup on the back without a raised camera island, giving it a clean look. The phone’s body is made of plastic, which keeps the weight manageable at 200g, but the glossy finish can attract fingerprints.

• Colors: Available in Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold, and Light Green.
• Durability: The phone is rated IP54, meaning it’s resistant to light splashes and dust.
• Ergonomics: Rounded edges make it comfortable to hold. The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader, which is fast and reliable.
• Build Quality: Despite being plastic, the phone feels sturdy, with no noticeable flex.

However, the bezels are thick, and the teardrop notch for the selfie camera gives it a budget appearance.

Display: A Bright Spot for the Budget

The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen is one of the highlights. It offers a Full HD+ resolution with good sharpness and vibrant colors.

• Brightness: While Samsung claims 800 nits, testing shows it can go up to 824 nits, making it usable outdoors.
• Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate adds smoothness to scrolling and animations. However, there’s no automatic adjustment to save battery.

On the downside, the screen lacks HDR support but is certified for Full HD streaming.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery is reliable, providing up to 12 hours of active use. However, compared to previous Galaxy models, the battery life isn’t exceptional.

• Charging: Supports 25W fast charging. It can charge from 0% to 100% in about 1 hour and 21 minutes, which is decent but not groundbreaking.

Performance: Mixed Results

Depending on your region, the Galaxy A16 5G comes with either:

1. Exynos 1330 (5nm): Dual-core 2.4 GHz and six-core 2.0 GHz setup.
2. MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm): Similar configuration but different GPU.

Our review unit used the Exynos 1330, which handles daily tasks well but struggles with demanding apps and multitasking. The 4GB RAM version may feel slow over time, especially with software updates.

• Thermal Management: The phone doesn’t overheat, even with prolonged use.
• Storage: Base models use UFS 2.2, which is faster than traditional eMMC storage.

Cameras: Basic but Functional

The triple-camera setup includes:

1. 50MP Main Camera: Produces good photos in daylight with natural colors. However, details can be soft, and the dynamic range is limited.
2. 5MP Ultrawide Camera: Offers a wider view but delivers average image quality with noticeable blurriness.
3. 2MP Macro Camera: Fun for close-ups, but its fixed focus makes it tricky to use.

The 13MP front camera takes decent selfies with good skin tones.

• Video Recording: Limited to 1080p resolution at 30fps on all cameras.

Low-Light Photography: The main camera performs okay with manual night mode, but the ultrawide and macro cameras struggle.

Software and Features

The phone runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, a user-friendly interface offering features previously reserved for flagship models.

• Updates: Samsung promises up to six years of software updates, which is impressive for a budget phone.
• Customization: Redesigned quick settings panel, improved notifications, and a more intuitive camera app.

Connectivity and Extras

The Galaxy A16 5G supports 5G networks and offers modern connectivity options like NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual-band Wi-Fi.

• Ports: The USB Type-C port supports USB 2.0 speeds, and the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Audio: Single speaker is loud but lacks bass. Stereo speakers would’ve been a welcome addition.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bright, colorful AMOLED display.
• Long software support (6 years of updates).
• Decent main and selfie cameras.
• Good 5G connectivity with expandable storage.

Cons:

• Only 90Hz refresh rate with no automatic adjustment.
• Average performance, especially with 4GB RAM.
• Ultrawide and macro cameras are underwhelming.
• No stereo speakers or HDR support.
• Slow compared to alternatives in the same price range.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy A16 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a well-rounded budget phone with some impressive features, like a vibrant AMOLED screen and long-term software support. However, it faces stiff competition in the same price bracket.

If you prioritize 5G connectivity, software updates, and a good display, this phone is worth considering. But if performance and camera quality are more important, you may find better options, such as the Galaxy A15 5G or Galaxy A35. For the current price, the A16 5G is decent but not the best value for money.