Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Introduction

Samsung’s Galaxy A1X devices have always been a popular option in the $200 price range, and the new A16 5G is no exception to that pedigree. It’s a beautiful AMOLED display, a 90Hz refresh rate, generous storage and an upgraded chipset and the terrific plus point of six years of software updates.

It’s a no-brainer, right?

However, while using the A16 5G, I experienced a very specific issue that has not changed. That one issue, despite being somewhat outweighed by the phone’s other strengths, could well be enough for you to look elsewhere. Let’s dig into the details and see what’s going on.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Full Specifications

Overview

• Weight (g): 200
• CPU Speed: 2.4GHz, 2GHz

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Processor

• CPU Speed: 2.4GHz, 2GHz
• CPU Type: Octa-Core

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Specs

Let’s first start with an overview of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G specs:

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Display

• Size (Main_Display): 169.1mm (6.7″ full rectangle) / 164.5mm (6.5″ rounded corners)
• Resolution (Main Display): 1080 x 2340 (FHD+)
• Technology (Main Display): Super AMOLED
• Color Depth (Main Display): 16M
• Max Refresh Rate (Main Display): 90 Hz

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has grown substantially larger compared to previous models. Now boasting an 6.7-inch display and featuring extra large bezels, its overall dimensions have expanded considerably.

Plastic rails don’t always make for ideal fitting, yet their lighter weight make this an attractive solution.

The buttons are located on the right side, slightly raised at the edges of the handset to form an island. Additionally, we found that power key doubled up as a fingerprint reader that performed accurately; however it took more than one beat before responding fully.

The box contains just the phone and charging cable; there’s no charging brick included.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display stands out as one of the major highlights, boasting beautiful colors and an average brightness of 500 nits, far exceeding our expectations for this price point.

Large bezels are certainly distracting, yet the quality of the screen remains decent.

Display Measurements:

Below we take measurements on our Samsung Galaxy A16 5G display; there have been slight modifications from its A15 5G counterpart regarding brightness and colors.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Camera

• Rear Camera – Resolution (Multiple): 50.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP
• Rear Camera – F Number (Multiple): F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4
• Rear Camera – Auto Focus: Yes

At Camera Score, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G performed slightly better than its predecessor; however, we were surprised to find that image quality improvements weren’t all that impressive as we experienced more issues with white balance and colors than we’d hoped for. Video quality on the other hand saw significant gains.

What cameras are included with the Samsung A16 5G?

On first glance it may appear that this all-camera system is functional; however, its third camera is actually an ineffective 2MP macro snapper and you will only benefit from having two functional 50MP main cameras and one ultrawide (5MP) camera.

• Rear Camera – OIS: No
• Rear Camera Zoom: Digital Zoom up to 10x

The primary camera of the A16 5G handles most of its work. You will notice an immediate difference in terms of color schemes from previous models; images appear more cool to us, making them less appealing. Still, dynamic and detail are abundant compared to its warm tones found on A15-5G cameras; that being said, warm tones would add warmth to this photo above.

Also read: Poco X7 review (Global)

Just look at how this photo looks on the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G when compared with that taken with an A15 5G.

• Front Camera – Resolution: 13.0 MP
• Front Camera – F Number: F2.0
• Front Camera – Auto Focus: No
• Front Camera – OIS: No
• Main Camera – Flash: Yes
• Front Camera – Flash: No

As there isn’t a specific telephoto camera built-in to the phone this phone, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G does not make huge leaps in quality of zoom. However, the processing is nicer which means there’s some improvement, but not an enormous one.

Its 5MP ultra-wide camera isn’t the most precise available however it could make use of it in the daytime. It takes decent pictures however nothing exceptional even. The colors appear more cool and we can see a bigger problem with resolving detail towards the edges of the photos.

All those gorgeous colours are now accessible onto the cameras for selfies, too.

• Video Recording Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)@30fps
• Slow Motion: 120fps @HD

It is worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G can record 4K videos, which are fantastic to watch and it also has good video stabilization. This is a common issue for phones in this price bracket.

A crucial video issue has been solved in the A16 5G, too. You are now able to switch between the ultra-wide and main cameras, something you were unable to have never done before.

We’ve noticed the same trend toward cooler colors, however, it is it’s a little less obvious in the video.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Storage/Memory

• Memory_(GB): 4/8
• Storage (GB): 128/256
• Available Storage (GB): 109.3/216
• External Storage Support: MicroSD (Up to 1.5TB)

Network/Bearer

• Number of SIM: Dual-SIM
• SIM size: Nano-SIM (4FF)
• SIM Slot Type: SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD)
• Infra: 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD, 5G Sub6 FDD, 5G Sub6 TDD
• 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
• 3G UMTS: B1(2100), B2(1900), B4(AWS), B5(850), B8(900)
• 4G FDD LTE: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B17(700), B20(800), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3)
• 4G TDD LTE: B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)
• 5G FDD Sub6: N1(2100), N3(1800), N7(2600), N8(900), N28(700)
• 5G TDD Sub6: N40(2300), N41(2500), N77(3700), N78(3500)

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Performance Benchmarks:

It is evident that there is almost 50% more performance of single-core performance that’s a significant improvement from the A15 5G. This puts the A16 5G to par with the more expensive A2x series.

There is hardly any increase in the performance of multi-core CPUs in general, and what is most important is the real-world performance that the A165G simply stuttery (even even if it is slightly improved).

In terms of graphics, there’s virtually nothing to improve and we would not suggest this phone for those who are gamers. In this respect the A2x series by Samsung provides nearly twice the speed of performance.

At the very least, you have an adequate amount of storage at 128GB, however it’s not the norm nowadays which is why there’s it’s not a reason to be too excited neither.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Connectivity

• USB Interface: USB Type-C
• USB Version: USB 2.0
• Location Technology: GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
• Earjack: USB Type-C
• MHL: No
• Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz+5GHz, VHT80
• Wi-Fi Direct: Yes
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth v5.3
• NFC: Yes
• PC Sync: Smart Switch (PC version)

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G OS

• Android

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G arrives with Android 14 and Samsung’s OneUI 6.1 custom layer that is added on top.

Samsung offers six years worth of updates to its software, which is a huge commitment for low-cost phone. Of course, we will appreciate that, however we’d prefer to be able to see Samsung enhance the actual performance of the phone since it would be a more efficient use of its resources.

With just 4GB of RAM this system, there’s no Samsung AI magic taking place here.

We were also shocked to find that some of the most typical features like screen recording not accessible on Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, likely due to the processor’s slow speed.

General Information

• Form Factor:Touchscreen Bar
• Colour: Light Green

Sensors

• Accelerometer
• Fingerprint Sensor
• Gyro Sensor
• Geomagnetic Sensor
• Light Sensor
• Virtual Proximity Sensing

Physical specification

• Dimension (HxWxD, mm) : 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9
• Weight (g): 192/200

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Battery

• Battery Capacity (mAh, Typical): 5000
• Removable: No
• Audio Playback Time (Hours, Wireless): Up to 79

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Charging speed

• 25W Charger
• 37% Charge 30 min
• 1h 43m Full charge

Despite its larger 6.7-inch size however, it’s the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G sticks with the same battery capacity of 5,000 mAh similar to its predecessors.

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There’s nothing wrong with that It puts out good figures and should last just a little bit longer than a day without a problem.

At our in-house and external battery tests, the A16 5G’s run times were slightly shorter than its predecessor. When tested for lightest battery Web browsing performance, its battery lasted just under 10 minutes – one of the lowest scores seen this year.

It produced strong performance on YouTube video streaming tests as well as 3D gaming; however, its overall score is 6 hours and 1 minute of projected screen time which is half less than last year’s battery.

When charging, your device will reach speeds of 25W – not particularly fast but not particularly slow either. A half-hour charge should give you about 40% back; and filling it from zero percent up to 100% takes 45 minutes and 44 mins.

No wireless charging option is included with this phone; however, that feature is rather uncommon nowadays.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Audio Quality and Haptics

• Stereo Support: No
• Video Playing Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM
• Video Playing Resolution: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @30fps
• Audio Playing Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

Last year we were disappointed with the audio quality on Galaxy A15 5G and were pleased to see some minor upgrades this year.

The A16 5G still only has one speaker at its base, yet its quality of sound has greatly improved. At higher volumes however, distorting may still occur so for optimal listening experience it is advised that music be played that has lower volumes.

Surprisingly, the A16 5G’s haptic feedback isn’t exactly its highlight feature. Vibrations tend to be insufficient and unreliable compared to higher-end models; although we didn’t expect top-of-the-line audio quality at such an affordable price point.

Services and Applications

• Gear Support Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy Fit2, Galaxy Fit e, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active
• Samsung DeX Support No
• Bluetooth® Hearing Aid Support Android Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid(ASHA)
• SmartThings Support Yes
• Mobile TV No

SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 5G

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Software Support

• Security Update Period (Valid until): 31 October 2030

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review

At approximately $200, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G retails, so realistic expectations must be set in order for its purchase to go smoothly.

Samsung has outdone itself when it comes to this budget-friendly gadget in numerous aspects. It boasts a stunning display, longer battery life and enhanced video recording capability for better video capturing capabilities. Furthermore, they guarantee six years of software updates – an impressive promise at this price range.

However, performance remains an issue with the A16 5G; it can be slow and sometimes stuttery which quickly becomes frustrating when browsing social networks or playing any type of gaming. While it might be suitable for some individuals looking for other attributes more highly valued by them; those seeking speed and smoothness of experience might wish to opt for another device instead.

Pros of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G:

1. Affordable Price: The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G provides an accessible way for consumers to experience 5G technology without breaking their budget.
2. Decent Camera Quality: With multiple camera setups that offer excellent photo quality and casual photography features, making this device an excellent choice.
3. Large Display: The device comes equipped with a large display that enhances viewing experiences for videos and games.
4. Long Battery Life: Thanks to its robust battery capacity, the A16 5G easily lasts through a full day of moderate use.
5. One UI Software: Samsung offers its One UI software as a user-friendly experience with plenty of customizable options and regular software updates.

Cons of Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

1. Limited Performance: Your processor might not be powerful enough for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking, potentially leading to lag and decreased performance.
2. Plastic Build Quality: Plastic can make a device seem less premium when compared with higher-end models.
3. Average Display Resolution: Although a screen may appear large, its resolution may not meet the expectations of users seeking high-definition visuals.
4. Camera Limitations in Low Light: When photographing in low-light environments, camera performance can become less impressive, leading to less impressive photos at night.
5. No Wireless Charging: Lack of wireless charging can be frustrating for users who prefer this modern charging method.