The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a mid-range phone that offers a range of features despite its budget nature. The device has a sleek design with a flat plastic back and a glossy finish, similar to the more expensive A series models. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth user experience. The phone also boasts IP54-rated splash protection, a larger display than its predecessor, and improved battery life. However, it lacks some premium features like HDR video support, stereo speakers, and a headphone jack. The camera system is identical to the previous model, with a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera. In terms of performance, the Galaxy A16 5G uses either Samsung's Exynos 1330 or MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipsets, depending on the market. While it holds its own in CPU benchmarks, it lags behind other mid-range devices in graphics tests. The phone also has 4GB or 8GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery with up to 25W fast charging. The camera system delivers solid results for photos and videos, especially in bright conditions. However, the ultra-wide camera struggles in low light, and the macro camera is only average. The phone also offers six years of software support, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a decent budget phone with some notable features, but its performance and battery life are not as impressive as other mid-range devices. While it may be worth considering at a discounted price, there are better options within the same price range.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G's build quality and design are an area where the phone shines. The device boasts a sleek and premium aesthetic, with a flat plastic back featuring a glossy finish. The flat frame is also made of plastic, and it sports the signature contour around the buttons that is part of the A-series design language. One notable improvement over its predecessor is the addition of IP54-rated splash protection, ensuring that the phone can withstand accidental water exposure. Another significant change is the larger display, measuring 6.7 inches with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The AMOLED panel provides sharp visuals, good contrast, and no unpleasant color shifts when viewed from an angle. The bezels have been slightly slimmed down compared to its predecessor, but unfortunately, the phone still features a notable chin at the bottom and a teardrop notch selfie cutout. Despite this, the overall design feels solid and well-crafted, with a comfortable weight distribution in the hand. While not as premium-feeling as some of Samsung's higher-end offerings, the Galaxy A16 5G's build quality and design are more than satisfactory for a budget phone. The device has a sturdy feel to it, and the materials used appear to be of good quality. However, it's worth noting that the headphone jack is no longer present, which may be a disappointment for some users. Overall, the Galaxy A16 5G's build quality and design are its strongest assets, providing a solid foundation for what promises to be an enjoyable user experience. While not perfect, the phone's exterior feels premium enough to justify its mid-range price tag.
One aspect where the Galaxy A16 5G doesn't quite live up to its mid-range expectations is battery life. The phone's 5,000mAh battery, a size that should be more than sufficient for a device of this caliber, seems to have been compromised in favor of other features. In our tests, the Galaxy A16 5G managed an active use score of just 12 hours and 8 minutes, which is noticeably less than what we've seen from its predecessor. While this still puts it on par with many other budget phones, it's a far cry from what you'd expect from a mid-range device. The battery life issues are further compounded by the phone's inability to charge quickly. The maximum charging speed is 25W, but this is not reflected in the real-world performance. In our tests, the phone took over an hour and 20 minutes to fully charge, with a 50% boost taking a whopping half an hour. While the battery life might be sufficient for basic use cases, it's clear that the Galaxy A16 5G has been optimized for more extreme scenarios rather than everyday usage. This is disappointing, especially considering the phone's other strengths, such as its high refresh rate display and solid camera performance. Overall, while the battery life in the Galaxy A16 5G is not a deal-breaker, it's certainly a point of contention that might sway potential buyers towards other options in the mid-range segment.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, making it a decent offering in the budget segment. The screen is sharp enough and contrasty, with no unpleasant color shifts when viewed from an angle. One notable improvement over its predecessor is the larger display size. Unfortunately, this upgrade comes at the cost of lower brightness levels. We measured a maximum of under 400 nits in manual mode, although auto brightness can boost it up to over 800 nits. While not exceptional for a budget phone, this is still an acceptable compromise. The bezels have been slimmed down compared to the A15 and A25, but the panel's overall quality is merely average. It's worth noting that the display doesn't support HDR video playback, which may be a disappointment for some users. On a positive note, the 90Hz refresh rate does provide a smoother scrolling experience, although it's not adaptive, meaning it won't automatically adjust to demanding situations. While not a major issue, this might become noticeable in intense gaming or graphics-heavy applications. Overall, the Galaxy A16 5G's display is a solid mid-range offering, but it doesn't particularly stand out from its competitors. If you're looking for a budget phone with a decent screen, the A16 5G is worth considering, but it may not be the best choice if you prioritize display quality above all else. While the Galaxy A16 5G's display is adequate, it doesn't particularly impress. If Samsung had pushed for better brightness levels or added HDR support, this phone would have been a more compelling option. As it stands, it's an average display that won't blow you away, but will still provide a good viewing experience in most situations.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G's camera system is a mixed bag. On the plus side, the main camera takes solid photos with good detail, especially in daylight conditions. Colors are natural and vibrant, although there can be some sharpening applied to improve texture. However, the dynamic range leaves something to be desired, with skies sometimes getting clipped in more challenging scenes. Photos of people look decent as long as there is sufficient lighting, but skin tones tend to struggle indoors, looking pale or unnatural. The camera's performance in low light conditions is respectable, capturing good detail and colors without excessive noise. A manual night mode can also be enabled to produce sharper images with better dynamic range. The 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera takes subpar photos, lacking detail and exhibiting poor contrast and dynamic range. Colors are well-matched to the main camera, but low-light shots are particularly soft and muddy. The 2-megapixel macro camera is a neat feature, allowing for some creative photography, although results can be inconsistent due to fixed focus. On the other hand, video recording at 1080p resolution with any of the cameras produces commendable results. Main-camera videos look great, especially in low-light conditions, where dynamic range and stabilization are impressive. However, ultrawide-angle camera videos appear soft and noisy, even during the day. Overall, the Galaxy A16 5G's camera system is serviceable for casual use but fails to impress in certain situations. While it's capable of capturing decent photos and good video footage, its limitations become apparent when pushed to the limits. If you're primarily interested in photography or videography, there may be better options available within this price range. However, for general users who don't prioritize camera performance, the A16 5G's camera will likely suffice.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a budget phone that packs a punch with its features, but does it provide enough value for the price? At first glance, the phone's design looks impressive, with a sleek flat plastic back and a glossy finish. It also boasts an IP54 rating for splash protection, which is a nice touch. One of the standout features of this phone is its 6.7-inch AMOLED display, which offers a sharp and contrasty visual experience. The display's 90Hz refresh rate is also commendable, providing smooth scrolling and swiping performance. However, it's worth noting that the display doesn't support HDR video, and while it's okay in terms of brightness, it can get washed out in certain lighting conditions. The phone's camera system is another area where it shines, with a solid main camera capable of capturing 12.5 megapixel photos with good detail and natural colors. However, the ultra-wide camera disappoints, producing soft and noisy images. When it comes to pricing, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G sits in a crowded mid-range market. While it's not the cheapest option available, its feature set and performance make it a compelling choice. However, at its current price point, there are other budget phones that offer better value for money. The phone's battery life is also less impressive than its predecessor, and the absence of a headphone jack is a drawback. Ultimately, whether or not the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G provides enough value depends on your priorities and expectations. If you're looking for a reliable mid-range phone with a good camera and AMOLED display, it's worth considering. However, if you're on a tight budget, there may be better options available.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is an interesting device that promises a lot, but its performance falls short in some areas. On the one hand, it has a solid main camera that delivers good photos and videos, even in low light conditions. The phone's AMOLED display is also a highlight, with a 6.7-inch screen that offers a sharp and contrasty viewing experience. However, when it comes to performance, the Galaxy A16 5G is a different story. Our review device was equipped with 4GB of RAM, which resulted in occasional stuttering in the UI. This could be partly due to the phone's budget hardware, but it's still disappointing to see such performance issues on a brand-new device. In CPU benchmarks, the Galaxy A16 5G holds its own against other budget devices, but in graphics tests, there's a significant gap between this phone and Samsung's mid-range offerings like the Galaxy A25. This suggests that the Exynos 1330 chipset may not be the most powerful option for this device. Another area where the Galaxy A16 5G falls short is battery life. While it has a large 5000mAh battery, individual battery run times are considerably shorter than its predecessor. This means you'll need to charge your phone more frequently throughout the day. Wire charging speeds are decent, with up to 25W support, but there's no charger in the box, which is a minor inconvenience. Overall, while the Galaxy A16 5G has some solid performance features, it's not quite on par with other Samsung devices in this price range. If you're looking for alternatives, consider the much cheaper Galaxy A15 5G or the 5G version of the Galaxy A25, which offer similar specs at a lower price point.
1. The phone has a high refresh rate AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it smooth for swiping and scrolling.
2. It features a solid main camera that captures good detail, colors, and dynamic range, even in low light conditions.
3. The phone comes with IP54 rated Splash protection, keeping your device safe from accidental splashes.
4. Samsung is providing 6 years of software support, which is a significant upgrade from previous budget phones.
5. The fingerprint reader built into the power button is speedy and reliable for biometric authentication.
6. The phone has expandable storage via micro SD, allowing you to increase your storage capacity as needed.
7. It supports up to 25W wire charging, making it quick to top up your battery when needed.
8. The selfie camera takes decent selfies with solid detail and nice-looking skin tones.
1. The phone's performance may feel sluggish even when brand new, potentially impacting the user experience.
2. The battery life is not as good as the previous model, with shorter individual battery run times.
3. You lose the headphone jack that was present on the A15 model, which might be a drawback for some users.
4. The ultrawide camera doesn't have much detail and is overall soft, especially around the corners.
5. Low-light photos from the main cam can have clipped light sources or noise, though manual night mode improves this issue.
6. Daylight videos from the ultrawide camera are also not great, appearing soft and noisy even during the day.