Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: A Midrange Contender that Struggles to Stand Out

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the newest smartphone from Samsung in its Galaxy A lineup. This mid-tier device operates on Android 14, with the promise of receiving up to six major Android OS updates. Competing within the same price range (under Rs. 20,000), it faces off against models like Poco X6, Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G, Moto G85, OnePlus Nord CE Lite, and Samsung’s own Galaxy M35 5G.

The Galaxy A16 5G is priced at Rs. 18,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and Rs. 20,999 for the 8GB+256GB version. But how does it perform in comparison to other smartphones within this highly competitive market? After using the device since its launch in India, here are my insights.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Top-Tier Design

• Dimensions — 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
• Weight — 192g
• Colors — Blue Black, Gold (featured in this review), Light Green

In recent years, midrange and premium midrange models from Samsung have started to mirror the design of their flagship devices. This trend was observed with the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 (Review), and now, we see the Galaxy A16 taking inspiration from the Galaxy S24. However, there are some key differences — the Galaxy A16 5G features a polycarbonate back and plastic edges.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G comes with a triple rear camera system

 

The volume rocker and power buttons are located on the right edge of the device, while the SIM and memory card trays are situated on the left. The base has a USB Type-C port alongside the speaker grille.

This device does not come with a protective case in the packaging, and I used it as is for the review. While it’s easy to hold without a case, the plastic edges can get scratched over time, so purchasing an additional cover for the Galaxy A16 5G is advisable. Additionally, you’ll need to buy a charger separately, as it only includes a USB Type-C cable and a SIM ejector tool.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Software: Helpful Features, Excess Bloatware

• Software — One UI 6.1
• Version — Android 14
• Latest security patch — September 1, 2024

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs on One UI 6.1, based on Android 14. This is the same interface found in the higher-end Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 models, offering support for Samsung’s SmartThings, Wallet, TV, and various other applications. Unfortunately, it lacks support for Good Lock, which provides enhanced customization options for Samsung devices.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G operates on One UI 6.1, built on Android 14 (Tap to expand)

 

Similar to other smartphones in this price range, the Samsung Galaxy A16 enables the installation of third-party applications upon initial setup when choosing default options, so it’s important to pay attention during the setup process. It downloaded apps and games like Paytm, CallApp, Water Sort, Adobe Photoshop Express, Snapchat, and other applications that can be uninstalled.

In terms of software support, the Galaxy A16 5G exceeds typical expectations for its price bracket, as Samsung promises up to six years of OS updates, ensuring the device remains relevant until at least 2030. This commitment is particularly impressive given that the more expensive Galaxy A55 will only receive four updates.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Performance: Room for Improvement

• Processor — Mediatek Dimensity 6300
• Memory — 8GB LPDDR4X
• Storage — 256GB UFS (Version unspecified)

Powering the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6300, the successor to the 2023’s Dimensity 6100+. This chipset includes two Cortex-A76 performance cores (2.4GHz) that offer faster speeds compared to last year’s model (2.2GHz), along with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (2GHz). It retains the same Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU present in MediaTek’s earlier chip.

However, the Cortex-A76 cores on the Dimensity 6300 seem to exhibit their age, as I’ve encountered noticeable lag and stuttering during everyday use. Despite this, the smartphone remains functional when running applications such as Chrome, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G benchmark results (Tap to expand)

 

However, the Galaxy A16 5G struggles with demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile or Free Fire Max, which do not run as smoothly as expected for devices in this price range. On the upside, it can handle Asphalt Legends: Unite at the lowest graphics settings as well as casual games such as Angry Birds Pop! and Bubble Witch 3 without any issues.

When it comes to synthetic benchmark tests, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G yielded lower scores compared to other similarly priced devices like Moto G85 and the Infinix Note 40 5G. These results are not unexpected as its competitors are outfitted with more advanced processors, such as Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 7020.

Interestingly, Samsung’s own Exynos 1380 SoC, which powers the device in other markets like the Galaxy M35 5G, features stronger Cortex A78 performance cores. This chipset would have made a more fitting choice for this smartphone, especially considering the planned six-year software support.

Below is a comprehensive comparison of how the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G stacks up against other smartphones in various benchmark evaluations.

The 6.7-inch Full-HD+ (1,080×2,340 pixels) Super AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is adequately bright when used outdoors, providing good visibility except in direct sunlight. Upon taking the phone out of my pocket, the ambient light sensor took a couple of seconds to adjust, but once it did, it increased brightness to a comfortable level, allowing me to see the screen without difficulties.

The display on the Galaxy A16 5G remains adequately bright unless exposed to direct sunlight

 

I experienced no issues with the touchscreen functionality on the Galaxy A16 5G. The refresh rate toggles between 60Hz and 90Hz, though there is no automatic switching option. Opting for the higher refresh rate is advisable, as it has a minimal effect on battery life.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Cameras: Capable Daylight Photography

• Main camera — 50-megapixel (f/1.8), AF, supports up to 1080p/30fps video
• Ultrawide camera — 5-megapixel (f/2.2)
• Macro camera — 2-megapixel (f/2.4)
• Selfie camera — 13-megapixel

The primary camera on the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G delivers satisfactory photographs during the daytime, particularly with subjects that have ample natural light, although rapid motion can sometimes create blurriness. Some colors may exhibit a bit more vibrancy but look appealing when shared on social media.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Camera Samples. Top to bottom — Main camera, Ultrawide, Main camera (Tap images to expand)

 

 

However, the 5-megapixel ultrawide camera fails to match the quality of the primary camera, producing images that often lack detail and can appear overexposed in bright lighting. Even in well-lit conditions, zooming in on an image reveals significant smoothing effects.

The handset also features a 2-megapixel macro camera that performs adequately during the day, but colors can appear somewhat faded compared to what the main camera captures. In some instances, I needed to focus manually by tapping the viewfinder to ensure clarity.

Once again, the 50-megapixel camera stands out as the most reliable option for low-light shooting. The camera app includes a night mode, which must be activated manually. It should be noted that the night mode isn’t available for the ultrawide camera, which produces images that can be noisy and blurry under low light conditions.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Camera Samples. Top to bottom — Low Light, Macro (Tap images to expand)

 

 

On the front side, the 13-megapixel selfie camera is consistently reliable for taking selfies and making video calls. It captures clear images and reproduces colors accurately in well-lit conditions. During low light situations, the camera still performs decently, although it may produce softened details without excess brightness.

The primary camera on the Galaxy A16 doesn’t come with optical image stabilization (OIS), which is noticeable when it comes to video capture. You can record in 1080p resolution at 30fps; footage shot in daylight appears satisfactory, provided there’s not excessive movement. However, video quality noticeably deteriorates in low-light settings.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Battery: Long-Lasting Yet Slow Charging

• Battery Capacity — 5,000mAh
• Wired Charging: 25W (USB Type-C)

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G features a 5,000mAh battery that lasts about two days on moderate usage. On days with heavy usage (around 6 hours of screen-on time), the device provides approximately a day and a half of battery life. This performance is in line with what is typical for smartphones in this price range.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers over 24 hours of battery life on one charge

 

Like other smartphones from Samsung, the Galaxy A16 5G does not include a charger in the box. When using a third-party 18W charger, the phone required nearly two hours to fully charge — it was at 35 percent after 30 minutes and 66 percent after one hour.

In our HD video battery loop test, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G managed to last 19 hours and 45 minutes, which is slightly less than the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite (22 hours and 17 minutes) but surpassing the Infinix Note 40 (17 hours and 56 minutes). It’s essential to note that this is a synthetic test for offline video playback, and the device offers reliable battery performance for daily tasks.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review: Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a design that reflects that of the company’s more premium models, imparting a subjective sense of luxury compared to its rivals. It’s comfortable to hold, and its display is bright. Additionally, the device houses a sizable battery that provides substantial usage time on a single charge.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G faces stiff competition from other devices priced under Rs. 20,000

 

Moreover, you benefit from six years of software updates, which is commendable provided that the smartphone remains efficient over the years. However, the presence of the Dimensity 6300 chipset and a subpar ultrawide camera hold back its performance.

There are several competing smartphones within the Rs. 20,000 range that arguably outperform the Galaxy A16 5G, including the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite (Review), Infinix Note 40 5G (Review), and Moto G85 (Review).

Other alternatives worth considering within the same price range include the Poco X6 and the Realme Narzo 70 Pro. Additionally, the Galaxy M35 5G (Review) is a contender, boasting superior specifications, including an Exynos 1380 chipset, while still falling within the same pricing category.