Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review: Affordable 5G with Style and Substance

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a low-cost smartphone that combines basic functionality with affordability. Samsung is reinforcing its cheap portfolio with the Galaxy A16 5G release, just ahead of the much-anticipated flagship Galaxy S25 series debut. The device was built for lifestyle users who value durability, with three times the number of OS upgrades generally available in this sector.

Galaxy A16 5G KEY FEATURES

The Galaxy A16 5G has a basic design with a glossy plastic back, measuring 7.9 mm thick and weighing 192 g. The Galaxy A16 5G is unique in terms of chipsets in that it can be equipped with either a Samsung Exynos 1330 or a MediaTek Dimensity 6300, depending on the market. We’ve already seen the Exynos 1330 inside the Galaxy A14 5G, but no Dimensity 6300-powered handset has gone through the office. This is problematic since we cannot compare the two chips, even approximately. Our Galaxy A16 5G review device is powered by an Exynos 1330 processor. We got the basic 128GB device, which, thankfully, has extendable storage. However, its 4GB of RAM is somewhat more concerning in terms of future-proofing.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G – Design and Build Quality Review

The Samsung Galaxy A16 borrows design elements from the more expensive Galaxy A-series smartphones, the Galaxy A35 (review) and A55 (review). The A16 has a flat back and edges, curved edges, rounded corners, and separate triple camera rings. The volume and fingerprint keys on the right side are marked with a slightly raised area, making them simpler to detect by touch.

• Build Materials: The Galaxy A16 5G has a glossy polycarbonate rear that resembles glass while remaining lightweight and robust. This phone frame is made of strong plastic, which ensures economy without sacrificing durability.
• Dimensions and Weight: Samsung Galaxy A16 has a thickness of 7.9 mm and a weight of 192 grams. The device is relatively compact and lightweight for its size, allowing for comfortable long-term use.
• Design Aesthetics: The design emphasizes simplicity, with a smooth back panel and few components. The triple camera module is vertically aligned with no projecting bumps, creating a sleek and smooth appearance.
• Durability: The IP54 rating protects against dust and light spills during normal use. The shiny back is prone to fingerprint smudges and minor scratches, thus a case is recommended for added durability.
• Color Variants: Available in three classic shades:
  • Black: For a sleek, professional look.
  • Blue: A vibrant option with a cool tone.
  • Lavender: A light, stylish color for a modern aesthetic.
• Ergonomics: The 6.7-inch display is compact and comfortable to operate one-handed, thanks to low bezels and curved corners. Volume and power controls are conveniently located on the right side. The power button functions as a fingerprint sensor.
• Build Quality: The device is strong and well-assembled, with no creaks or loose pieces despite being made mostly of plastic. Port Durability The USB-C port and headphone jack are durable enough for frequent use.
• Display Integration: The front has a huge, immersive display with minimal bezels and a small notch for the front camera, which maximizes the screen-to-body ratio while maintaining usability.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Performance and Features Review

The Galaxy A16 5G is powered by either the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 or the Samsung Exynos 1330 chipset, depending on location. It has 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and internal storage of 128 GB or 256 GB, which can be expanded via microSD. While it performs well in regular chores, it may have performance issues when severe multitasking or gaming.

Performance

• Processor:
  • Regions may get different chipsets:
    • MediaTek Dimensity 6100+: Efficient for mid-range tasks.
    • Samsung Exynos 1330: Decent performance but not as power-efficient.
• Memory and Storage Options:
  • 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage
  • 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage
  • Expandable Storage: Supports microSD cards up to 1TB.
• Performance Overview:
  • Handles everyday activities like browsing, social media, and light gaming smoothly.
  • Struggles with high-end gaming or multitasking between resource-heavy apps.

Features

• Security:
  • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
  • Face unlock option
• Audio:
  • Single bottom-firing speaker with average sound quality.
  • 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
• Sensors:
  • Accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope, and compass.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Camera Review

The smartphone has a triple back camera configuration, with a 50 MP primary sensor, a 5 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens. It takes good images in well-lit circumstances, but its low-light performance is less outstanding. The 13-megapixel front camera is adequate for photos and video calls.

Rear Camera Setup:

• Main: 50 MP (f/1.8) wide sensor
• Ultra-wide: 5 MP (f/2.2) with 123° field of view
• Macro: 2 MP (f/2.4)

Front Camera:

• 13 MP (f/2.0)

Performance:

• Daylight: Captures detailed and vibrant images with the primary sensor.
• Low-light: Performance is average, with noticeable noise in darker conditions.
• Video Recording: Supports 1080p recording at 30fps on both front and rear cameras.

Special Features:

• AI enhancements for photos
• Night mode and portrait mode options

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Battery Life and Charging Review

The Galaxy A16 5G has a 5,000 mAh battery, which provides enough durability for daily use. It supports 25W wired charging; however, no charger is included in the box, and charging times are slower than those of other competitors.

Capacity: 5,000 mAh, offering a full day of use for moderate users.Charging:

• Supports 25W wired fast charging.
• A charger is not included in the box, aligning with recent trends to reduce e-waste.

Endurance:

• Ideal for casual users—handles browsing, video playback, and calls well.
• Heavy users might need to recharge by evening.

FULL SPECIFICATION