A few months after the release of the Galaxy A15 5G, Samsung returns with its successor, the Galaxy A16 5G. An entry-level similar to its predecessor, but which still stands out on a few points.
Last February, Samsung launched its Galaxy A15, an entry-level smartphone designed to be “the perfect balance between minimalism and modernity”. Initially sold at 249 euros, it has recently been competing with its successor.
Since the end of October, the South Korean manufacturer has been marketing the Galaxy A16, which allows consumers to avoid “choosing between elegance and comfort”. It is also available in a 5G version (model tested). But what is this new entry-level worth?
We love
Elegant design
For 249 euros, the Galaxy A16 5G stands out from its predecessor. Featuring a Super AMOLED Full HD+ display, with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, it is slightly larger, at 6.7 inches, the same size as the Galaxy S24 FE and S24+ ( compared to 6.5 inches for the Galaxy A15 5G). A large size which however makes it difficult to use with one hand.
We also regret that the size of the screen is not fully exploited for videos, with fairly thick borders on YouTube as well as on SVOD platforms (Disney+…). The Galaxy A15 5G nevertheless offers good image quality for content watched over the seconds, which is not always the case on YouTube, with images that are not very clear.
Available in gray, turquoise and blue, the Galaxy A16 5G is also distinguished by its back, which is in a glossy finish, compared to a matte finish for the Galaxy A15 5G. But, like this one, it picks up fingerprints just as quickly.
A smartphone designed to last
With the Galaxy A16 5G (and the Galaxy A16), Samsung intends to offer a smartphone that “will quickly establish itself as a benchmark in terms of longevity”. The manufacturer promises six years of software updates (from Android 14) and six years of security updates, one year less than its high-end products like the Galaxy S24.
It’s also two years more than the Galaxy A15 5G for software updates and one year more for security updates. The Galaxy A16 5G should therefore last longer than its predecessor, especially since it is the first smartphone in the Galaxy A range (entry and mid-range) to be IP54 certified, i.e. to be protected against dust and splashes.
Good autonomy
Samsung promises up to two and a half days of battery life for its smartphone, but this is far from the case. The Galaxy A16 5G nevertheless has good battery life, being able to last a day and a half, or even a little more with typical use (social networks, internet, YouTube, photos, etc.)
Equipped with an Exynos 1330 processor, it allows you to play small games like Homescapesbut also to watch films or series with very light heating. With a 1h30 film, for example, he only lost around ten percent.
Correct daytime photos, but nothing more
The Galaxy A16 5G has the same photo sensors as its predecessor, namely a 50 MP main/wide-angle sensor, a 5 MP ultra-wide-angle and a 2 MP macro lens. On the front, there is a 13 MP selfie camera. These sensors offer decent daytime photos, with flaws similar to the Galaxy A15 5G. The shots are detailed and vibrantly colored, but they can sometimes lack vibrancy.
Samsung also offers digital zoom (up to 10x). The quality of the photos remains good with the 2x zoom, but the further you go, the more the quality deteriorates. While this is not surprising given the price of the phone, it is better to limit yourself to 2x, or even 3x.
We don’t like
Macro mode and poor quality night photos
Unlike daytime photos, nighttime photos are of poor quality. In addition to adding more brightness than reality, they are not very sharp and therefore do not allow certain elements to be clearly distinguished, such as leaves.
The macro mode (used to take a subject very closely) is also bad, offering fairly blurry photos.
Slow charging
While the Galaxy A16 5G lasts quite a long time, it also takes time to charge. It is compatible with fast charging (25 W), but the power adapter is not provided. Without it, the smartphone charges slowly, going for example from 10 to 100% in 2h30.
Some slowdowns
The Galaxy A16 5G’s processor is combined with 4 GB of RAM (and 128 GB of storage expandable up to 1 TB with a micro SD card). The Galaxy A16 5G still suffers from some slowdowns, when switching from one application to another or closing one, for example.
Conclusion
Launched a few months after its predecessor, the Galaxy A16 5G has the advantage, for the same price (249 euros), of benefiting from a more elegant design, but also a larger screen, the same size as certain smartphones high-end from Samsung. It is also more durable, notably thanks to updates.
Still, it includes some of the Galaxy A15 5G’s shortcomings, in terms of performance and photos. Initially sold at 249 euros, this represents a better compromise, now being marketed at around 200 euros. But for 50 euros more, the Galaxy A16 5G is worth a look for those who want a smartphone that should last longer.
