Introduction
In my ongoing exploration of Samsung’s entry-level smartphones, I recently reviewed the Galaxy A06 and found it to be a surprisingly interesting purchase and a good deal for certain audiences. However, it lacked one crucial feature: an NFC chip.
Now, I’m turning my attention to the next smartphone in the series, the Galaxy A16, which includes NFC. Despite being pricier, I wanted to see if there are other differences between the two models and determine who the potential audience for the Galaxy A16 might be.
The video below kicks off the full review and gives you a solid idea of what to expect from the Galaxy A16. Don’t miss it!
Samsung Galaxy A16 Smartphone Review: Unboxing, Overview & Camera Demonstration 📱🔎📝
(OriginalVideoReviews YouTube channel)
Product details
Brand: Samsung
Model: Galaxy A16
It is offered with up to 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security maintenance, your Galaxy A16 stays up-to-date for longer. Security Update Period (Valid until) 30 November 2030.
Unlike the Galaxy A06, the A16 doesn’t offer a 3.5mm jack. the USB Type-C operates as an earjack if its imporant to you.
The processor seems to be faster than the Galaxy A06, but for some reason my impression is that it is slower than the A06.
Large 5,000mAh battery.
Reasonable display, FHD+ with up to 60FPS in playback mode. Not impressive, but not bad.
The cameras are good, and the avarage user should be OK with it. In night it isn’t that good, and the digital zoom isn’t amazing.
Note: This review covers the Samsung Galaxy A16 (non-5G) version.
A separate Galaxy A16 5G model is available in some regions, and it may differ in terms of hardware, performance, and feature set (click here to check it’s specs).
If you’re considering the 5G version, make sure to check the exact specs and region availability before purchasing.
Specifications
Weight
200 grams
Dimensions (HxWxD)
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Processor
Octa-Core
2.2GHz, 2GHz
Battery Capacity
5,000mAh
Non-removable
Display Size
6.7″ (169.1mm)
Resolution
1080 x 2340 (FHD+)
Technology
16M
50.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP
F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4
Yes
No
Up to 10x
Yes
13.0 MP
F2.0
No
No
Video Recording Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps
120fps @HD (1280 x 720)
Video Playing Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @60fps
Memory (Ram)
4GB
Storage
Internal
External
128GB
MicroSD (Up to 1.5TB)
Sim Card Slot
Number of SIM
SIM Size
SIM Slot Type
Dual-SIM
Nano-SIM (4FF)
SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD)
Networks
Infra
2G GSM
3G UMTS
4G FDD LTE
4G TDD LTE
2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD
GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
B1(2100), B5(850), B8(900)
B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700)
B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)
USB Interface
USB Type-C, Version 2.0
Operates as an Earjack
Location Technology
GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
No
Wi-Fi
802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz+5GHz, VHT80
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
PC Sync.
Smart Switch (PC version)
Operating System
Sensors
Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity Sensing
Stereo Support
No
Dust and Water Resistance Rating
IP54
Weight
200 grams
Dimensions (HxWxD)
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Processor
Octa-Core
2.2GHz, 2GHz
Battery Capacity
5,000mAh
Non-removable
Display Size
6.7″ (169.1mm)
Resolution
1080 x 2340 (FHD+)
Technology
16M
50.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP
F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4
Yes
No
Up to 10x
Yes
13.0 MP
F2.0
No
No
Video Recording Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps
120fps @HD (1280 x 720)
Video Playing Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @60fps
Memory (Ram)
4GB
Storage
Internal
External
128GB
MicroSD (Up to 1.5TB)
Sim Card Slot
Number of SIM
SIM Size
SIM Slot Type
Dual-SIM
Nano-SIM (4FF)
SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD)
Networks
Infra
2G GSM
3G UMTS
4G FDD LTE
4G TDD LTE
2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD
GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
B1(2100), B5(850), B8(900)
B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700)
B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)
USB Interface
USB Type-C, Version 2.0
Operates as an Earjack
Location Technology
GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
No
Wi-Fi
802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz+5GHz, VHT80
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
PC Sync.
Smart Switch (PC version)
Operating System
Sensors
Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity Sensing
Stereo Support
No
Dust and Water Resistance Rating
IP54
Weight
200 grams
Dimensions (HxWxD)
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Processor
Octa-Core
2.2GHz, 2GHz
Battery Capacity
5,000mAh
Non-removable
Display Size
6.7″ (169.1mm)
Resolution
1080 x 2340 (FHD+)
Technology
16M
50.0 MP + 5.0 MP
+ 2.0 MP
F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4
Yes
No
Up to 10x
Yes
13.0 MP
F2.0
No
No
Video Recording Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps
120fps @HD
(1280 x 720)
Video Playing Resolution
FHD (1920 x 1080) @60fps
Memory (Ram)
4GB
Storage
Internal
External
128GB
MicroSD
(Up to 1.5TB)
Sim Card Slot
Number of SIM
SIM Size
SIM Slot Type
Dual-SIM
Nano-SIM (4FF)
SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD)
Networks
Infra
2G GSM
3G UMTS
4G FDD LTE
4G TDD LTE
2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD
GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
B1(2100), B5(850), B8(900)
B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700)
B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)
USB Interface
USB Type-C,
Version 2.0
Operates as an Earjack
Location
Technology
GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
No
Wi-Fi
802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz+5GHz, VHT80
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
PC Sync.
(PC version)
Operating System
Sensors
Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity Sensing
Stereo Support
No
Dust and Water Resistance Rating
IP54
Inside the box
Smartphone x1
USB cable x1
Sim eject tool x1
Documents
Pros
NFC technology: In my opinion, this is the standout feature of the Galaxy A16, enabling convenient mobile payments – a functionality that has become indispensable in 2025 (where available, of course). This addition sets the device apart from Samsung’s entry-level lineup, particularly the Galaxy A06 (which I recently reviewed), which lacks NFC despite being launched several months earlier.
Affordable price for a Samsung smartphone: While the Galaxy A16 costs nearly twice as much as the Galaxy A06, it still represents a budget-friendly option compared to Samsung’s mid- and high-end devices. It carries the trusted Samsung brand name and offers most of the essential features needed for an average user’s daily needs.
Decent look & feel: Although the Galaxy A06 is slightly taller (2.9mm), thicker (0.1mm), and 11 grams heavier (a barely noticeable difference), these changes make the Galaxy A16 appear more elegant. This is further complemented by the dark color of the device I received and its rounded edges. Based on what I read, the frame and back are made of plastic, but they feature a shiny metallic finish that blends seamlessly, avoiding the appearance of two separate parts. Additionally, the back is completely smooth compared to the Galaxy A06.
Long-term software support: Samsung promises six generations of OS updates and six years of security maintenance for the Galaxy A16. With proper care, this ensures the phone will stay functional and secure until at least November 30, 2030.
Cons
Only 30fps for Video Recording in FHD: One surprising drawback of the Samsung Galaxy A16 is its video recording capability. The A16 offers video recording at Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, but only at 30 frames per second (fps). This limitation is particularly unexpected because the more affordable Samsung Galaxy A06, which I recently reviewed, offers the same video resolution at a higher frame rate of 60 fps. As a result, users may find the A16’s video recording less smooth and fluid compared to the A06, especially during fast-moving scenes.
No stereo support: This won’t significantly impact you if you primarily use earphones – just make sure they’re wireless, as the Galaxy A16 lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, if you rely on the built-in speaker, the absence of stereo sound will be noticeable, especially if you’re accustomed to higher-quality audio from other devices. That said, this is a common limitation among entry-level smartphones, including other Samsung models.
No wireless charging: Wireless charging is another feature absent from the Galaxy A16, as is typical for entry-level devices. While users accustomed to higher-end models might miss this convenience, those content with traditional wired charging may find it less of a concern.
the performance isn’t smooth as I expected.
Summary
I will update this info soon
Where to buy
Below are links to purchase the Samsung Galaxy A16 (or similar models):
User manual
I will update this info soon.
Additional links
FAQ
I will update this info if required.
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Disclaimer
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