Specifications
| Launch | |
| Announced | 7 October, 2024 |
| Status | Released 25 October, 2024 |
| Design | |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 200 g |
| Build | Glass front, plastic back & frame |
| SIM | Nano‑SIM / Nano‑SIM + eSIM / Dual Nano‑SIM |
| IP Rating | IP54 (dust & splash resistant) |
| Display | |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90 Hz, ~800 nits HBM |
| Size | 6.7″, ~86% screen‑to‑body ratio |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels (~385 ppi) |
| Protection | Mohs level 5 scratch resistance |
| Platform Specs | |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6.1 (6 major updates) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) or Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| CPU | 2×2.4 GHz Cortex‑A78 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex‑A55 or 2×2.4 GHz Cortex‑A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex‑A55 |
| GPU | Mali‑G68 MP2 or Mali‑G57 MC2 |
| Memory | |
| Card Slot | microSDXC (shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128 GB with 4/6/8 GB RAM 256 GB with 8 GB RAM |
| Back Cameras | |
| Main | 50 MP wide, f/1.8, AF |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro‑EIS |
| Front Camera | |
| Main | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | |
| Speakers | Loudspeaker (no 3.5 mm jack) |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi‑Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual‑band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP & LE |
| GPS | Yes (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS) |
| NFC | Yes (region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type‑C 2.0 |
| Security & Sensors | |
| Fingerprint | Side‑mounted optical |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, virtual proximity |
| Battery | |
| Type | Li‑Po 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25 W wired |
| Performance & Battery Tests | |
| AnTuTu | 368,854 (v9) / 435,895 (v10) |
| GeekBench | 2042 (v6) |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 360 |
| Display Brightness | 824 nits (measured) |
| Speaker Level | ‑25.7 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery Life | 12 h active / 43 h total endurance (1200 cycles) |
| Durability | Free fall: Class B (180 falls) • Repairability: Class C |
| Misc | |
| Colors | Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold, Light Green |
| Models | SM‑A166B, A166P, A166E (and DS variants) |
| Price | US$142.49 / £127 / €146.53 / ₹15,999 |
Specifications based on official Samsung data and independent tests.
Review
Samsung continues to expand its 5G lineup with the Galaxy A16 5G, and it’s already making waves in the budget segment. At first glance, it might look like just another affordable phone, but once you dive into the specs and real-world experience, the story changes entirely. Whether you’re in the market for a reliable daily driver, a content-watching companion, or a gaming phone on a budget, the Galaxy A16 5G is worth a serious look.
Let’s break down the key características (features) of this device and see what makes it a standout choice in its category.
Design and Build Quality
From the outside, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G keeps things simple and modern. It features a slim profile at just 7.9 mm thick and weighs 200 grams comfortable in hand without feeling bulky. The flat back design with soft color options like Light Green, Blue Black, and Gold gives it a minimal yet stylish appearance. Despite its plastic frame and back, the build doesn’t feel cheap. And with IP54 dust and splash resistance, it adds an extra layer of durability that’s rare at this price.
Display Experience
Samsung always impresses with its displays, and this phone is no exception. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen offers Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching Netflix, the display feels vibrant and fluid. With a peak brightness of 800 nits (HBM) and measured brightness hitting 824 nits, the screen remains legible even under sunlight.
Protected with Mohs level 5 scratch resistance, the Galaxy A16 5G ensures long-term durability for daily use.
Performance
One of the most impressive características of the Galaxy A16 5G is its performance. Samsung offers two chipset variants depending on your region: the Exynos 1330 (5nm) or the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). Both are capable performers for their class.
With up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, multitasking feels surprisingly smooth. Apps open quickly, background tasks run without a hitch, and for those who love gaming, titles like PUBG Mobile or Asphalt 9 run decently well on medium settings.
When tested on benchmarks, the phone scored:
- AnTuTu: 368,854 (v9) and 435,895 (v10)
- GeekBench: 2042 (v6)
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 360 points
For a phone under ₹16,000 or $150, these are solid numbers and reflect reliable everyday performance.
Camera Setup
On the rear, you get a triple camera setup:
- 50MP main sensor (f/1.8) for detailed and sharp daylight shots
- 5MP ultrawide for wide landscapes or group photos
- 2MP macro for close-up details
It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps with gyro-EIS, helping stabilize videos on the go.
The 13MP front-facing camera does a good job for selfies and video calls. Portrait mode works decently, and skin tones remain natural in most lighting conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Powering all this is a large 5000 mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use. In battery endurance tests, it achieved:
- 12 hours 8 minutes of active use
- 43:30h of total endurance
- Up to 1200 charging cycles, making it battery-health friendly in the long run
It supports 25W wired charging, which gets you from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. While not the fastest, it’s more than adequate at this price point.
Connectivity and Extras
Here’s where the Galaxy A16 5G quietly shines. It supports extensive 5G bands, including mmWave for the US market, a rare thing in budget phones. Whether you’re using it internationally or in North America, your coverage should be excellent.
Other handy features:
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocks
- Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC (region-dependent)
- USB-C port, virtual proximity sensing, and accurate GPS tracking
- No headphone jack, but that’s becoming standard in newer models
Software and Long-Term Support
The Galaxy A16 5G runs on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, one of the cleanest and most feature-rich skins on Android. Samsung has promised up to 6 major Android updates, which is practically unheard of at this price range. That alone makes the phone an attractive investment.
Pricing and Availability
The phone is already available globally and is priced at:
- $142.49 (USD)
- ₹15,999 (INR)
- €146.53 (EU)
- £127.00 (UK)
For this price, you’re getting a lot of value in a neat package.
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for an affordable 5G smartphone that doesn’t cut too many corners, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G should be high on your list. Its bright AMOLED screen, solid chipset, and excellent software support make it a no-brainer in its class. Add to that the sleek design, decent cameras, and long-lasting battery, and it becomes clear: this isn’t just a budget phone it’s a well-rounded device with premium touches.
FAQs
Does the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G support 5G in all countries?
Yes, it supports a wide range of 5G bands, including mmWave in select regions like the U.S., so you’ll get reliable connectivity almost anywhere.
What is the AnTuTu score of Galaxy A16 5G?
The phone scores around 368,854 on AnTuTu v9 and 435,895 on AnTuTu v10, which is quite solid for its price segment.
Is the Galaxy A16 5G good for gaming?
Absolutely. While it’s not a flagship, it handles popular games like PUBG, COD Mobile, and Asphalt 9 well on medium settings thanks to its Dimensity 6300 or Exynos 1330 chip.
How many software updates will it get?
Samsung promises up to 6 Android updates, which is rare in this price range and ensures long-term usability.
Does it have a fingerprint scanner?
Yes, the Galaxy A16 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that’s fast and reliable.
Can I expand the storage?
Yes, the device includes a microSD card slot to expand storage beyond the internal options (up to 256GB).
What charging speed does it support?
It supports 25W wired charging, allowing you to reach 50% in about 30 minutes.
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