Samsung’s Galaxy A-series is known for offering budget-friendly phones that retain a touch of premium design and reliable performance. The Galaxy A16 5G and its predecessor, the Galaxy A15 5G, are no exceptions.
Both models are priced similarly around £200/$200 and target users looking for good value without breaking the bank. However, subtle differences between the two might influence your decision.
Here, we’ll explore key differences in detail, highlighting key differences in the specs and our experience with them to help you decide which one to buy.
Design & Display
The Galaxy A16 5G features a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display compared to the A15 5G’s 6.5-inch screen.
While both offer the same 90Hz refresh rate and vibrant AMOLED colours and contrast, the increase in screen size gives the A16 5G a more expansive viewing experience, making it a better choice for media consumption.
However, it’s worth noting that the A16 5G still sports relatively chunky bezels and a teardrop notch, which feel dated compared to more modern alternatives.
In terms of build, the A16 5G retains Samsung’s flat-edged plastic design but is marginally thinner at 7.9mm compared to the A15 5G’s 8.4mm thickness.
Both phones also lack an IP rating, so neither is built to withstand water or dust exposure.
While the A15 5G’s vibrant ‘Personality Yellow’ colour option adds a playful touch, the A16 5G offers more subdued hues like Light Green, Blue Black, and Light Grey for a sleeker look.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is an essential factor for budget phone users, and this is where the Galaxy A15 5G surprisingly outshines its successor (at least that’s what our tests show.)
Both models house a 5000mAh battery and support 25W charging, but the A15 5G delivers longer runtime.
Benchmark tests during our test periods show the A15 5G lasting over 15 hours, whereas the A16 5G lags with a score of just 10 hours and 24 minutes.
While light users might still manage two days of use on the A16 5G, power users might notice the reduced efficiency.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Charging times remain comparable, with both models reaching around 50% in 30 minutes using a compatible charger.
However, neither phone includes a charger in the box, which could inconvenience first-time smartphone buyers.
Software Updates
The Galaxy A16 5G comes with a standout promise of six years of software updates, extending support to October 2030. In contrast, the A15 5G offers only three years of core Android updates.
For users planning to keep their phone for several years, the A16 5G provides a compelling reason to choose it over its predecessor.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
Both models run on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, and both lack advanced Galaxy AI features found on the best Samsung Galaxy phones.
While the software experience is largely similar, the extended updates on the A16 5G ensure a much longer lifespan in terms of security and app compatibility.
Other Differences
The Galaxy A16 5G marginally improves in thinness and display size as mentioned but shows limited progress in performance.
Still, performance remains a weak point for both phones as is often the case for phones this cheap.
The A16 5G’s Exynos 1330 chipset provides only a modest upgrade over the A15 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, resulting in similar levels of stuttering during intensive tasks.
The 4GB RAM in both models feels restrictive, particularly for multitasking or gaming.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Both models also have similar camera setups: a 50Mp main lens, 5Mp ultrawide, and 2Mp macro, with a 13Mp selfie camera.
However, neither offers significant advancements in photo quality, particularly in low-light scenarios.
Price & Availability
The Galaxy A16 5G is priced at £199 in the UK, and is available from Samsung and major retailers like Amazon.
In the US, you can buy it from Samsung for $199.99.
The A15 5G is not available from Samsung but you should still be able to find it at retail partners for around £150. The A15 5G is also available in the US for $169.99 (down from its usual price of $199).
Both devices include 128GB of storage with microSDXC support, and higher RAM/storage configurations are restricted to select regions.
Verdict
The Galaxy A16 5G refines the formula set by the A15 5G, offering a larger screen, sleeker design, and industry-leading software update support.
However, its reduced battery life and modest performance gains make it feel less of an upgrade than expected.
Still, for most users, the extra £50/$50 resulting in six years of software support is a big factor. Unless you really need to save money or need the better battery life of the A16, we’d recommend investing in the latest model for its longevity.
