Samsung has launched an affordable mid-range device, the Galaxy A16 4G, designed for users who don’t need 5G connectivity but still want a solid, budget-friendly smartphone. The Galaxy A16 4G shares many similarities with its 5G counterpart, but the key differences lie in the chipset and, of course, the price. So, is this the better option for those on a budget? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Galaxy A16 4G is consistent with Samsung’s A-series. The phone features a matte, metallic plastic back with a flat frame. Although it’s not made of premium materials, the build feels solid for its price point. Both the 4G and 5G versions of the A16 come with an IP54 rating, meaning they are splash-resistant, a nice bonus for an entry-level phone.
Display: Bigger and Better
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A16 4G is its 6.7-inch OLED display. The screen delivers a 1080p resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and swiping feel smooth and responsive. The OLED panel provides good contrast and sharpness, although it lacks HDR support. The display’s brightness can reach over 800 nits in auto mode, making it usable even under bright sunlight, although it falls short in peak brightness compared to some other mid-range competitors.
Audio and Biometrics
Gone is the headphone jack from the 4G model, which now features a single bottom-firing speaker. While it’s not the loudest speaker, it delivers good clarity and volume for general use. For biometric security, the A16 4G features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that is fast and reliable, offering a smooth user experience.
Storage and Software
The Galaxy A16 4G offers two storage options: 128GB and 256GB, with the added bonus of expandable storage via a microSD card. Running on Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on top of Android 14, the device offers a good software experience, including plenty of customization features. The phone also benefits from long-term software support with Samsung promising six major OS updates.
Performance: Helio G99 Chipset
Under the hood, the Galaxy A16 4G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which is the same processor found in last year’s A15 4G model. The performance is decent for day-to-day tasks, though it falls behind more expensive devices. Gaming performance is not impressive, but general use feels smooth enough, with occasional lag during more demanding tasks. Compared to the 5G version, the 4G model provides slightly smoother overall performance, thanks to its more efficient chipset.
Battery Life: Impressive Endurance
The A16 4G is equipped with a large 5,000mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance. In our tests, it lasted nearly 15 hours of active use, outperforming the 5G version. The device also supports 25W fast charging, which charges the phone to 53% in just 30 minutes. A full charge takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Cameras: Decent for the Price
The camera setup on the A16 4G is similar to that of its 5G sibling. It features a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The main camera performs adequately in good lighting, capturing natural colors and decent detail. However, in low light, the camera struggles with contrast and dynamic range, leading to noisy images. The ultra-wide camera is not particularly impressive, with soft details and poor contrast, especially in low-light scenarios. The macro camera is a nice addition but is limited by its 2MP resolution, making it difficult to capture sharp details.
For selfies, the 13MP front camera is decent, but like the main camera, it lacks detail, and skin textures can appear unnatural. While the camera setup offers some flexibility, it’s clear that this phone is not built for photography enthusiasts.
Video Recording: Missing Stabilization
The Galaxy A16 4G can record video at up to 1080p resolution, but it lacks electronic image stabilization (EIS). While the main camera records decent videos, the absence of stabilization leads to shaky footage, which can be a dealbreaker for some users. The ultra-wide video quality is even worse, with noticeable distortion and lack of clarity.
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Key Specifications and Features
4GB/6GB RAM, 128GB/256GB Storage, Expandable via microSD
Battery
5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
OS
Android 14 with Samsung One UI 6.1
Ingress Protection
IP54 (Splash-proof)
Main Camera
50MP Main, 5MP Ultra-wide, 2MP Macro
Selfie Camera
8MP Front Camera
Audio
Single bottom-firing speaker, no headphone jack
Biometric Security
Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner
Video Recording
1080p Video Recording (No EIS for stabilization)
Other Features
Fast 90Hz display, good battery life, expandable storage
Price
More budget-friendly than the 5G mode
Conclusion: A Strong Budget Option
The Galaxy A16 4G is a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget smartphone with a large, vibrant display, good battery life, and Samsung’s reliable software. The phone offers decent performance, a solid main camera for the price, and a smooth 90Hz OLED display. However, it does have its shortcomings, such as the lack of video stabilization and an underwhelming ultra-wide camera. If you don’t mind these trade-offs and don’t need 5G connectivity, the A16 4G is a great option in the budget category.
For those looking for a more powerful or feature-rich device, you might want to consider stepping up to a higher-tier Samsung phone. But for its price, the A16 4G offers good value, especially for users who want a reliable smartphone with essential features at an affordable price.
