The civilian smartphone ecosystem is currently watching an explosion of new launches particularly in the midrange segment, the latest to join is Samsung with its Samsung Galaxy A16 5g. For a price of 18999 Indian rupees, this device promises some good mix of form factor, performance and its software updates integration and SOPs are fair enough along with it.
But does it manage to stand out in a very strong cut throat mid range market? Other contenders such as Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Poco X6 and Moto G85 are waiting to come in as well. Will the A16 5g be a storm on its own, or yet another name in the growing list of mediocrities of mid range smartphones which all companies seem to be launching now?
Here’s a complete review of the Galaxy A16 5g alongside some of its competition after using it and its features to assess if the device delivers what’s expected or is behind the objective.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Sketch and style at first glance.
Measurements and dimension:
The first perception of the Galaxy A16 5g is somewhat the same as that several would have used an upper tier samsung phone in the past as the design kind of resembles the flagship samsung Galaxy S24 which is understandable to an point looking at the price point. In terms of form factor it has the appealing dimensions of 7.9mm, it also weighs 192g all which is fine on day to day use, still a dismaying factor for some would be the combination of a poly carbonate back with plastic edges as opposed to glass or steel.
Image Credit: Samsung
Color Choices:
The Galaxy A16 5G comes in Blue Black, Light Green and Gold rich in elegance and sophistication. If I am asked which color I would prefer I would go with Gold, however, buying edges made of plastic, in my opinion, is a must. Seems a perfect color but edges had a tendency to scratch.
Practical Layout:
There are three aspects to this phone. This would include the Key Island, and SIM and microSD trays along the sided edges this also includes the volume rocker and power button. The phone does not come with a charger which may be saddening but it does come with a speaker grille and USB C Type.
Software: A Mixed Bag
Image Credit: Samsung
User Interface and Features:
The phone can be wturned on using Samsung’s One UI 6.1 interface on Android 14. The interface tends to be practical with all requirements included, these would include smart things plans, wallets and more. However, it would seem that it is not fully customizable.
Bloatware Concerns:
It goes without saying that the phone is packed with a bundle of apps, social media applications like Adobe Photoshop Express, Snapchat and Paytm come installed. However, people wanting to download it later can but i would recommend them being careful during installation to avoi sdloads they don’t want to install.
Long-term outlook:
The most developed aspect is the promised six years of Android OS updates. Such dedication to software support is unusual in the midrange segment and will make sure that the Galaxy A16 5G is relevant in at least the next decade.
Performance: Below What’s Expected
Under the Hood:
Galaxy A16 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with 8GB RAM and a choice of 256 GB hard disk memories. The processor is good for some basic functions but often falls short when it is needed to handle advanced apps and popular computer games.
Everyday Use:
With apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Instagram it gets fun, though lagging occurs from time to time. Call of Duty: Mobile and other graphic-intensive games are only playable in low settings which is unsatisfactory to gamers.
Competitor Comparison:
Against the Galaxy A16 5G in the benchmark tests are the processors of Moto G85 and Infinix Note 40 Pro outscored it because they have superior cores. At the same time, the Galaxy M35 5G, also made by Samsung and powered by the stronger Exynos 1380 chipset, outclasses the A16 in benchmark tests.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (Blue Black, 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) Best price
Screen: High Impact and Distinct
A notable selling point of the Galaxy A16 5G is the Super AMOLED display which measures 6.7 inches in size and has a full HD+ resolution, with the colors offering high saturation and the contrast giving deep visibility indoors and outdoors. The main issue though is visibility under direct sunlight and for many users the fact that the display refresh rate is single fixed at either 60 or 90hz can be a nuisance.
Image Credit: Samsung
Camera: Average
Primary Camera:
The main sensor is good as it is 50MP near perfect for capturing images in broad daylight, it can however be a bit blurry when capturing fast-moving subjects, nonetheless the results are impressive even for social media.
Ultrawide and Macro Cameras: 5 MP is the eye of the control and quite annoying at the same time as the ultrawide lens has very little detail to offer and the shots are often fully exposed. On the other hand, the macro has 2MP can still capture good images in good lighting conditions however fails to reproduce saturation.
Low-Light Performance: Using the primary camera in such situations can be frustrating and does not deliver satisfactory results, it is only practical to shoot in dim light if the night mode is switched on, however again in such situations the ultra wide lens is not very reliable.
Selfies: The front camera comes with a resolution of 13 Mega Pixels, it is suitable for videos and selfies and is consistent in the framed image with most of the lighting conditions.
Battery Life: Dating CT Banga Though Not Quick
Boasting a 5000 mAh battery, the Galaxy A16 5G has a backup that easily survives a day and a half with moderate use. Nonetheless, there is a drawback as there is no fast charger provided to help boost charge times. Using the device with an 18W charger will turn it into a 2 hour project to complete the charging cycle.
From a video playback perspective, the phone was able to stay operational for a timer of around 19 hours 45 minutes which was more than some other phones within the same category.
So, Should You Buy The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Not?
With decent battery life and rather good design, compatibility and its manufacturing merits, A16 5G makes a mark. What works in its favor is the eye catching premium look and the six year promise courtesy of Samsung. Unfortunately that is not the case for its performance and cameras which could if not did discourage a lot of customers from buying the device.
But if looks matter to you more than the nitty gritty details along with the massive software support that the A16 5G comes with then it is worth considering. For other users who prefer better performance and camera quality for roughly around the same price range, alternatives such as the OnePlus Nord CE Lite or Moto G85 are available.
Final thoughts
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is an average device which has quite a number of pros and cons as well, but the design, display and software updates are indeed the strong points of the device while the performance is not up there. There are plenty of options in the home that cost ₨ 20,000 and more. This phone should be considered but not as the best of its kind.