Hands-on review: Samsung Galaxy A16 an affordable and lightweight choice for a first phone

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a standout budget option at around $200, building on the success of its predecessors with meaningful upgrades that could redefine what entry-level smartphones can offer.

With a stunning AMOLED screen, an improved chipset, and Samsung's remarkable six-year software update commitment, it delivers value and longevity few competitors in this price range can match.

While it's not without its flaws, the Galaxy A16 5G brings several high-end features to the budget market, making it an intriguing choice for buyers.

Design and Display
The Galaxy A16 5G boasts a lightweight plastic build, making it easy to handle at just 200g.

While the plastic design may not feel premium to some, it contributes to the phone's durability and portability.

The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is the real star here, offering vibrant colors, sharp clarity, a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and 800 nits of brightness—all impressive features for a phone in this price bracket. While the bezels are a little thick, the screen more than makes up for it with its immersive viewing experience.

Cameras: Promising, with Room to Improve
Samsung has refined the camera system on the Galaxy A16 5G, offering respectable versatility for its price.

The 50MP main camera delivers solid detail and dynamic range, capturing bright and sharp images in good lighting.

While its cooler tone may lack the warmth of previous models, it remains a capable shooter for everyday photography. The 5MP ultra-wide lens provides decent performance in well-lit environments, and the 4K video recording, with seamless lens switching, is a rare and commendable feature in this price range. Although the 2MP macro lens is more of a novelty, the overall camera package holds its own among budget smartphones.

Performance: A Mixed Bag
The Galaxy A16 5G takes a step forward with a newer chipset, showing improved single-core CPU performance.

While everyday tasks like browsing and social media are manageable, there are moments of lag, especially when multitasking or running heavier apps.

The 4GB RAM, though limiting for power users, is adequate for basic usage.

For casual gamers or users with simpler needs, the performance is serviceable, though it's worth noting that demanding gaming or multitasking may push the device beyond its comfort zone.

Battery and Charging
Battery life is another highlight, with the 5,000mAh battery reliably lasting a full day of moderate use.

Charging is efficient, thanks to 25W fast charging, which juices the phone up in just over 1.5 hours. While it doesn't offer wireless charging—a common omission in this price tier—the Galaxy A16 5G delivers respectable power management for everyday use.

Audio and Haptics
The single bottom-firing speaker has seen improvements, offering decent audio quality for casual listening.

Haptic feedback, though not particularly refined, is functional and aligns with the phone's budget-friendly positioning.

Software and Updates
Samsung's six-year software update commitment is a game-changer for this category, ensuring the Galaxy A16 5G remains relevant long after purchase. Running Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.1, the device offers a modern, user-friendly interface packed with useful features.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a testament to how much value can be packed into a budget smartphone.

With its vivid display, robust battery life, and exceptional software support, it sets a new standard for affordability.

While performance may not satisfy demanding users, it's more than adequate for those with simpler needs or as a reliable secondary device.

For $200, it offers an appealing mix of features and support that's hard to ignore. If you're willing to look past some performance compromises, the Galaxy A16 5G could be a worthy companion for years to come.